Matthew 15:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 15:14, Jesus issues a stark warning regarding the spiritual state and dangerous influence of the Pharisees, whom he describes as "blind leaders of the blind." This verse encapsulates a critical theological truth: those who are spiritually devoid of understanding cannot lead others into truth, and the inevitable outcome for both the misguided leader and their followers is spiritual ruin or destruction, symbolized by falling into a ditch. It serves as a profound call for discernment and a caution against following those who lack genuine spiritual insight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pronouncement by Jesus comes immediately after a significant confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem, who questioned why Jesus' disciples did not observe the tradition of ceremonial handwashing before eating. Jesus countered their legalistic traditions by exposing their hypocrisy, showing how their man-made rules nullified God's commandments, specifically concerning honoring parents ([Matthew 15:1-9](/matthew/15-1-9 "Matthew 15:1-9 - Jesus Rebukes Pharisaic Tradition")). He then taught the crowds and His disciples that defilement comes not from external things entering a person, but from the evil intentions and words that come from within the heart ([Matthew 15:10-11](/matthew/15-10-11 "Matthew 15:10-11 - What Truly Defiles a Person")). When Peter later asked for clarification on this parable, Jesus explained that evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, and slander are what truly defile a person, not unwashed hands ([Matthew 15:15-20](/matthew/15-15-20 "Matthew 15:15-20 - The Source of Defilement")). It is in response to His disciples' concern that the Pharisees were offended by His teaching that Jesus delivers the cutting indictment of [Matthew 15:14](/matthew/15-14 "Matthew 15:14 - Blind Leaders of the Blind"), indicating His decision to no longer engage with their willful spiritual resistance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious sect in the first century, highly respected by the common people for their zealous adherence to the Mosaic Law and a vast body of oral traditions (Halakha) that they considered equally authoritative. They meticulously observed external purity rituals, dietary laws, and Sabbath regulations. However, Jesus frequently challenged their legalism, hypocrisy, and self-righteousness, arguing that they prioritized human traditions over God's commands and missed the spirit of the Law, focusing on outward appearance rather than inward transformation. Their spiritual authority was deeply entrenched in Jewish society, making Jesus' public condemnation of them as "blind leaders" a radical and provocative statement. The imagery of falling into a "ditch" (Greek: *bothynos*) would have been readily understood by an agrarian society, where pits or cisterns were common hazards, particularly for those who could not see.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes present in the Gospels and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Spiritual Blindness**, highlighting a profound inability to perceive divine truth, not due to lack of intellect, but due to spiritual hardened hearts and adherence to human traditions over God's revelation. The Pharisees, despite their religious fervor and knowledge of the Law, failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, demonstrating a profound spiritual incapacity to see God's kingdom breaking into the world ([John 9:39-41](/john/9-39-41 "John 9:39-41 - Jesus on Spiritual Blindness")). Another critical theme is the **Danger of Misguided Leadership**. Jesus' warning underscores the severe consequences for both leaders who are spiritually blind and for those who follow them. It emphasizes the immense responsibility of those who teach and guide others, as well as the critical need for discernment among those who are led. This ties into the **Importance of Discernment**, urging individuals to critically evaluate the spiritual guidance they receive, ensuring it aligns with God's truth rather than human authority or tradition. Believers are called to test all teachings against the truth of Scripture ([1_john/4-1](/1-john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blind (Greek, _typhlós'_):** G5185. This word literally means physically blind, but in the New Testament, especially in the Gospels, it is predominantly used metaphorically to describe spiritual blindness. It signifies an inability to see or understand spiritual truths, particularly concerning Jesus' identity, His kingdom, and the true nature of God's righteousness. This spiritual opacity is often presented as a willful refusal to acknowledge the truth, rather than a mere lack of information.
* **leaders (Greek, _hodēgós'_):** G3595. Derived from *hodos* (way) and *hēgeomai* (to lead), this term literally means "a conductor" or "guide." In this context, it refers to those who hold positions of religious authority and instruction, particularly the Pharisees, who were seen as interpreters of the Law and guides for the people. Jesus uses this term to highlight their role in directing others spiritually, making their blindness particularly perilous.
* **ditch (Greek, _bóthynos'_):** G999. This word refers to a hole in the ground, a pit, or a cistern. It paints a vivid picture of a dangerous trap or a place of ruin. In this metaphorical sense, falling into the ditch symbolizes spiritual destruction, error, or judgment. It represents the inevitable and dire outcome for both the blind leader and their blind followers, signifying a shared fate of spiritual failure and condemnation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them alone:"** This imperative phrase, "aphíēmi" (G863), signifies Jesus' decision to cease engaging with the Pharisees' persistent opposition and spiritual obstinacy. It implies a withdrawal of further instruction or persuasion, recognizing their hardened hearts and unwillingness to receive truth. It's a statement of divine abandonment to their chosen path of spiritual resistance.
* **"they be blind leaders of the blind."** This is a powerful and damning indictment. Jesus identifies the Pharisees, who claimed spiritual authority and insight, as themselves spiritually blind ("typhlós"). Furthermore, they are leading others who are similarly blind. This highlights a profound spiritual incapacity, where those who are supposed to guide others are themselves devoid of true spiritual vision, leading to a perilous situation for all involved.
* **"And if the blind lead the blind,"** This clause sets up a conditional statement, emphasizing the logical consequence of the previously stated reality. It underscores the inherent danger when those lacking spiritual discernment presume to guide others who also lack it. The repetition of "blind" reinforces the pervasive nature of this spiritual condition.
* **"both shall fall into the ditch."** This is the inevitable and dire consequence. The "ditch" (bóthynos) symbolizes spiritual ruin, error, or destruction. It signifies that both the misguided leader and their followers will share the same fate of spiritual failure, judgment, and separation from God's truth and kingdom. It's a vivid metaphor for ultimate spiritual disaster.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:14 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Jesus likens the Pharisees to "blind leaders" and their followers to "the blind." This isn't a literal physical condition but a powerful spiritual analogy, illustrating their inability to perceive divine truth and their dangerous influence. The "ditch" is also a **Metaphor** for spiritual ruin or destruction, vividly portraying the inevitable outcome of following such misguided leadership. There is an element of **Irony** in Jesus' statement, as the Pharisees prided themselves on their spiritual insight and knowledge of the Law, yet Jesus exposes them as utterly lacking in true spiritual vision. The repetition of "blind" also serves as a form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition**, emphasizing the pervasive nature of this spiritual condition among both leaders and followers, driving home the severity of the situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:14 is a profound theological statement on the nature of spiritual authority, discernment, and the consequences of rejecting divine truth. It underscores the critical importance of true spiritual sight, which comes from God alone, contrasting it with the superficiality of human traditions and self-righteousness. Jesus, as the ultimate source of truth, exposes the spiritual bankruptcy of those who claim to lead but are themselves lost. The verse warns against the dangers of uncritical adherence to human authority in spiritual matters and emphasizes individual responsibility for discerning truth. It highlights that genuine spiritual leadership must be rooted in divine revelation and a deep understanding of God's heart, not merely human intellect or tradition.

* [Luke 6:39](/luke/6-39 "Luke 6:39 - Can a blind man lead a blind man?")
* [John 9:39-41](/john/9-39-41 "John 9:39-41 - Jesus on Spiritual Blindness and Judgment")
* [1 John 4:1](/1-john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:14 remains powerfully relevant for believers today, serving as both a warning and a call to action. It compels us to critically examine the spiritual guidance we receive, ensuring that it is firmly rooted in the unadulterated Word of God rather than human traditions, popular opinions, or charismatic personalities. This verse challenges us to cultivate a personal, discerning faith, recognizing that each believer is responsible for their own spiritual understanding and growth. We are not to blindly follow any leader, but rather to diligently study Scripture, pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance, and test all teachings against the truth revealed in God's Word. Furthermore, it serves as a sobering reminder for those in leadership positions of the immense responsibility they bear, emphasizing the critical need for genuine spiritual insight and humility, lest they lead themselves and their followers astray.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern whether the spiritual leaders I follow are truly "seeing" and leading me according to biblical truth?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to "spiritual blindness" or relying on human traditions instead of God's Word?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater personal discernment and a deeper understanding of Scripture?**
* **How can I humbly receive correction and allow God to open my eyes to truths I may have previously missed or resisted?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "blind leaders of the blind"?**

Answer: Jesus uses this vivid metaphor to describe the Pharisees, who were religious leaders of His day. By "blind," He means they lacked true spiritual understanding and insight into God's will and the nature of His kingdom. They were so focused on external rituals and man-made traditions that they missed the heart of God's law and failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Therefore, as "leaders of the blind," they were guiding others who were also spiritually ignorant, leading them away from genuine truth and into error. The phrase highlights their profound spiritual incapacity and the danger of following those who themselves cannot see the way. This concept is echoed in [Luke 6:39](/luke/6-39 "Luke 6:39 - Can a blind man lead a blind man?"), where Jesus asks, "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?"

**What is the "ditch" that both will fall into?**

Answer: The "ditch" (Greek: *bothynos*) is a metaphor for spiritual ruin, error, or destruction. It symbolizes the inevitable and dire consequence for both the spiritually blind leader and their followers. It's not necessarily a physical pit, but a state of spiritual failure, judgment, and separation from God's truth and salvation. It implies that following misguided spiritual leadership leads to a shared fate of spiritual disaster, missing the path to eternal life and true righteousness. It underscores the severity of spiritual deception and the ultimate futility of a faith based on human tradition rather than divine revelation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the antithesis of the "blind leader." While the Pharisees, in their spiritual darkness, led others to a ditch of legalism and condemnation, Jesus declares Himself to be the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). He is the true and perfect Guide, the one who possesses perfect spiritual vision and leads His followers not into a ditch, but into eternal life. He is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), the only one capable of leading humanity out of spiritual blindness and into the light of God's presence. Those who follow Him will "never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). Our focus must be on "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus")), for He alone is the trustworthy leader who perfectly illuminates the path to God. Through His sacrifice, He opens the eyes of the spiritually blind, transforming us from children of darkness into "light in the Lord" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light")), empowering us to walk in truth and righteousness.

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

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.