Luke 12:10

Context

Early in Luke 12, with a great multitude gathered, Jesus first addresses his disciples. He warns them against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and tells them to fear God rather than those who kill the body (12:1-7). He then speaks of those who confess the Son of Man before others and those who deny him (12:8-9), and goes on to give the saying in this verse. The title "Son of Man," which literally means "son of a human being," is the title Jesus used to refer to himself. Immediately afterward comes the promise that when the disciples are brought before synagogues and authorities, the Holy Spirit will teach them what to say (12:11-12).

The same saying also appears in Matthew 12:31-32 and Mark 3:28-30. In those two Gospels, Jesus speaks it in response to the accusation that he casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons. In Luke, the Beelzebub controversy is recorded separately in chapter 11, and this saying is placed within teaching about confessing one's faith under persecution.

Interpretation

• As final impenitence: Augustine is known to have understood this sin as an obstinate heart that persists in refusing to repent until death. On this view, the sin is unforgivable not because God refuses to forgive, but because the person ultimately rejects repentance. The catechism of the Catholic Church likewise describes it as the deliberate refusal of God's mercy offered through repentance.
• As knowing, malicious opposition to the truth: The Reformed tradition, including John Calvin, regards it as deliberate and malicious opposition to the truth by one who clearly knows that truth through the testimony of the Holy Spirit. It is distinguished from sins committed out of ignorance or weakness.
• In the context of Luke: Some commentators focus on the surrounding context of persecution. They read the sin as apostasy: the public and final denial of the Christ to whom the Holy Spirit bears witness. In their view, "speaking against the Son of Man," as in Peter's denial, is done before one has come to understand, so the one who does it can be restored; persistently rejecting the Spirit's testimony after having received it is a different matter.

Debates and Issues

• Can believers commit this sin?: Calvinism, in keeping with the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, holds that truly regenerate believers will not fall into this sin. The Arminian and Wesleyan traditions tend to allow for the possibility that believers may fall away from faith, and so read this verse as a serious warning alongside passages such as Hebrews 10:26-31.
• Fear and pastoral response: Many church members are troubled by the fear that they may already have committed this sin. Pastors and commentators across many denominations have explained that the very presence of such fear and of a desire to repent is itself a sign that one has not committed it.
• Quotation out of context: Some people apply the label "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" to those who criticize particular spiritual gifts, meetings, or leaders. Voices in many denominations have pointed out that this is a misuse that takes the verse out of context in order to silence criticism.

Related Passages

• Matthew 12:31-32
• Mark 3:28-30
• 1 John 5:16
• Hebrews 10:26-31
• Luke 12:11-12