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 blind man able to lead a blind man? 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 guide another 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?

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?

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?

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 blind man able to lead a blind man? 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 them by way of parable, Can a blind man guide a blind man? will they 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.…

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 cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.

Isaiah 56:10
His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are 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 time that 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…

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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














He also told them a parable
The use of parables by Jesus is a profound method of teaching, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. Parables are simple accounts used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. The Greek word for parable, "parabolē," means a comparison or analogy. Jesus often used parables to convey complex truths in a relatable manner, engaging the listener's imagination and prompting deeper reflection. In this context, Jesus is preparing to impart wisdom that requires contemplation and discernment.

Can a blind man lead a blind man?
This rhetorical question is a powerful illustration of the necessity for spiritual insight and guidance. The Greek word for "blind," "typhlos," not only refers to physical blindness but also to a lack of understanding or insight. In the historical context, the Pharisees were often criticized by Jesus for their spiritual blindness despite their religious knowledge. This phrase challenges leaders and teachers to ensure they possess true spiritual vision before guiding others.

Will they not both fall into a pit?
The imagery of falling into a pit is a vivid warning of the consequences of spiritual ignorance. The "pit" symbolizes danger, error, or destruction, a common metaphor in Jewish literature for the consequences of sin or folly. In ancient times, pits were often used as traps or prisons, emphasizing the peril of being led astray. This phrase serves as a cautionary reminder of the responsibility that comes with leadership and the importance of seeking divine wisdom.

(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 on Matthew 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" of Romans 2:19.

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 of the 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.


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Luke 6:38
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