Blasphemy
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Blasphemy in the Bible?
Blasphemy denotes speech or conduct exhibiting irreverent disrespect toward the divine, historically punishable by death in ancient Israelite society. Biblical texts identify this offense through acts such as evil-speaking, idolatry, or attributing divine works to malevolent forces.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding blasphemy clarifies the ancient Israelite emphasis on maintaining strict boundaries between the sacred and the profane, revealing how reverence for God's name functioned as a cornerstone of social cohesion and covenantal identity.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Blasphemy. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Blasphemy in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Blasphemy clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Blasphemy." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/blasphemy/