Movatterモバイル変換

◄ Luke 6:39►

New International Version
He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?

New Living Translation
Then Jesus gave the following illustration: “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch?

English Standard Version
He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?

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

Berean Literal Bible
And He spoke a parable also to them. "Is a blindman able to lead a blindman? Will they not both fall into a pit?

King James Bible
And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

New King James Version
And He spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?

New American Standard Bible
Now He also spoke a parable to them: “A person who is blind cannot guideanother who is blind, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit?

NASB 1995
And He also spoke a parable to them: “A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit?

NASB 1977
And He also spoke a parable to them: “A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit?

Legacy Standard Bible
And He also spoke a parable to them: “Can a blind man guide a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?

Amplified Bible
He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man guide [another] blind man? Will they not both fall into a hole in the ground?

Christian Standard Bible
He also told them a parable: “Can the blind guide the blind? Won’t they both fall into a pit?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He also told them a parable: “Can the blind guide the blind? Won’t they both fall into a pit?

American Standard Version
And he spake also a parable unto them, Can the blind guide the blind? shall they not both fall into a pit?

Contemporary English Version
Jesus also used some sayings as he spoke to the people. He said: Can one blind person lead another blind person? Won't they both fall into a ditch?

English Revised Version
And he spake also a parable unto them, Can the blind guide the blind? shall they not both fall into a pit?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus also gave them this illustration: "Can one blind person lead another? Won't both fall into the same pit?

Good News Translation
And Jesus told them this parable: "One blind man cannot lead another one; if he does, both will fall into a ditch.

International Standard Version
He also told them a parable: "One blind person can't lead another blind person, can he? Both will fall into a ditch, won't they?

NET Bible
He also told them a parable: "Someone who is blind cannot lead another who is blind, can he? Won't they both fall into a pit?

New Heart English Bible
He spoke a parable to them. "Can the blind guide the blind? Won't they both fall into a pit?

Webster's Bible Translation
And he spoke a parable to them; Can the blind lead the blind? will they not both fall into the ditch?

Weymouth New Testament
He also spoke to them in figurative language. "Can a blind man lead a blind man?" He asked; "would not both fall into the ditch?

Majority Text Translations

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

World English Bible
He spoke a parable to them. “Can the blind guide the blind? Won’t they both fall into a pit?

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And He spoke an allegory to them, “Is blind able to lead blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?

Berean Literal Bible
And He spoke a parable also to them. "Is a blindman able to lead a blindman? Will they not both fall into a pit?

Young's Literal Translation
And he spake a simile to them, 'Is blind able to lead blind? shall they not both fall into a pit?

Smith's Literal Translation
And he spake to them a parable, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he spoke also to them a similitude: Can the blind lead the blind? do they not both fall into the ditch?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now he told them another comparison: “How can the blind lead the blind? Would they not both fall into a pit?

New American Bible
And he told them a parable, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?

New Revised Standard Version
He also told them a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And he told them a parable, Can a blind man take care of a blind man? will they not both fall in a pit?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he told them a parable: “Can a blind man to lead a blind man? Will not both of them fall into a ditch?”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And he spoke a parable to them: Can the blind lead the blind? Will not both fall into the pit?

Godbey New Testament
And He spoke a parable unto them,Whether is the blind able to lead the blind? will they not both fall into the ditch?

Haweis New Testament
And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? will they not both fall into the pit?

Mace New Testament
And by way of comparison he said to them, can the blind lead the blind without tumbling both into the ditch?

Weymouth New Testament
He also spoke to them in figurative language. "Can a blind man lead a blind man?" He asked; "would not both fall into the ditch?

Worrell New Testament
And He spake also a parable to them:"Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?

Worsley New Testament
And He said to themby way of parable, Can a blindman guide a blindman? willthey not both fall into a ditch?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Do Not Judge
…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.”39 Jesus 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.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Matthew 15:14
Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Matthew 23:16-24
Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ / You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? / And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ ...

Romans 2:19
if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness,

Isaiah 42:18-20
Listen, you deaf ones; look, you blind ones, that you may see! / Who is blind but My servant, or deaf like the messenger I am sending? Who is blind like My covenant partner, or blind like the servant of the LORD? / Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear.”

John 9:39-41
Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” / Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?” / “If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”

Proverbs 4:19
But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble.

Jeremiah 5:21
“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.

Matthew 7:3-5
Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? / How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye? / You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

2 Peter 1:9
But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Isaiah 56:10
Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber.

Matthew 13:13-15
This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ / In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’

1 John 2:11
But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Zephaniah 1:17
I will bring such distress on mankind that they will walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their flesh like dung.

Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

1 Corinthians 8:9-12
Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. / For if someone with a weak conscience sees you who are well informed eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols? / So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. ...

Treasury of Scripture

And he spoke a parable to them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

Can.

Isaiah 9:16
For the leaders of this people causethem to err; andthey that are led of themare destroyed.

Isaiah 56:10
His watchmenare blind: they are all ignorant, theyare all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

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.

shall.

Jeremiah 6:15
Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the timethat I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 8:12
Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 14:15,16
Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed…

Jump to Previous

Bestowed Blind Ditch Fall Falling Form Full Gifts Guide Lead Measure Parable Pit Possible Pour Pressed Running Shaken Story Teaching Together Use Won't

Jump to Next

Bestowed Blind Ditch Fall Falling Form Full Gifts Guide Lead Measure Parable Pit Possible Pour Pressed Running Shaken Story Teaching Together Use Won't

Luke 6

1.Jesus reproves the Pharisees;
12.chooses apostles;
17.heals the diseased;
20.preaches to his disciples before the people: the beattitudes;
27.Love your Enemy
37.Do not Judge
43.A Tree and Its Fruit
46.The House on the Rock

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Jesus also told them a parable:
Parables were a common teaching method used by Jesus to convey spiritual truths through simple stories or analogies. This approach was effective in engaging listeners and prompting them to think deeply about the message. Parables often contained layers of meaning, accessible to those willing to seek understanding. In this context, Jesus uses a parable to address the issue of spiritual leadership and discernment.

Can a blind man lead a blind man?
This rhetorical question highlights the absurdity and danger of spiritual ignorance. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, blindness was often seen as a metaphor for lack of understanding or insight. The religious leaders of the time, such as the Pharisees, were often criticized by Jesus for their spiritual blindness despite their positions of authority. This phrase underscores the importance of having spiritually enlightened leaders who can guide others in truth.

Will they not both fall into a pit?
The imagery of falling into a pit would resonate with Jesus' audience, as pits or cisterns were common hazards in the landscape of ancient Israel. This phrase serves as a warning about the consequences of following leaders who lack true spiritual vision. It echoes the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, such as Proverbs, which often warns of the dangers of folly and the importance of seeking wisdom. The pit symbolizes the spiritual ruin that results from misguided leadership and the failure to discern truth.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Jesus Christ
The speaker of the parable, Jesus uses this metaphor to teach His disciples about spiritual discernment and leadership.

2.The Disciples
The primary audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being prepared for their roles as leaders and teachers.

3.The Blind Man
Represents those who lack spiritual insight or understanding.

4.The Pit
Symbolizes the danger or destruction that results from following misguided or uninformed leaders.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Discernment
We must seek spiritual discernment and wisdom from God to avoid being led astray by those who lack true understanding.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
Leaders in the church must be spiritually sighted, grounded in Scripture, and led by the Holy Spirit to guide others effectively.

Self-Examination
Regularly examine your own spiritual sight. Are you following God's guidance, or are you relying on human wisdom?

The Role of Scripture
Scripture is our guide and light. Regular study and meditation on God's Word are essential to avoid spiritual blindness.

Community and Accountability
Engage in a community of believers who can provide guidance, correction, and encouragement in your spiritual journey.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Luke 6:39?

2.How does Luke 6:39 warn against following spiritually blind leaders today?

3.What qualities should a leader have to avoid being "blind" in Luke 6:39?

4.How does Luke 6:39 connect with Proverbs 11:14 about guidance and safety?

5.In what ways can you ensure you're not spiritually blind in your walk?

6.How can Luke 6:39 guide your choice of mentors and spiritual advisors?

7.What does "Can the blind lead the blind?" imply about spiritual leadership in Luke 6:39?

8.How does Luke 6:39 challenge our understanding of guidance and wisdom?

9.What historical context influenced Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:39?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 6?

11.What happens when the blind lead the blind?

12.What happens when the blind lead the blind?

13.What does spiritual blindness mean?

14.What did the centurion say when Jesus dies? Certainly this man was innocent (Luke 23:47) Truly this man was the Son of God (Mark 15:39)

What Does Luke 6:39 Mean

Jesus also told them a parable

• Jesus is addressing His disciples immediately after teaching on loving enemies and judging rightly (Luke 6:27–38).

• By calling this statement a parable, He signals a simple image carrying a moral punch, just as He often does inMatthew 13:34 andMark 4:2–3.

• Luke’s placement shows the parable flows from His warning against hypocrisy (Luke 6:37–38). The Lord often uses brief parables to drive home heart issues (cf.Matthew 7:24–27).

Can a blind man lead a blind man?

• Physical blindness pictures spiritual blindness—lack of understanding of God’s ways (Isaiah 42:18–20).

• A “leader” without spiritual sight misguides others. Jesus elsewhere calls the Pharisees “blind guides of the blind” (Matthew 15:14), underscoring that leaders themselves must first see the truth.

• The question exposes the folly of following anyone who ignores or distorts Scripture. AsPsalm 119:105 says, only God’s word is a lamp to our feet; without it, everyone is groping in the dark.

• For disciples, the point is personal: before you presume to guide others, open your own eyes to Christ’s teaching (cf.James 1:22–25).

Will they not both fall into a pit?

• The “pit” pictures unavoidable ruin that awaits both leader and follower who reject divine light (Proverbs 28:10).

• Jesus warns that bad guidance harms more than the guide; it drags trusting souls into disaster (Hosea 4:9, “Like people, like priest”).

• The certainty—“will they not”—shows that consequences for spiritual negligence are sure.Galatians 6:7 reminds us, “God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap.”

• Positively, those who follow Christ, the Light of the world (John 8:12), walk safely and help others avoid the pit (2 Corinthians 4:6).

summary

Luke 6:39 warns that anyone spiritually blind—unwilling to submit to God’s truth—cannot guide others without disaster. Christ calls His disciples to open their eyes through His word, reject blind guides, and become reliable lights themselves. Only sighted followers of Jesus can lead others away from the pit and toward life.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(39)And he spake a parable unto them.--The verse is noticeable (1) as causing a break in the discourse which has no parallel in the Sermon on the Mount; (2) as giving an example of the wider sense of the word "parable," as applicable to any proverbial saying that involved a similitude. On the proverb itself, quoted in a very different context, see Note onMatthew 15:14. Here its application is clear enough. The man who judges and condemns another is as the blind leader of the blind. Assuming St. Paul to have known the Sermon on the Plain, we may trace an echo of the words in the "guide of the blind" ofRomans 2:19.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 39. -And he spake a parable unto them. St. Luke closes his report of the great sermon with four little parables taken from everyday life. With these pictures drawn from common life, the Master purposed to bring home to the hearts of the men and women listening to him the solemn warnings he had just been enunciating. They - if they would be his followers - must indeed refrain from ever setting up themselves as judges of others. "See," he went on to say, "I will show you what ruin this wicked, ungenerous practice will result in: listen to me."Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? It is not improbable that some of the links in the Master's argument here have been omitted by St. Luke; still, the connection of this saying and what follows, with the preceding grave warning against the bitter censorious spirit which had exercised so fatal an influence on religious teaching in Israel, is clear. The figure ofthe blind man setting himself up as a guide was evidently in the Lord's mind as a fair representation of the present thought-leaders of the people (the Pharisees). This is evident from the imagery of the beam and mote which follows (vers. 41, 42). Can these blind guides lead others more ignorant and blind too? What is the natural result? he asks; will not destruction naturally overtake the blind leader and the blind led? Both will, of course, end by falling into the ditch.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

[Jesus] also told
Εἶπεν(Eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

them
αὐτοῖς(autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

a parable:
παραβολὴν(parabolēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3850:From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.

“Can
δύναται(dynatai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1410:(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

a blind [man]
τυφλὸς(typhlos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5185:Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.

lead
ὁδηγεῖν(hodēgein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3594:To lead, guide; met: I instruct, teach. From hodegos; to show the way (teach).

a blind [man]?
τυφλὸν(typhlon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5185:Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.

{Will they} not
οὐχὶ(ouchi)
IntPrtcl
Strong's 3780:By no means, not at all. Intensive of ou; not indeed.

both
ἀμφότεροι(amphoteroi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 297:Both (of two). Comparative of amphi; both.

fall
ἐμπεσοῦνται(empesountai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1706:To fall in, be cast in, be involved in. From en and pipto; to fall on, i.e. to be entrapped by, or be overwhelmed with.

into
εἰς(eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

a pit?
βόθυνον(bothynon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 999:A pit, ditch. Akin to bathuno; a hole; specially, a cistern.

Links

Luke 6:39 NIV
Luke 6:39 NLT
Luke 6:39 ESV
Luke 6:39 NASB
Luke 6:39 KJV

Luke 6:39 BibleApps.com
Luke 6:39 Biblia Paralela
Luke 6:39 Chinese Bible
Luke 6:39 French Bible
Luke 6:39 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Luke 6:39 He spoke a parable to them (Luke Lu Lk)