Luke 12:10
What does Luke 12:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 12:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 12:10 means
Jesus distinguishes between speaking against the Son of man, which may be forgiven, and blaspheming the Holy Spirit, which will not be forgiven. He acknowledges that misunderstandings and rash words about Himself can be repented of and pardoned. But a hardened, knowing rejection of the Spirit’s testimony—calling God’s clear work evil and refusing His witness—places a person beyond forgiveness, not because God is unwilling, but because the heart shuts the door against grace. This sobers disciples about how people respond to Jesus and the Spirit. It warns against proud resistance to God’s convicting work and urges humble openness to truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And every one who shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Spirit it shall not be forgiven.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And every one who shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Spirit it shall not be forgiven.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And if anyone says a word against the Son of man, he will have forgiveness: but for him who says evil words against the Holy Spirit, there will be no forgiveness.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and every one whoever shall say a word to the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven to him, but to him who to the Holy Spirit did speak evil, it shall not be forgiven.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but to him that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and whoever shall say a word against the Son of man it shall be forgiven him; but to him that speaks injuriously against the Holy Spirit it shall not be forgiven.
Context
After urging confession and warning about denial, Jesus clarifies that mercy is available for many failures while also marking a line of grave danger. This helps His followers interpret opposition they will face and frames their reliance on the Spirit. The next verses promise that same Spirit’s help when they are dragged before authorities, anchoring courage not in rhetorical skill but in divine provision at the moment of need.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 3:28
Verily I say unto you, All their sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and their blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:
- Hebrews 6:4
For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,
- Matthew 12:31
Therefore I say unto you, Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.
- 1 John 5:16
If any man see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and God will give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: not concerning this do I say that he should make request.
- 1 Timothy 1:13
though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief;
- Luke 23:34
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 12
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 12.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Covetousness
Covetousness is an excessive desire for possessions or power, often leading to other sins and hindering one's relationship with God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Doubt
The Bible acknowledges the reality of doubt, offering comfort, guidance, and encouragement to those who wrestle with uncertainty.
Topic
Bible Verses About Friendship
Explore how the Bible speaks about friendship, examining its importance, characteristics, and blessings in our lives.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.