12:32a–b

Whoever speaks a word against: The phrase speaks a word against means “speaks an evil word against” or simply “speaks against.” It is similar in meaning to the term “blasphemy” in 12:31a.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Anyone who says something against (Good News Translation)
-or-
anyone who slanders/insults
-or-
those who speaks evil of

the Son of Man: Here Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man. In some languages, it may be necessary to add the pronoun “I” to make it clear that Jesus was referring to himself. For example:

⌊I,⌋ the Son of Man

This phrase also occurs in 12:8. You should translate it here as you did there. For help in translating this phrase, see the note under 8:20b.

will be forgiven: As in 12:31a, the form of the Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as will be forgiven often refers to an event in the future. However, this part of the verse is not a promise that God will forgive every sin. Rather it means that it is possible that God will forgive every sin. In particular, he will forgive those who repent.

This clause is passive. Here are some other ways to translate it:

• Use a passive clause. For example:

whoever…can be forgiven

• Use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ can forgive people

12:32c

either in this age or in the one to come: This phrase is a Jewish expression. In this context it means “never ever.”

The Jews believed in two ages:

(a) this age which refers to the time of living in the present evil world, and

(b) the one to come which refers to the future wonderful time of living in heaven.

Together these two phrases emphasized the fact that God would never forgive someone who spoke against the Holy Spirit.

Here are some other ways to translate this expression:

• Use a similar expression. For example:

either in this life or in the life to come (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
either in this world or in the next (New Jerusalem Bible)

• Translate the meaning more directly. For example:

now or ever (Good News Translation)
-or-
now or in the future (New Century Version)

-or-

never

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