Luke Chapter 6 · Verse 39
And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
Original Language Analysis
παραβολὴν
a parable
G3850
παραβολὴν
a parable
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
3 of 14
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
αὐτοῖς·
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς·
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τυφλὸν
the blind
G5185
τυφλὸν
the blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
7 of 14
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
τυφλὸν
the blind
G5185
τυφλὸν
the blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
8 of 14
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Matthew 15:14Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.2 Timothy 3:13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.Isaiah 56:10His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.Isaiah 9:16For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.
Historical Context
Context Jesus teaching about judging others judging self first (v. 41-42). Blind leaders Pharisees hypocrites. See speck in others eye miss log in own. Must have spiritual sight to lead others. Teaching office requires maturity knowledge humility. Paul warns against novices in leadership (1 Tim 3:6). Early church recognized qualified elders overseers. Medieval church sometimes elevated based on politics not qualification. Reformation recovered biblical eldership qualified shepherds. Modern church celebrity pastors sometimes unqualified. Need return to biblical qualifications for leadership.
Questions for Reflection
- What does blind leading blind teach about necessity of qualified mature spiritual leadership?
- How can church ensure leaders are spiritually mature not merely popular or charismatic?
Analysis & Commentary
Can blind lead blind shall they not both fall into ditch. Rhetorical question expects no. Blind tuphlos spiritually blind. Lead hodēgein guide. Both amphoteroi leader follower. Fall pesountai stumble. Ditch bothynon pit. Blind leading blind results in disaster. Spiritually blind teachers lead followers to ruin. Pharisees were blind guides (Matt 15:14). Need teachers who see spiritual truth. Reformed theology emphasizes qualified eldership. Not all can teach. Must be spiritually mature grounded in truth.