In the Bible, “revile” refers to speaking abusively or contemptuously about someone or something, often in a way that disrespects God’s character or authority (1 Peter 3:9). “Blasphemy” specifically denotes the act of showing contempt or irreverence for God, including speaking ill of His name or attributes (Leviticus 24:16).
Scripture
10 Now an Israelite woman’s son, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the people of Israel. And the Israelite woman’s son and a man of Israel fought in the camp,
11 The Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the Name, and cursed. So they brought him to Moses. His mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.
12 And they put him in custody, till the will of the Lord should be clear to them.
13 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
14 “Bring out of the camp the one who cursed, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him.
15 And speak to the people of Israel, saying, Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin.
16 Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.
Revile and Blasphemy in the Bible
In the Bible, both reviling and blasphemy carry significant spiritual implications, primarily concerning one’s relationship with God and the respect due to Him. The term “revile,” as seen in 1 Peter 3:9, underscores the importance of maintaining a posture of respect and love, even toward those who may offend us. The Apostle Peter urges believers not to repay evil for evil but to bless others, thereby emphasizing that our words hold the power to either uplift or tear down. This act of reviling, when it transgresses to contempt for God’s ways, not only disrupts our relationships with others but also reflects an irreverent attitude toward God’s creation and authority.
Blasphemy, as outlined in Leviticus 24:16, pertains to a more direct affront to God’s nature. The severe consequences prescribed for blasphemy highlight its gravity; to speak against the holiness and character of God is to reject the very foundation of faith and worship. Jesus, in the New Testament, expands on this idea in Matthew 12:31-32, where He warns that while all sins can be forgiven, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit carries eternal consequences. This notion amplifies the seriousness of our words and thoughts regarding divinity, reminding believers that both reviling others and blaspheming God can lead us further from spiritual truth and community, emphasizing the critical nature of our speech and the reverence we owe to God and one another.
The concept of revilement and blasphemy appears throughout various passages, emphasizing the gravity of speaking ill against others and God. In the Old Testament, the Book of Proverbs frequently warns against the dangers of the tongue, illustrating how words can incite conflict, destruction, and even lead one astray from righteousness. Proverbs 18:21 delineates the power of speech by stating that “death and life are in the power of the tongue,” thereby reinforcing the idea that careless or malicious speech—be it reviling others or misrepresenting God’s character—can have dire spiritual repercussions. Such teachings advocate for wisdom in speech, urging believers to choose their words carefully and to avoid contemptuous attitudes that may veer into blasphemy.
Furthermore, the New Testament echoes these themes in various epistles. James 3:9-10 highlights the inconsistency in cursing and blessing, pointing out that with the same mouth, one should not both praise God and vilify fellow humans, who are made in God’s image. This underscores the essential unity between how one treats others and how one perceives and speaks about God. The seriousness of reviling, which includes contemptuous speech that undermines the dignity of others, feeds into a broader understanding of our reverence towards God. Reviling, as it often reflects an inner disdain for God’s creation, is not merely a social faux pas but a transgression that can alienate believers from their divine calling and community, reiterating the biblical mandate for both love and respect in all forms of communication.
The Seriousness of Blasphemy
Blasphemy in the Bible is often viewed as a grave offense against God, reflecting a deep disrespect for His nature and authority. It signifies not just verbal insults but a fundamental rejection of God’s holiness and sovereignty. This act can lead to severe consequences, as it undermines the relationship between humanity and the divine, emphasizing the importance of reverence in worship and speech.
The Impact on Community and Relationships
Reviling, or speaking ill of others, extends beyond individual actions to affect the broader community. In biblical teachings, such behavior can lead to discord and division among people. It highlights the need for mutual respect and love within the community, as words have the power to build up or tear down relationships. The call to refrain from reviling serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibility individuals have towards one another in fostering a harmonious society.
The Call to Righteous Speech
Both revile and blasphemy underscore the biblical emphasis on the power of words. The scriptures encourage believers to engage in righteous speech that uplifts and honors God, as well as fellow human beings. This call to righteous communication reflects the belief that words can either reflect the character of God or distort it, urging individuals to be mindful of their language and its implications in their spiritual lives and interactions with others.
How to Honor God Through Respect and Reverence
Honoring God through respect and reverence is a deeply personal journey that begins with recognizing His immense love and authority in our lives. It’s about cultivating a heart that acknowledges His presence in every moment, whether in prayer, worship, or the simple acts of daily life. Start by setting aside intentional time for prayer and reflection, allowing yourself to be still and listen for His guidance. This practice not only deepens your relationship with Him but also fosters a spirit of humility and gratitude. Additionally, show respect for God by treating others with kindness and compassion, as we are all created in His image. Remember, reverence isn’t just about bowing your head; it’s about living a life that reflects His love and grace, making choices that honor Him in every aspect of your life. As you strive to embody these principles, you’ll find that your faith grows stronger, and your heart becomes more aligned with His will.
Bible References to Revile and Blasphemy:
Matthew 12:31-32: 31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.
32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
Mark 3:28-30: 28 “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter,”
29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin—
30 for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”
Luke 12:8-10: 8 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God,”
9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
John 10:31-33: 31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him.
32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?”
33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”
Acts 6:11-14: 11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council.
13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law,
And they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.”
Romans 2:24: 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
1 Corinthians 4:12-13: 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;
12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;
1 Timothy 1:12-13: 12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,
13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief.
2 Timothy 3:1-5: 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.
2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,
4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
James 2:6-7: 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?
7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
1 Peter 4:14-16: 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
Revelation 13:5-6: 5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months.
6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.