Gospel of Thomas · 44 of 114 · tr. Thomas O. Lambdin

Logion 44

Jesus said, "Whoever blasphemes against the father will be forgiven, and whoever blasphemes against the son will be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes against the holy spirit will not be forgiven either on earth or in heaven."

Themes

◆Anthropomorphismtheology

Attributing human characteristics, emotions, or form to the divine; embodied divine imagery.

The passage uses human familial terms like 'Father' and 'Son' to describe divine entities.

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◆Eschatological Judgmentsoteriology

Final, collective cosmic judgment as an event in which the wicked are sentenced and the cosmos restored; distinct from psychopomp_journey (individual passage at death) and emphasising verdict where Zoroastrian frashokereti emphasises restoration.

The passage explicitly defines the limits of forgiveness extending into the afterlife ('heaven'), implying a final verdict on the soul's state regarding certain sins.

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◆Living Godtheology

The divine conceived as active, present, and dynamic—not an abstract principle but a personal responsive reality.

The divine is portrayed as an active agent capable of granting or withholding forgiveness based on human action.

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◆Sacred Namestheology

Divine names or formulas that carry ontological power, used in prayer, liturgy, or magical practice.

The text treats the titles 'Father,' 'Son,' and 'Holy Spirit' as specific targets of blasphemy with distinct spiritual consequences.

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Related passages · 3 parallels

◆jewish_mysticism|The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation)|Chapter XII

“XII-XVI. Dream Vision of Enoch: his intercession for Azâzêl and the fallen Angels: and his announcement to them of their first and final doom . CHAPTER XII. 1. Before these things Enoch was hidden, and no one of the children of men knew whe…”

Both passages deal with the theme of forgiveness and its limits. In the Gospel of Thomas, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable, while in the Book of Enoch, the fallen angels are told they will have no peace nor forgiveness of sin.

◆jewish_mysticism|The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation)|Chapter XLV

“XLV-LVII. The Second Parable . The Lot of the Apostates: the New Heaven and the New Earth . CHAPTER XLV. 1. And this is the Second Parable concerning those who deny the name of the dwelling of the holy ones and the Lord of Spirits. 2. And i…”

Both passages discuss the unforgivable nature of certain sins and the consequences for those who commit them, emphasizing the severity of blasphemy against the divine.

◆jewish_mysticism|The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation)|Chapter XCIX

“XCIX. Woes pronounced on the Godless, the Lawbreakers: evil Plight of Sinners in the last Days: further Woes . CHAPTER XCIX. 1. Woe to you who work godlessness, And glory in lying and extol them: Ye shall perish, and no happy life shall be…”

Both passages warn against grave sins with severe consequences, emphasizing the unforgivable nature of certain transgressions against the divine. They share a common theme of divine judgment and the importance of righteousness.