The core blasphemy meaning is speaking or acting in a way that insults, mocks or shows contempt for God, a deity or things a religion treats as holy. Cursing God, ridiculing sacred texts or claiming divine status for oneself have all been called blasphemy in different traditions.
The word also has a looser, everyday use. People jokingly call it blasphemy when someone criticises a much-loved food, team or tradition. This page covers the religious sense first, then the Bible, the law and the casual use.
Entry at a glance
Meaning
Irreverent or insulting speech or action about God or holy thingsPart of speech
Noun (plural: blasphemies)Pronunciation
BLAS-fuh-mee; the verb is blas-FEEMWord forms
blaspheme (verb), blasphemous (adjective), blasphemer (person)Origin
Greek blasphemia, evil-speaking or slander, through Latin and Old FrenchOpposite
reverence, worship, pietyRegister
Formal and religious; also used humorously
Blasphemy meaning, sense by sense
- Religious sense. Words or deeds that dishonour God or a deity, such as cursing God, mocking prayer or treating holy objects with deliberate scorn.
- Claiming what belongs to God. In several traditions, a person claiming divine powers or titles for themselves has also been called blasphemous.
- Legal sense. In some countries, blasphemy is a crime defined by law, usually as insulting religion or religious feelings.
- Humorous sense. Something that offends a cherished opinion: "Pineapple on pizza? That is blasphemy in this house."
What does blasphemy mean in the Bible?
Honouring God's name sits at the heart of the Hebrew scriptures. The commandment in Exodus 20:7 forbids taking the name of the Lord in vain, and Leviticus 24 describes a person who blasphemed the divine name and the severe penalty given under the law of that time.
Across the Gospels and letters, the Greek blasphemia covers slander against people as well as against God. Jesus himself is accused of blasphemy at his trial in the Gospel of Mark (chapter 14), because his questioners believed he claimed a status belonging to God. Mark 3 and Matthew 12 also speak of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as a sin that will not be forgiven. Christian teachers have long discussed what this means; many explain it as a lasting, deliberate rejection of God's work rather than a single careless remark.
How other traditions use the idea
In Islam, insulting God, the Prophet Muhammad or the Quran is treated as very serious, and scholars discuss it in detail in Islamic law. Judaism has long stressed reverence for the divine name, and many observant Jews avoid writing or saying it casually. In Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain communities there is no single word that matches exactly, but disrespect to deities, scriptures, gurus or sacred places is still taken seriously and can deeply hurt believers. Where religions differ is in what counts as sacred, and that makes a single cross-cultural definition hard to pin down.
Blasphemy and the law
Laws on blasphemy vary widely. Some countries punish insulting religion with fines or prison. Others have repealed old blasphemy laws on free speech grounds. In the US, the constitutional protection of free speech means blasphemy is not prosecuted, even where old state laws were never formally removed. India has no offence named blasphemy, but its criminal law punishes deliberate acts meant to outrage religious feelings or promote hostility between groups.
Debates about such laws are sharp. Supporters say they protect believers and keep public peace. Critics say they limit free expression and can be misused against minorities or critics. Both sides often appeal to respect and justice.
Blasphemy in example sentences
- The elders were upset by what they saw as blasphemy in the play's last scene.
- In his strict household, using God's name as a swear word counted as blasphemy.
- The ancient trial records list blasphemy among the charges.
- She jokingly called it blasphemy when her brother put ketchup on the biryani.
- Some readers found the novel blasphemous, while others saw it as a sincere search for faith.
What is the definition of blasphemy next to heresy and sacrilege?
| Word | Core idea |
|---|---|
| Blasphemy | Insulting or mocking God or holy things, often in speech |
| Heresy | Holding or teaching a belief that goes against official religious doctrine |
| Sacrilege | Violating or misusing a sacred place or object, often through an act |
A heretic may be very devout and never insult God, while a blasphemer might hold no unusual beliefs at all. For more faith vocabulary, browse the faith and belief hub.
Frequently asked questions
Can you define blasphemy in one or two lines?
Blasphemy is showing disrespect to God or to something a religion holds holy, usually through words. It can also mean claiming for yourself a status that belongs only to God.
What does blasphemy mean in the Bible?
Mostly it names speaking against God or dishonouring the divine name. The New Testament also uses the Greek word for slander against people, and it mentions blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as especially grave.
How do you pronounce blasphemy and blaspheme?
The noun is BLAS-fuh-mee, loudest on BLAS. The verb blaspheme moves the stress: blas-FEEM.
Is blasphemy a crime?
That varies by nation. Some governments still punish it by law, while many others have dropped such laws or never had them. Rules can be very different from one place to another.
What is the difference between blasphemy and heresy?
Blasphemy is disrespect toward God or holy things. Heresy is a belief that contradicts official teaching. One is about insult, the other about doctrine.
Can blasphemy be used jokingly?
Yes. In casual talk, people say blasphemy for criticism of a beloved food, sport or habit. Use this lightly and avoid it around people who may find the religious sense painful.