Luke 6:39

KJV

And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he spake {G2036} a parable {G3850} unto them {G846},{G3385} Can {G1410} the blind {G5185} lead {G3594} the blind {G5185}? shall they {G297} not {G3780} both {G297} fall {G4098} into {G1519} the ditch {G999}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He also told them a parable: "Can one blind man lead another blind man? Won't they both fall into a pit?

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?

American Standard Version

And he spake also a parable unto them, Can the blind guide the blind? shall they not both fall into a pit?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 6:39, Jesus employs a concise yet profound parable to caution against the perils of unqualified spiritual leadership, asking rhetorically whether a blind person can effectively guide another blind person without both falling into a ditch. This vivid imagery underscores the critical necessity of spiritual discernment and clear vision for anyone who presumes to lead or teach, highlighting the inevitable and shared disaster that awaits both the misguided leader and their unsuspecting followers. The parable serves as a foundational warning against spiritual ignorance in positions of influence and a call for diligent self-examination.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable is strategically placed within Jesus' extensive teachings often referred to as [the Sermon on the Plain](/luke/6-17-49 "Luke 6:17-49 - The Sermon on the Plain"). Following His radical commands to love enemies, bless those who curse, and refrain from judging others (Luke 6:27-38), Jesus pivots to emphasize the indispensable quality of spiritual insight for those who would guide others. The immediate verses following this parable reinforce its message: the sayings about the disciple not being above the teacher (Luke 6:40), the urgent need to remove the "log" from one's own eye before attempting to remove the "speck" from another's (Luke 6:41-42), and the principle that a good tree produces good fruit (Luke 6:43-45). Together, these teachings form a cohesive unit stressing internal transformation, integrity, and the critical importance of a leader's character and spiritual condition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, spiritual guidance was primarily provided by scribes, Pharisees, and various religious teachers. Jesus' audience would have been familiar with the concept of spiritual authorities and the expectation of their wisdom. Travel in the ancient world, especially off main roads, was fraught with hazards like unseen pits, ravines, or "ditches" (bóthynos), making the imagery of falling into one a readily understood danger. Furthermore, "blindness" (typhlós) was a common biblical metaphor for spiritual ignorance or moral insensitivity, particularly among those who claimed to have spiritual insight but lacked true understanding of God's ways, as Jesus often accused the religious leaders of His day (e.g., [Matthew 23:16-26](/matthew/23-16-26 "Matthew 23:16-26 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")).
* **Key Themes:** The parable in Luke 6:39 contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and Jesus' broader ministry. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **spiritual discernment**, emphasizing that true insight is paramount for effective leadership. Secondly, it underscores the **accountability of leaders**, warning that those who presume to guide others without proper spiritual vision will lead both themselves and their followers to ruin. This ties into the broader theme of [true discipleship](/luke/9-23-27 "Luke 9:23-27 - The Cost of Discipleship"), which requires a clear understanding of Jesus' teachings and a commitment to following Him. Thirdly, the parable implicitly calls for **self-examination** before attempting to correct or lead others, a theme explicitly developed in the subsequent verses about the speck and the log. Finally, it reinforces the danger of **false teaching** and the critical need for followers to exercise their own spiritual judgment, rather than blindly accepting guidance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blind (Greek, _typhlós'_):** This word literally refers to physical blindness but, in this context, functions as a powerful **metaphor** for spiritual or intellectual ignorance, a lack of understanding, or moral insensitivity. It signifies an inability to perceive spiritual truth or discern the right path.
* **lead (Greek, _hodēgéō'_):** Derived from the word for "way" (hodos) and "to lead" (agéō), this verb means "to show the way," "to guide," or "to teach." It implies a position of authority and responsibility in guiding others along a path, whether literally or figuratively (spiritually).
* **ditch (Greek, _bóthynos'_):** This term refers to a pit, a hole in the ground, or a cistern. In the parable, it serves as a vivid image of disaster, ruin, or a perilous trap, symbolizing the inevitable negative consequences of misguided leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he spake a parable unto them,"**: This introductory phrase sets the stage, indicating that Jesus is about to deliver a concise, illustrative story or saying designed to convey a profound spiritual truth. The "them" refers to His disciples and the broader crowd gathered to hear His teachings on the Plain.
* **"Can the blind lead the blind?"**: This is a rhetorical question, designed to elicit an obvious negative answer. It immediately presents the core absurdity of the situation: a person lacking sight (spiritual vision) attempting to guide another person who also lacks sight. The implication is that such a scenario is inherently illogical and dangerous.
* **"shall they not both fall into the ditch?"**: This second rhetorical question provides the inevitable and disastrous consequence of the first. It vividly portrays the shared fate of both the unqualified leader and their unsuspecting follower. The "ditch" symbolizes ruin, destruction, or a complete failure to reach a safe destination, emphasizing the severe peril of spiritual misguidance.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:39 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The primary device is **Parable**, a short, illustrative story or saying used by Jesus to convey a moral or spiritual lesson. Specifically, this is an **Adage** or **Aphorism**, a concise statement of a general truth. The central image of the "blind leading the blind" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual ignorance and incompetence in leadership. The phrase "Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?" is a **Rhetorical Question**, posed not to elicit information but to make a point more forcefully, implying an obvious negative answer. Finally, the vivid **Imagery** of "falling into the ditch" creates a strong mental picture of shared disaster, making the consequences of misguided leadership tangible and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This parable profoundly addresses the critical need for spiritual discernment and the grave responsibility of those in leadership. It warns against the dangers of following or being led by individuals who lack true spiritual insight, emphasizing that such a path inevitably leads to shared ruin. The core theological implication is that genuine spiritual guidance must originate from a place of clear vision, rooted in divine truth and understanding. Without this, any attempt to lead others will be futile and destructive, highlighting God's standard for integrity and competence in those who teach or guide His people.

* [Matthew 15:14](/matthew/15-14 "Matthew 15:14 - Jesus on Blind Guides"): "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." (A direct parallel in Matthew's Gospel, often directed at the Pharisees).
* [James 3:1](/james/3-1 "James 3:1 - The Responsibility of Teachers"): "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." (Emphasizes the stricter judgment awaiting those who teach).
* [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - Warnings Against False Teachers"): "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies... And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you..." (Warns against the destructive nature of false teachers).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:39 serves as a timeless warning and a profound call to both leaders and followers within the Christian community. For those in positions of spiritual authority—pastors, teachers, mentors, parents—it is a stark reminder of the absolute necessity of cultivating genuine spiritual insight, rooted in God's Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Leading others without a clear, Spirit-led vision is not merely ineffective; it is actively dangerous, jeopardizing the spiritual well-being of those entrusted to one's care. This parable compels leaders to constantly examine their own hearts, motives, and understanding, ensuring that their "sight" is clear before attempting to guide others. For followers, the parable is an equally vital call to discernment. It teaches that one must not blindly follow any leader or teaching without critically evaluating it against the unchanging truth of Scripture. Believers are responsible for their own spiritual journey and must cultivate their own spiritual vision through prayer, diligent study of the Bible, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, ensuring they are not led astray by those who lack true insight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might I be attempting to lead others without sufficient spiritual vision myself?**
* **How can I cultivate a clearer spiritual "sight" through prayer, Scripture study, and reliance on the Holy Spirit?**
* **Am I exercising proper discernment when evaluating the teachings and guidance of others, or am I prone to following blindly?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure I am being led by those who truly possess spiritual clarity and integrity?**

### FAQ

**What does "blind" mean in this parable?**

Answer: In Luke 6:39, "blind" (Greek: _typhlós_) is used metaphorically. While it literally refers to physical sightlessness, Jesus uses it to describe a lack of spiritual understanding, moral insight, or divine wisdom. It signifies a person who is spiritually ignorant, unable to discern truth from error, or incapable of seeing the path of righteousness clearly. Therefore, a "blind leader" is one who lacks the necessary spiritual vision to guide others safely, and "blind followers" are those who do not exercise their own discernment and are thus susceptible to being led astray. This concept is further elaborated in passages like [John 9:39-41](/john/9-39-41 "John 9:39-41 - Jesus on Spiritual Blindness"), where Jesus speaks of spiritual blindness among those who claim to see.

**Who are the "blind" leaders Jesus is referring to?**

Answer: While Jesus' parables often have universal application, in the immediate context of His ministry, He frequently directed such warnings toward the religious leaders of His day—the Pharisees and scribes. These individuals often prided themselves on their knowledge of the Law and their role as guides for the people, yet Jesus consistently critiqued them for their hypocrisy, legalism, and lack of true spiritual insight, effectively calling them "blind guides" (e.g., [Matthew 23:16](/matthew/23-16 "Matthew 23:16 - Woe to Blind Guides")). However, the parable's principle extends beyond specific historical figures to anyone in a position of spiritual influence—whether a pastor, teacher, parent, or mentor—who attempts to lead others without first possessing genuine spiritual vision and alignment with God's truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:39, with its stark warning about blind guides, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. He is not merely a guide with clear vision; He is the very embodiment of spiritual sight, the Light of the World who perfectly illuminates the path to God. Unlike the "blind leaders" who lead others into a "ditch" of spiritual ruin, Jesus declares, "[I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")". He is the only one who can truly "lead" (hodēgéō) humanity out of the darkness of sin and ignorance and into the glorious light of God's truth. As the Good Shepherd, He knows His sheep and "[leads them out](/john/10-3-4 "John 10:3-4 - The Good Shepherd Leads His Sheep")" into abundant life, never into a ditch of destruction. Furthermore, Jesus is not only the perfect guide but also the one who gives sight to the spiritually blind, opening eyes that were once closed to divine realities (e.g., [John 9:1-7](/john/9-1-7 "John 9:1-7 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind")). He embodies the truth He teaches, living a life of perfect obedience and offering Himself as the "[way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")", ensuring that all who follow Him will never fall into the ditch of eternal separation from God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:14

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

2 Timothy 3:13

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

Matthew 23:16

Woe unto you, [ye] blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

Matthew 23:26

[Thou] blind Pharisee, cleanse first that [which is] within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

1 Timothy 6:3

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

1 Timothy 6:5

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Isaiah 56:10

His watchmen [are] blind: they are all ignorant, they [are] all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.