Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

MARK 3:28KJV
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Mark 3:28 (KJV)

What does Mark 3:28 mean?

Mark 3:28 records Jesus saying that every kind of sin and blasphemy can be forgiven to people. This statement highlights the wide reach of forgiveness, emphasizing that no ordinary sin or spoken offense puts someone beyond the possibility of being forgiven.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd that includes religious leaders who have accused Him of acting by the power of evil spirits. By saying this, Jesus sets the stage for a serious warning about a particular kind of blasphemy in the next verse. Here, He stresses how broad God’s forgiveness is, even for those who have spoken wrongly or acted against Him, as long as it is not the specific sin He will mention next.

The Greek behind Mark 3:28

  • "Verily" (ἀμὴν, amēn): This word is a strong affirmation, like saying “truly” or “I assure you.” Jesus uses it to signal that what He is about to say is especially important and trustworthy.
  • "Sins" (ἁμαρτήματα, hamartēmata): This Greek word refers to wrongdoings or offenses, not just mistakes but actions that miss the mark of what is right. The use here shows that all types of moral failings are included.
  • "Blasphemies" (βλασφημίαι, blasphēmiai): This word means speaking irreverently or insultingly about God or sacred things. Jesus includes even these serious spoken offenses in what can be forgiven.
  • "Forgiven" (ἀφεθήσεται, aphethēsetai): This verb means to let go, release, or pardon. The sense is that these wrongs can be completely removed or no longer counted against someone.

Why Mark 3:28 matters

  • Mark 3:28 clarifies that God’s forgiveness is not limited to minor mistakes but extends to all sins and even to blasphemies, which were considered especially serious by Jesus’ audience.
  • This verse prepares the listener for the warning that follows, making it clear that the next statement about an unforgivable sin is an exception, not the rule.
  • Mark 3:28 helps correct the idea that some ordinary sins might be too great for forgiveness, emphasizing the generosity and reach of divine mercy.