I was reading through the Book of Numbers and noticed something I hadn't seen before in
Numbers 15:30-31.
The
English Standard Version seems to have this more right to the actual definition of
presumptuously and the
New American Standard has it more correct on the latter part for
blaspheme as the BDB also defines
reproach as
blaspheme.
But the person who does anything with a high hand (presumptuously), whether he is native or a sojourner, reviles (reproaches/blaspheme) the LORD, and that person shall be cut off from among his people. (ESV)
But the person who does anything defiantly, whether he is native or an alien,
that one is blaspheming (reproach) the LORD; and that person shall be cut off from among his people." (NAS)
It was interesting to me that the
New Living Translation puts it more toward a way you might take that as going against God's will.
"But those
who brazenly violate the LORD's will, whether native-born Israelites or foreigners,
have blasphemed the LORD, and they must be cut off from the community." (NLT)
Numbers 15:31 reiterates that being the case - despising God's Word with all the other translations agreeing.
"Because he hath
despised the word of the LORD, and
hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him." (KJV)
Now, when you get to the New Testament, it appears after reading through all of the references to "blasphemy" that the act is done by a person's words and not so much their actions.
So, how did that change between the two? Or, I suppose your words can relay your actions.