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.

Let {G863} them {G846} alone {G863}: they be {G1526} blind {G5185} leaders {G3595} of the blind {G5185}. And {G1161} if {G1437} the blind {G5185} lead {G3594} the blind {G5185}, both {G297} shall fall {G4098} into {G1519} the ditch {G999}.

Let them be. They are blind guides. When a blind man guides another blind man, both will fall in a pit."

Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.

Context

This verse comes directly after Jesus' discourse on what truly defiles a person (Matthew 15:10-11), challenging the traditional, man-made rules of the Pharisees concerning handwashing before eating. His disciples were concerned that the Pharisees were offended by His teaching. Jesus' response, "Let them alone," indicates His decision to no longer engage with their stubborn opposition, recognizing their spiritual inability to comprehend divine truth. The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, had elevated their interpretations above the very word of God (see Matthew 15:6).

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Blindness: Jesus clearly identifies the Pharisees as "blind leaders." This isn't a physical affliction but a profound spiritual inability to see and understand God's truth, His kingdom, and His Son. They were so focused on external rituals and human traditions that they missed the heart of God's law and the true nature of righteousness. This blindness led them to reject Jesus, the very light of the world (compare with John 9:39-41).
  • Danger of Misguided Leadership: The consequence of "blind leaders of the blind" is dire: "both shall fall into the ditch." The "ditch" (Greek: bothynos, meaning a pit or hole) symbolizes spiritual ruin, error, or destruction. Those who follow false teaching or spiritually blind leaders will inevitably share in their leaders' fate. This highlights the immense responsibility of those who teach and the critical need for discernment among those who learn.
  • Importance of Discernment: Jesus' warning serves as a call for individuals to evaluate the spiritual guidance they receive. True spiritual sight comes from God, through His Word and the Holy Spirit, not merely from human authority or tradition. Believers are encouraged to test the spirits and teachings against the truth of Scripture.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "blind" used here is typhlos (τυφλός), which literally means physically blind, but is consistently used in the New Testament to describe spiritual blindness, particularly in the context of those who refuse to see or acknowledge the truth about Jesus and His kingdom. The imagery of falling into a "ditch" (bothynos) paints a vivid picture of inevitable failure and ruin for those who follow such misguided paths, a clear warning echoed in Luke 6:39.

Practical Application

Matthew 15:14 remains highly relevant today. It challenges us to:

  • Examine Our Leaders: We must carefully assess the spiritual guidance we receive, ensuring it aligns with God's Word rather than human traditions or popular opinions. Are our leaders truly seeing and leading us toward Christ and biblical truth?
  • Cultivate Personal Discernment: Each believer is responsible for their own spiritual understanding. We should not blindly follow any leader, but rather seek to know God's Word for ourselves and pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance to discern truth from error.
  • Beware of Spiritual Pride: The Pharisees' blindness stemmed from their self-righteousness and refusal to acknowledge their need for a Savior. This verse warns against intellectual or spiritual arrogance that can prevent us from seeing the truth and admitting our own spiritual needs.

Ultimately, this verse underscores the critical importance of having Christ as our true guide, for He alone is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), able to lead us safely to eternal life.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 6:39

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

  • 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.

  • 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 23:24

    [Ye] blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

  • Ezekiel 14:9

    And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.

  • Ezekiel 14:10

    And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh [unto him];

  • Malachi 2:8

    But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

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