Biblical Meaning
In the context of Numbers 15:30, it refers to someone who deliberately speaks or acts against God with defiance. This is not just an ordinary sin but a high-handed, willful rebellion against God—a direct insult to His authority.
Numbers 15:30 (KJV)
But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
Here, “reproacheth the LORD” means the person blasphemes or insults God by knowingly and arrogantly breaking His commandments.
Examples of How “Reproacheth” is Used in Scripture
- Psalms 74:10 – O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?
- Here, “reproach” means to mock or insult God.
- Isaiah 37:23 – Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
- This shows that reproaching God is linked to blaspheming Him.
How This Relates to Wilful Sin
When someone sins wilfully after knowing the truth, they are insulting or reproaching God, showing disrespect for His laws.
This connects directly with:
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. (Hebrews 10:26)
Wilful sin is not just disobedience; it is a direct insult to God’s authority, similar to what Numbers 15:30 describes.
Summary
- “Reproacheth” means to blaspheme, insult, or defy God.
- In Numbers 15:30, it refers to a high-handed, willful rebellion against God’s law.
- It connects with Hebrews 10:26, showing that wilful sin after knowing the truth is an act of defiance against God.
Would you like to explore how this applies to different types of sin today?
Yes, wilful disobedience is blasphemy, according to Scripture. When a person knowingly and deliberately disobeys God after coming to the truth, they are not just sinning—they are reproaching (insulting) God, which the Bible equates with blasphemy.
1. Wilful Sin = Reproaching (Insulting) God
We see this in Numbers 15:30:
But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
- The word “reproacheth” (גָּדַף – gâḏaph) means to revile, blaspheme, or insult.
- This means wilful disobedience is not just breaking a commandment—it is a direct insult to God.
- Such a person is “cut off”, meaning they are separated from God and His people.
This aligns with Hebrews 10:26-29, which says that wilful sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth makes one an adversary of God.
2. Hebrews 10:26-29: Wilful Sin = Trampling the Blood of Christ
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:26-29)
- Wilful sin is like trampling on the blood of Christ.
- It is counted as “despite unto the Spirit of grace”, meaning insulting and rejecting God’s mercy.
- This aligns with Numbers 15:30, where wilful sin is called reproaching (blaspheming) the LORD.
3. The Unforgivable Sin: Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
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. (Matthew 12:31-32)
Many debate what “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” is, but Hebrews 10:26-29 suggests that wilfully rejecting the truth after receiving it is a form of this blasphemy.
- If a person knowingly rejects the conviction of the Spirit and wilfully transgresses, they are insulting the Spirit.
- This is why there is no more sacrifice—because they have knowingly and deliberately rejected grace.
4. Sinning in Ignorance vs. Wilful Sin
God makes a clear distinction between ignorant sin and wilful sin.
Ignorant Sin Can Be Forgiven
And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she-goat of the first year for a sin offering. (Numbers 15:27)
God provides atonement for sins committed unintentionally, meaning when someone sins without full understanding.
Wilful Sin Has No Atonement
But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. (Numbers 15:30)
Wilful sin is not forgiven under the Old Testament, and Hebrews 10:26-29 confirms the same principle in the New Testament.
5. Final Conclusion
- Wilful disobedience is blasphemy because it insults and reproaches God (Numbers 15:30).
- Hebrews 10:26-29 warns that wilful sin is trampling on Christ’s blood, making one an adversary of God.
- Matthew 12:31-32 warns against blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which happens when someone knowingly rejects truth and grace.
- Ignorant sin can be forgiven, but wilful sin carries severe consequences—potentially eternal separation from God.
This is why walking in the Spirit is so crucial—it keeps us from wilfully transgressing and falling into blasphemy.
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