of the argument by direct reference to the Holy Spirit, also supported by Matthew (12:31–32) and Luke (12:10), though in a different form. Whatever the construction of the text, however, it is the meaning which matters. Its seriousness is evidenced by the beginning of verse 28, literally ‘Amen, I say to you.’ ‘By its use he (Jesus) solemnly guarantees the truth of what he is about to say’ (Cranfield). Jesus uses this form of speech often, but it is no less important for that. He says there is only