βλάσφημος (G0989) — blasphemous, slanderous, abusive in speech¶
Part of the 2 Timothy 3:1–5 Vice List study
Contents¶
- Overview
- Etymology and Semantic Range
- OT / LXX Background
- NT Distribution
- Theological Note
- NT Occurrences
Overview¶
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Strong's | G0989 |
| Greek | βλάσφημος |
| Transliteration | blasphemos |
| Gloss | blasphemous, slanderous, abusive in speech |
| 2 Tim 3 verse | 3:2 |
| KJV rendering | "blasphemers" |
| NT occurrences | 5 (4 books) |
| LXX occurrences (canonical) | 0 |
Etymology and Semantic Range¶
Compound: βλάπτω (to harm) + φήμη (speech, reputation). Denotes speech that damages — whether against God (blasphemy in the strict sense) or against people (slander, abuse).
Five NT occurrences across four books. No LXX occurrences (the LXX uses βλασφημέω as a verb but not this adjective). In the Pastorals the term spans both senses: 1 Tim 1:13 (Paul was a βλάσφημος — a blasphemer against God); Tit 2:5 (young women whose conduct might cause the word of God to be "blasphemed" — i.e., slandered before outsiders).
OT / LXX Background¶
Corresponds to Hebrew גִּדֵּף (to blaspheme, revile; Num 15:30; 2Ki 19:6) and חָרַף (to taunt, reproach; Psa 44:16; Isa 37:23).
NT Distribution¶
Theological Note¶
The ambiguity between "blasphemer" and "slanderer" is deliberate: the person who speaks abusively of other people is engaged in the same fundamental act as the person who blasphemes God — both treat the image-bearer as contemptible.
NT Occurrences¶
| Reference | Greek form | KJV text |
|---|---|---|
| Act 6:11 | βλάσφημα | Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. |
| Act 6:13 | βλάσφημα | And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy plac… |
| 1Ti 1:13 | βλάσφημον | Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantl… |
| 2Ti 3:2 | βλάσφημοι, | For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, u… |
| 2Pe 2:11 | βλάσφημον | Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lor… |