Luke 6:39
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 6:39
39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
Chapter Context
Luke 6 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, faith, redemption. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-49: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 6:39
39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 9:16, 56:10, Matthew 15:14, 2 Timothy 3:13