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.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτούς·
them
G846
αὐτούς·
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 15
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
blind
G5185
τυφλὸν
blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
5 of 15
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
τυφλὸν
blind
G5185
τυφλὸν
blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
6 of 15
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
τυφλὸν
blind
G5185
τυφλὸν
blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
7 of 15
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
τυφλὸν
blind
G5185
τυφλὸν
blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
9 of 15
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
10 of 15
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Luke 6:39And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?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.Malachi 2:8But 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.Isaiah 42:19Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?2 Peter 2:1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.Jeremiah 5:31The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?Hosea 4:17Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
Historical Context
The Pharisees were offended by Jesus' teaching (v. 12), revealing their spiritual blindness. As religious authorities, they guided Israel but lacked spiritual sight to recognize Messiah or understand Scripture's true meaning. Jesus' 'let them alone' signals their hardened rejection meriting divine judgment. Their influence led Israel to reject Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern between blind guides and true spiritual leaders?
- What happens when you follow religious leaders who lack spiritual truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' description of the Pharisees—'Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind'—pronounces judgment on false teachers. 'Let them alone' means cease trying to please or appease them. They're 'blind' (spiritually unseeing) yet claim to lead others. The warning 'if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch' shows that false teaching destroys both teacher and follower. This stark warning emphasizes the danger of following religious leaders who lack spiritual truth.