Definition: And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the [world] to come.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 12:32. It's a really important one about forgiveness and what happens when we criticize God’s Son. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse essentially says that we are to forgive people who speak negatively about Jesus Christ (the Son of Man). But, we won't forgive them if they speak negatively about the Holy Spirit – the one who is God’s gift and power. Let’s unpack it further: “Matthew 12:32” : This is a specific passage in the Bible. It’s a story told by Jesus about a man who was challenging Jesus’ teachings. “And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man…” – This means someone who says something bad or disrespectful about Jesus. It's a general call to be careful what you say about him. "...it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him..." – This is the crucial part! It’s saying that God does forgive people who criticize Jesus, but He won't forgive them if they criticize the Holy Spirit. What does this mean in practice? Forgiveness is a gift: Jesus tells us to be merciful and forgiving – especially towards those who are wrong. The Holy Spirit is important: The Holy Spirit is God’s power, guidance, and presence within believers. It's essential for the Christian faith. Criticism of the Holy Spirit is a big deal: If someone attacks the Holy Spirit, it's like attacking God himself! It’s considered serious and will lead to eternal consequences. Why does this happen? Jesus says this because the Holy Spirit is essential for Christians to believe in Him and follow His teachings. If someone rejects or undermines the Holy Spirit, it can disrupt the whole Christian community and cause harm. In short: Jesus emphasizes that we need to treat everyone with respect – especially those who are close to God – and avoid speaking negatively about the divine gifts of God. It’s a reminder of our responsibility to love and honor Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of what someone might say that could be considered criticism of the Holy Spirit?