Devine Scripture

Mark 3:29

What does Mark 3:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 3:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 3:29 means

In stark contrast to the vast scope of forgiveness, Jesus warns of one sin that "hath never forgiveness": blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. This is not merely speaking ill of the Spirit, but a persistent and willful rejection of God's undeniable work through Jesus, attributing it to evil. It's a hardened, unrepentant state of heart that actively and maliciously resists the very agent of conviction and grace, making future repentance and forgiveness impossible because the Spirit's work is actively rejected.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but whosoever shall blaspheme against the Holy Spirit hath never forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but whosoever shall blaspheme against the Holy Spirit hath never forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But whoever says evil things against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but the evil he has done will be with him for ever:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but whoever may speak evil in regard to the Holy Spirit hath not forgiveness--to the age, but is in danger of age-during judgment;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, shall never have forgiveness, but shall be guilty of an everlasting sin.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but whosoever shall speak injuriously against the Holy Spirit, to eternity has no forgiveness; but lies under the guilt of an everlasting sin;

Context

This verse presents the severe exception to the broad declaration of forgiveness in the preceding verse. It defines the specific nature of the unforgivable sin, highlighting its eternal consequences. This strong warning immediately leads to the reason why the scribes are on the verge of committing this sin, directly linking their accusations to the gravity of such spiritual rebellion.

v.28Verily I say unto you, All their sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and their blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

v.29This passage

v.30because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 12:10

    And 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.

  • Jude 1:13

    wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness hath been reserved for ever.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:9

    who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might,

  • 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.

  • Matthew 25:46

    And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.

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