Luke 6:39

Luke 6:39, in plain English

Jesus then told a parable: 'Can a blind person lead a blind person? Won't they both fall into a ditch?'

Why it's here

Jesus is warning about choosing your guides carefully. Not everyone who claims to see clearly actually does.

Who's speaking

Jesus teaches through a vivid, common-sense parable.

Where it sits in the story

Who you follow matters. If your guide can't see where they're going, neither will you. Choose teachers and mentors who are walking in the light, not just talking about it.

The scholarly reading

The parable of the blind leading the blind (typhlos typhlon hodēgein) warns against following unqualified spiritual leaders. Both leader and follower end in the bothynon ("pit/ditch").

Language and setting

This parable likely targets the Pharisees as blind guides (cf. Matt 15:14, 23:16) and warns Jesus' disciples against adopting their flawed hermeneutical approach.

Voice

Jesus tells a brief parable about the danger of blind spiritual leadership.

Significance

The transition to parables shifts from ethical commands to wisdom teaching. The blind guide parable warns that the teacher's vision (or lack thereof) determines the disciple's destination.

37Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

39Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?

40A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

41Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?

Read all of Luke 6 — Blessed are the poor; woe to the rich. Jesus delivers his version of the great sermon and demands a love so radical it includes your enemies.