βλάσφημος (blasphēmos)
blasphēmos
blasphemous
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective blasphēmos describes speech that is evil-speaking, slanderous, or abusive. It carries the weight of railing against someone or something with malicious intent. In the New Testament, it appears in five verses, most notably in Acts, 2 Timothy, and 2 Peter, to characterize behavior that attacks the dignity of others or God.
Its meaning extends beyond mere insult to include a pattern of slanderous conduct. For instance, in Acts 6:11, false witnesses accuse Stephen of blasphemy by alleging he spoke against the temple. Similarly, 2 Timothy 3:2 lists the blasphemous as a trait of people who are lovers of themselves and proud. The term can also function as a noun, referring to a person who is a blasphemer, as seen in 1 Timothy 1:13 where Paul describes his former life.
The word’s root suggests a connection to speech that brings reproach. While its exact etymology is uncertain, the sense of damaging reputation through words remains clear. Translators typically render it as "blasphemous" or "slanderous," capturing the idea of harmful, disrespectful talk that seeks to degrade.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we hear the word for blasphemy, it often brings to mind loud accusations against God. Yet in the New Testament, this term frequently describes how people speak about one another. It refers to speech that tears down dignity, spreading slander or abusive rumors with malicious intent. This shifts the focus from abstract theology to our daily interactions and the integrity of our words.
Consider the false witnesses in Acts who accused Stephen. They did not debate theology; they fabricated stories to destroy his reputation. Similarly, Paul lists this trait among those who are proud and self-centered. The word reveals a heart that seeks to elevate itself by diminishing others through harmful talk.
Understanding this helps us guard our own speech. It invites us to examine whether our words build up or tear down. By choosing honesty and respect, we reflect the character of Christ in our communities, avoiding the trap of using language as a weapon against those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- blasphemous2×
- abusive,1×
- a reviling1×
- a blasphemer1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βλάσφημον2×
- βλάσφημα2×
- βλάσφημοι,1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 6:11
Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
This verse shows the term used in a legal context where false witnesses use slanderous speech to frame Stephen, highlighting its role in destroying reputation.