Mat 12:32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the [world] to come.
Most of the relevant terminology in this verse is the same as in the previous verse. However, this verse is interesting because in English translation it seems to say something about the afterlife. However, in the original Greek, this does not seem to be the case.
"This world" is from the Greek aiôn, which means "lifetime," "life," "age," "generation," and "a long space of time." It is the basis for our English word, eon. It doesn't refer to "this world" at all, though you could translated it as "this lifetime."
"The [world] to come" is from the Greek, mellô, which is a verb (not a noun) that means "to think of doing," "to intend to do," "to be about to do," and "to be destined." It is used to express certainty, probability, or intention of doing something in the future.
So Christ is saying that speaking against divine inspiration is not acceptable in the current age nor will it every be acceptable in the future. Christ often recognizes that his life is a transition point in history. The arrival of the "kingdom of heaven" or the "universal rule" represents a historical transition from one form of society to another. Christ is simply saying here that denying the divine inspiration is unacceptable in every age.
<< Home