A crowd gathers, and Jesus addresses his followers.
Luke 12: 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
And all who will proclaim an idea about the son of the man will be let go for it. For the one, however, blaspheming about the holy spirit, it will not be let go.
The word translated as "speak" is a word that is easily confused. It is not the common word for "speak." The English translations both go with the verb that means "to proclaim." It could also be a verb that means "to question." However, the phrase mistranslated as "against the son of man" really means "to the son of man" when used with verbs of speaking. It never means "against."
What is proclaimed? No a "word," but "an idea." The Greek means "calculation," or "reasoning." It is the source of our word "logic." The way Jesus uses it, "idea" or "concept" works best, but somethings "teaching" works better. More about this word in this article.
The word translated as "it shall be forgiven" primarily means "to let go", "to send away", "give up," but it also means "to permit," and "will be permitted" works best here.
The verb translated as "blaspheme" is from the Greek source for the English word, which means to "profane the sacred", "speak ill to the prejudice of one", "slander" and "speak impiously or irreverently of God".
Jesus enjoyed people offering him their ideas but not profaning the sacred.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "every" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "whosoever."
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not one of the common words usually translated as "said."
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "word" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "against " should be something more like "to.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "man" is not shown in the English translation.
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "him" should be something more like "the one."
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "forgive" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The "that" doesn't exist in the source.
- UW --Untranslated Word -- The word "blaspheme" means "to slander." It is the untranslated Greek word adopted into English.
- WF -- Wrong Form - This blaspheme" is not an active verb but a participle, a verbal adjective,
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "against " should be something more like "to.
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "forgive" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
- WT -- Wrong Tense -- This verb is the future tense, which requires a "will" before the verb.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not one of the common words usually translated as "said."
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "word" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "against " should be something more like "to.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "man" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "forgive" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "to the one" is not shown in the English translation.
- IP - Inserted Phrase-- The "anyone who" doesn't exist in the source.
- UW --Untranslated Word -- The word "blaspheme" means "to slander." It is the untranslated Greek word adopted into English.
- WF -- Wrong Form - This blaspheme" is not an active verb but a participle, a verbal adjective,
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "against " should be something more like "to.
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "forgive" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
And -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
missing "every" -- (MW) The untranslated word "all" is the Greek adjective meaning "all," "the whole," "every," and similar ideas. When it is used as a noun, we would say "everything." As an adverb, it means "in every way," "on every side," and "altogether."
Whosoever -- (CW) The word translated as "whosoever" is a demonstrative pronoun ("this" "that"), but it often acts as a pronoun, "he," "she," "it," "which," "what," "who," "whosoever," "where," "when," "for which reason," and many similar meanings. In the neuter, plural, its sense is "these things." This is not the word usually translated as "whosoever."
shall -- This helping verb "shall" indicates the verb is in the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
speak -- (CW) The verb translated as "it was said," means "to pronounce", "to mention", " "to announce", "to proclaim," and, in the passive as used here, "to be pronounced", "to be mentioned", "to be specified", "to be agreed," and "to be promised." This is an uncommon verb for Jesus to use to refer to simply saying or speaking. There are three other verbs that are commonly used to mean "to say," "to speak," and "to tell." This verb is a more serious meaning, "to proclaim" or "to pronounce," and a lighter meaning "to be mentioned" and "to be pronounced." However, Jesus often uses more unusual words for humorous effect, which seems to the case here. This is not one of the common words usually translated as "said."
a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a noun doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.
word- (CW) "Word" is translated from a Greek word that means "calculation," or "reasoning," but it has many, many specific meanings from "deliberation" to "narrative." It is the source of our word "logic" and is the root word for all the English words that end in "-ology." Most biblical translations translated it as "word" for somewhat poetic reasons. However, when applied to people, it means "repute" or "reputation." More about this word in this article. In English, we would say "logic," "concept, or "reasoning" to describe it but it also means the communication of various types, so "message" often works. "Teaching" might work but it is unrelated to the common words for "to teach," "teacher," and "student" that all have the same root.
against -- (WW) The word translated as "against " with verbs of speaking is the person spoken "to. It also means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in" (a position), "as much as (of measure or limit)," "in regards to" a subject, "up to" limits in measures, "until" in reference to time, "within" a time limit, and "for" a purpose or object. Used with the Greek "from" it means "from...to." This word doesn't mean "against."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
Son -- The word translated as "son" more generally means "child" or "descendant." The phrase "the son of man" is the common way Christ refers to himself. It is discussed in detail in this article. Its sense may be "the child of the man."
of -- This word "of" comes from the genitive case of the following word that required the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession, but it can also mean "belonging to," "part of," "which is," "than" (in comparisons), or "for," "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs.
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
man - The Greek word for "man" means "man," "person" and "humanity" in the singular. In the plural, it means "men," "people," and "peoples."
it -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
shall -- This helping verb "shall" indicates the verb is in the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
forgiven -- " (CW) The word translated as "forgiven" primarily means "to let go" or "to send away." It can also mean "remit" a debt or "excuse" a fault. It has the sense of leaving something alone and letting it drop. See this article for more.
him: -- The word translated as "him" is the Greek adjective that acts like our third-person pronoun.
but -- The Greek word translated as "but" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better.
unto -- This word "to" comes from the indirect object form of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object. However, the translator can choose other prepositions: "with," "in," "of," "as," "by," "for," "at," or "on" depending on the context.
him -- (WW)The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. This is not the pronoun meaning"him."
blasphemeth -- (UW, WF) "Blaspheme" is the verb from the same root as above. It means "to speak profanely of sacred things", "to offer rash prayers", "to speak ill of", "to slander," and, since the NT, "to speak irreverently of God." This is not an active verb but a participle, a verbal adjective, ending with "-ing" in the present and "-ed," "en," etc. in the past.
against -- (WW) The word translated as "against " with verbs of speaking is the person spoken "to. It also means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in" (a position), "as much as (of measure or limit)," "in regards to" a subject, "up to" limits in measures, "until" in reference to time, "within" a time limit, and "for" a purpose or object. Used with the Greek "from" it means "from...to." This word doesn't mean "against."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
Holy-- The Greek word translated as "holy" means "dedicated to the divine," which itself means both "pure" since things dedicated to the Divine were first purified and "accursed" since using such things for your own purposes carried a punishment. See this article.
Ghost -- The word translated as "ghost" primarily means "breath," "wind," a "non-material being," and "blast." t also means the "breath of life," from which we get to "spirit" and "spiritual." Like "spirit" in English, it can also mean "attitude" or "motivation.' Its meaning as "the breath of life" is brought out by the idea of creating life. Its meaning as "spiritual" is brought out by the contrast with "physical." See this article.
it -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
shall -- This helping verb "shall" indicates the verb is in the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
not -- The Greek word translated as "not" is the Greek negative used to deny objective facts, not opinions. It means "no," "not," or"no truly." It makes a negative statement of fact. When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
forgiven. -- " (CW) The word translated as "forgive" primarily means "to let go" or "to send away." It can also mean "remit" a debt or "excuse" a fault. It has the sense of leaving something alone and letting it drop. See this article for more.
And -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
everyone - - The word "everyone" is the Greek adjective meaning "all," "the whole," "every," and similar ideas. When it is used as a noun, we would say "everything." As an adverb, it means "in every way," "on every side," and "altogether."
who -- The word translated as "one" is a demonstrative pronoun ("this" "that"), but it often acts as a pronoun, "he," "she," "it," "which," "what," "who," "whosoever," "where," "when," "for which reason," and many similar meanings. This word doesn't mean "everyone."
missing "will" -- (WT) The helping vcrb, "will," is needed to show the future tense of the verb.
speak -- (CW) The verb translated as "it was said," means "to pronounce", "to mention", " "to announce", "to proclaim," and, in the passive as used here, "to be pronounced", "to be mentioned", "to be specified", "to be agreed," and "to be promised." This is an uncommon verb for Jesus to use to refer to simply saying or speaking. There are three other verbs that are commonly used to mean "to say," "to speak," and "to tell." This verb is a more serious meaning, "to proclaim" or "to pronounce," and a lighter meaning "to be mentioned" and "to be pronounce." However, Jesus often uses more unusual words for humorous effect, which seems to the case here. This is not one of the common words usually translated as "said."
a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a noun doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.
word- (CW) "Word" is translated from a Greek word that means "calculation," or "reasoning," but it has many, many specific meanings from "deliberation" to "narrative." It is the source of our word "logic" and is the root word for all the English words that end in "-ology." Most biblical translations translated it as "word" for somewhat poetic reasons. However, when applied to people, it means "repute" or "reputation." More about this word in this article. In English, we would say "logic," "concept, or "reasoning" to describe it but it also means communication of various types, so "message" often works. "Teaching" might work but it is unrelated to the common words for "to teach," "teacher," and "student" that all have the same root.
against -- (WW) The word translated as "against " with verbs of speaking is the person spoken to. It also means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in" (a position), "as much as (of measure or limit)," "in regards to" a subject, "up to" limits in measures, "until" in reference to time, "within" a time limit, and "for" a purpose or object. Used with the Greek "from" it means "from...to." This word doesn't mean "against."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
Son -- The word translated as "son" more generally means "child" or "descendant." The phrase "the son of man" is the common way Christ refers to himself. It is discussed in detail in this article. Its sense may be "the child of the man."
of -- This word "of" comes from the genitive case of the following word that required the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession, but it can also mean "belonging to," "part of," "which is," "than" (in comparisons), or "for," "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs.
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
Man - The Greek word for "man" means "man," "person" and "humanity" in the singular. In the plural, it means "men," "people," and "peoples."
will -- This helping verb "will " indicates the verb is in the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
forgiven -- " (CW) The word translated as "forgiven" primarily means "to let go" or "to send away." It can also mean "remit" a debt or "excuse" a fault. It has the sense of leaving something alone and letting it drop. See this article for more.
missing "him" -- (MW) The untranslated word "him" is the Greek adjective that acts like our third-person pronoun.
but -- The Greek word translated as "but" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better.
missing "to the one" -- (MW) The untranslated word "him" is the Greek adjective that acts like our third-person pronoun.
anyone who -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as this phrase in the Greek source.
blasphemes-- (UW, WF) "Blaspheme" is the verb from the same root as above. It means "to speak profanely of sacred things", "to offer rash prayers", "to speak ill of", "to slander," and, since the NT, "to speak irreverently of God." This is not an active verb but a participle, a verbal adjective, ending with "-ing" in the present and "-ed," "en," etc. in the past.
against -- (WW) The word translated as "against " with verbs of speaking is the person spoken "to. It also means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in" (a position), "as much as (of measure or limit)," "in regards to" a subject, "up to" limits in measures, "until" in reference to time, "within" a time limit, and "for" a purpose or object. Used with the Greek "from" it means "from...to." This word doesn't mean "against."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
Holy-- The Greek word translated as "holy" means "dedicated to the divine," which itself means both "pure" since things dedicated to the Divinewere first purified and "accursed" since using such things for your own purposes carried a punishment. See this article.
Ghost -- The word translated as "ghost" primarily means "breath," "wind," a "non-material being," and "blast." t also means the "breath of life," from which we get to "spirit" and "spiritual." Like "spirit" in English, it can also mean "attitude" or "motivation.' Its meaning as "the breath of life" is brought out by the idea of creating life. Its meaning as "spiritual" is brought out by the contrast with "physical." See this article.
it -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
will -- This helping verb "will" indicates the verb is in the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
not -- The Greek word translated as "not" is the Greek negative used to deny objective facts, not opinions. It means "no," "not," or"no truly." It makes a negative statement of fact. When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
forgiven. -- " (CW) The word translated as "forgive" primarily means "to let go" or "to send away." It can also mean "remit" a debt or "excuse" a fault. It has the sense of leaving something alone and letting it drop. See this article for more.
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
πᾶς [212 verses](adj sg masc nom) Untranslated is pas, which means "all," "the whole," "every," "anyone," "all kinds," and "anything." In the adverbial form, it means "every way," "on every side," "in every way," and "altogether."
ὃς [294 verses](pron sg masc nom) "Whosoever" is hos, which means "this," "that," "he," "she," "it," "which," "what," "who," "whosoever," "where," "when," "for which reason," and many similar meanings. In the neuter, plural, its sense is "these things."
ἐρεῖ [10 verses] (verb 3rd sg fut ind act) "Speaketh" is ero (rheo), which means "to speak", "to say", "to pronounce", "to tell", "to let suffice", "to announce", "to proclaim," (in passive) "to be pronounced", "to be mentioned", "to be specified", "to be agreed," and "to be promised." In many forms impossible to tell from ereo. another word with similar meanings. Both are forms of eipon.
λόγον [80 verses](noun sg masc acc) "A word" is logos, which means "word," "computation," "relation," "explanation," "law," "rule of conduct," "continuous statement," "tradition," "discussion," "reckoning," "reputation" (when applied to people), and "value." -
εἰς [325 verses](prep) "Against" is eis, which means "into (of place)," "up to (of time)," "until (of time)," "in" (a position), "as much as (of measure or limit)," "as far as (of measure or limit)," "towards (to express relation)," "in regard to (to express relation)," "of an end or limit," and "for (of purpose or object)." Used with ek, it means "from...to." With verbs of speaking, it is the person spoken "to."
τὸν [821 verses] (article sg masc acc) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").
υἱὸν [157 verses](noun sg masc acc) "The Son" is from huios, which means a "son," and more generally, a "child."
τοῦ [821 verses](article sg masc gen) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").
ἀνθρώπου [209 verses](noun sg masc gen) "Of man" is from anthropos, which is "man," and, in plural, "mankind." It also means "humanity" and that which is human and opposed to that which is animal or inanimate.
ἀφεθήσεται [73 verses] (3rd sg fut ind pass) "It shall be forgiven" is aphiemi, which means "to let fall," "to send away," "give up," "hand over," "to let loose," "set free," "to get rid of," "to leave alone," "to pass by," "to permit," and "to send forth from oneself." The dative is the person it is left to. The accusative object is what is left, given away, etc. It can also mean to "remit" a debt or "excuse" a fault. With an accusative person as an object and an infinite, it means "to permit one." A genitive object is a thing "let go of."
αὐτῷ [106 verses](pron/adj sg masc/neut dat) "Him" is is auto, the dative case of the third-person, singular adjective that is used as a pronoun. The word also means "the same,""one's true self," and "the soul" as opposed to the body. It also means "of one's own accord." The form is the third person, plural as an indirect object of the verb or the object of a preposition. When used as a noun, it is preceded by a definite article, and it means "the same."A dative object of a preposition implies no movement but in a fixed position. With the "to be," it acts as a possessive, "his."
τῷ[821 verses] (article sg masc dat) "Unto him that" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
δὲ [446 verses](conj) "But" is de which means "but" and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of an indirect cause ("so") and a condition ("if"). In an "if" (εἰ) clause or temporal "when" (ὅταν) clause the sense is "if/when... then." In a series begun by men, it means "on the other hand." In a listing, the sense is "then" or "yet." After an interruption, "so then." It can also be an explanation of cause ("so") and a condition ("if"). When used with a conditional starting a clause, the sense is "if/when...then." When used with a particle meaning "indeed" the sense is "on one hand...on the other hand." In a listing, the sense is "then" or "yet." After an interruption, "so then."
εἰς [325 verses](prep) "Into" is eis, which means "into (of place)," "up to (of time)," "until (of time)," "in" (a position), "as much as (of measure or limit)," "as far as (of measure or limit)," "towards (to express relation)," "in regard to (to express relation)," "of an end or limit," and "for (of purpose or object)." Used with ek, it means "from...to." -- The word translated as "to" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in" (a position), "as much as (of measure or limit)," "in regards to" a subject, "up to" limits in measures, "until" in reference to time, "within" a time limit, and "for" a purpose or object. Used with the Greek "from" it means "from...to."
τὸ [821 verses](article sg neut nom/acc) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
ἅγιον [18 verses] (adj sg neut nom/acc) "Holy" is hagios, which means "devoted to the gods," "pure," "holy," and on the negative side "accursed."
πνεῦμα [40 verses](noun sg neut nom/acc) "Ghost" is pneuma, which means "blast," "wind," "breath," "the breath of life," "divine inspiration," "a spiritual or immaterial being," and "the spirit" of a man.
βλασφημήσαντι [4 verses] (part sg aor act masc dat) "Blasphemeth" is blasphemeo, which means "to speak profanely of sacred things", "to offer rash prayers", "to speak ill of", "to slander," and, since the NT, "to speak irreverently of God."
οὐκ [269 verses](adv) "Not" is ou , the negative adverb for facts and statements, negating both single words and sentences. The negative, οὐ, denies, is absolute, and objective.
ἀφεθήσεται [73 verses] (verb 3rd sg fut ind pass) "It shall...be forgiven"t) "Let" is aphiemi, which means "to let fall," "to send away," "give up," "hand over," "to let loose," "set free," "to get rid of," "to leave alone," "to pass by," "to permit," and "to send forth from oneself." The dative is the person it is left to. The accusative object is what is left, given away, etc. It can also mean to "remit" a debt or "excuse" a fault. With an accusative person as an object and an infinite, it means "to permit one." A genitive object is a thing "let go of."
Again, the verse looks more like the Matthew version (Matthew 12:32) in the translation than it does in Greek where there are many minor differences.