Brief Overview of Βλασφημέω (G987: Blasphemeō)

1. Overview

Βλασφημέω (Blasphemeō, pronounced blas-fay-MEH-oh) is a Greek verb that primarily means “to speak evil of,” “to slander,” or “to blaspheme.” The word is a compound of two Greek words: blaptō (meaning “to harm”) and phēmē (meaning “speech” or “report”). Together, these elements create a word that denotes harmful or injurious speech, especially in the context of defaming or reviling someone or something that is held in high esteem. The term is particularly used in religious contexts to refer to speech that dishonors or shows contempt for the divine, sacred, or holy things.

2. Detailed Description

In BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich), blasphemeō is defined as “to speak in a disrespectful way that demeans, denigrates, maligns” particularly in relation to divine or sacred matters. The lexicon emphasizes that this verb often carries a strong religious connotation, especially when it is used in reference to God, sacred texts, or holy figures. BDAG also notes that blasphemeō can extend to slandering or reviling people, showing the word’s broader application in various contexts.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon offers a similar definition, focusing on blasphemeō as “to speak reproachfully, to rail at, revile.” Thayer’s emphasizes the serious nature of this term, especially in its use concerning the divine. The lexicon also provides examples of blasphemeō being used in the New Testament to describe speech that is considered irreverent or defamatory toward God or sacred things.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary expands on these definitions by exploring the nuances of blasphemeō. Vine’s highlights that this verb not only includes outright defamation but also subtler forms of disrespect or contemptuous speech. The dictionary underscores the gravity of blasphemeō in both secular and religious contexts, particularly when it involves the intentional denigration of what is holy or revered.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists blasphemeō under G987, defining it as “to vilify, especially in a religious sense.” Strong’s emphasizes the term’s frequent use in the New Testament to describe actions or words that are considered blasphemous, particularly when directed against God or sacred institutions.

Blasphemeō appears multiple times in the New Testament, often in contexts that involve the Pharisees accusing Jesus of blasphemy (e.g., Matthew 9:3, Mark 2:7) or the apostles being accused of blaspheming Jewish law and customs (e.g., Acts 6:11). These instances illustrate the seriousness of the charge of blasphemy in the Jewish and early Christian communities.

3. Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, blasphemeō is used in various contexts, often with a focus on slander or defamation. Here are three examples:

1. Aristophanes’ “Clouds”: Aristophanes uses blasphemeō in the context of slandering or reviling others, particularly in the sharp-tongued exchanges between characters, demonstrating the word’s application in everyday disputes and accusations.
2. Plato’s “Republic”: Plato employs blasphemeō in discussions about the proper respect due to the gods, emphasizing the importance of reverence and the consequences of speaking ill of the divine.
3. Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex”: In this tragedy, blasphemeō is used to convey the idea of speaking against the gods or fate, illustrating the gravity of such actions in the context of Greek tragedy and religious beliefs.

These examples highlight the serious implications of blasphemeō in classical literature, where it is associated with both secular slander and religious irreverence.

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4. Summary

Βλασφημέω (Blasphemeō) is a Greek verb that primarily means “to speak evil of,” “to slander,” or “to blaspheme.” Rooted in the Greek words blaptō (to harm) and phēmē (speech), it carries connotations of harmful or injurious speech, especially in the context of religion. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vine’s, and Strong’s emphasize the word’s application in both secular and religious contexts, particularly in describing speech that dishonors or defames the divine or sacred things. In classical Greek literature, blasphemeō is used in a variety of contexts, from everyday slander to the more serious act of speaking against the gods. In the New Testament, the word frequently appears in narratives where accusations of blasphemy are central to the conflicts between Jesus, his followers, and the religious authorities, illustrating the term’s enduring significance in both ancient and religious discourse.