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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 6:39 Jesus also told them a parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/6-39.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/42_Luk_06_39.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 6:39 - Do Not Judge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Jesus also told them a parable: Can a blind man lead a blind man? 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Will they not both fall into a pit? <a href="/nlt/luke/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Jesus gave the following illustration: “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch? <a href="/esv/luke/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? <a href="/bsb/luke/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? <a href="/blb/luke/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> 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? <a href="/kjv/luke/6.htm">King James Bible</a> And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? <a href="/nkjv/luke/6.htm">New King James Version</a> And He spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? <a href="/nasb_/luke/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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? <a href="/nasb/luke/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> And He also spoke a parable to them: &#8220A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit? <a href="/nasb77/luke/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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? <a href="/lsb/luke/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And He also spoke a parable to them: “Can a blind man guide a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? <a href="/amp/luke/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> 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? <a href="/csb/luke/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He also told them a parable: “Can the blind guide the blind? Won’t they both fall into a pit? <a href="/hcsb/luke/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He also told them a parable: &#8220Can the blind guide the blind? Won&#8217t they both fall into a pit? <a href="/asv/luke/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he spake also a parable unto them, Can the blind guide the blind? shall they not both fall into a pit? <a href="/cev/luke/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> 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? <a href="/erv/luke/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he spake also a parable unto them, Can the blind guide the blind? shall they not both fall into a pit? <a href="/gwt/luke/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Jesus also gave them this illustration: "Can one blind person lead another? Won't both fall into the same pit? <a href="/gnt/luke/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> And Jesus told them this parable: "One blind man cannot lead another one; if he does, both will fall into a ditch. <a href="/isv/luke/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> 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? <a href="/msb/luke/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Jesus also told them a parable: ?Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? <a href="/net/luke/6.htm">NET Bible</a> 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? <a href="/nheb/luke/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He spoke a parable to them. "Can the blind guide the blind? Won't they both fall into a pit? <a href="/wbt/luke/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he spoke a parable to them; Can the blind lead the blind? will they not both fall into the ditch? <a href="/wey/luke/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> 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? <a href="/web/luke/6.htm">World English Bible</a> He spoke a parable to them. “Can the blind guide the blind? Won’t they both fall into a pit? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And He spoke an allegory to them, “Is blind able to lead blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? <a href="/blb/luke/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> 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? <a href="/ylt/luke/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he spake a simile to them, 'Is blind able to lead blind? shall they not both fall into a pit? <a href="/slt/luke/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he spake to them a parable, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he spoke also to them a similitude: Can the blind lead the blind? do they not both fall into the ditch? <a href="/cpdv/luke/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now he told them another comparison: “How can the blind lead the blind? Would they not both fall into a pit? <a href="/nabre/luke/6.htm">New American Bible</a> And he told them a parable, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? <a href="/nrsvce/luke/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He also told them a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he told them a parable, Can a blind man take care of a blind man? will they not both fall in a pit? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he told them a parable: “Can a blind man to lead a blind man? Will not both of them fall into a ditch?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And he spoke a parable to them: Can the blind lead the blind? Will not both fall into the pit? <a href="/godbey/luke/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And He spoke a parable unto them, <FR>Whether is the blind able to lead the blind? will they not both fall into the ditch?<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? will they not both fall into the pit? <a href="/mace/luke/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a> And by way of comparison he said to them, can the blind lead the blind without tumbling both into the ditch? <a href="/wey/luke/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> 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? <a href="/worrell/luke/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And He spake also a parable to them: <FR>"Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>And He said to them <Fr>by way of<FR> parable, Can a blind <Fr>man<FR> guide a blind <Fr>man?<FR> will <Fr>they<FR> not both fall into a ditch?<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/6-39.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=2397" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/6.htm">Do Not Judge</a> …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<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: Eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">Jesus also told</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/3850.htm" title="3850: parabolēn (N-AFS) -- From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.">a parable:</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynatai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">“Can</a> <a href="/greek/5185.htm" title="5185: typhlos (Adj-NMS) -- Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.">a blind man</a> <a href="/greek/3385.htm" title="3385: Mēti (IntPrtcl) -- If not, unless, whether at all. From me and the neuter of tis; whether at all."></a> <a href="/greek/3594.htm" title="3594: hodēgein (V-PNA) -- To lead, guide; met: I instruct, teach. From hodegos; to show the way (teach).">lead</a> <a href="/greek/5185.htm" title="5185: typhlon (Adj-AMS) -- Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.">a blind man?</a> <a href="/greek/3780.htm" title="3780: ouchi (IntPrtcl) -- By no means, not at all. Intensive of ou; not indeed.">Will they not</a> <a href="/greek/297.htm" title="297: amphoteroi (Adj-NMP) -- Both (of two). Comparative of amphi; both.">both</a> <a href="/greek/1706.htm" title="1706: empesountai (V-FIM-3P) -- 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.">fall</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">into</a> <a href="/greek/999.htm" title="999: bothynon (N-AMS) -- A pit, ditch. Akin to bathuno; a hole; specially, a cistern.">a pit?</a> 40A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a> Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Matthew 23:16-24</a> 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.’ ... <a href="/romans/2-19.htm">Romans 2:19</a> if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness, <a href="/isaiah/42-18.htm">Isaiah 42:18-20</a> 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.” <a href="/john/9-39.htm">John 9:39-41</a> 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.” <a href="/proverbs/4-19.htm">Proverbs 4:19</a> But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. <a href="/jeremiah/5-21.htm">Jeremiah 5:21</a> “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear. <a href="/matthew/7-3.htm">Matthew 7:3-5</a> 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. <a href="/2_peter/1-9.htm">2 Peter 1:9</a> But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. <a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Matthew 13:13-15</a> 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.’ <a href="/1_john/2-11.htm">1 John 2:11</a> 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. <a href="/zephaniah/1-17.htm">Zephaniah 1:17</a> 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. <a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a> 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9-12</a> 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. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he spoke a parable to them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?Can.<a href="/isaiah/9-16.htm">Isaiah 9:16</a> For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.<a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10</a> His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.<a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a> Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.shall.<a href="/jeremiah/6-15.htm">Jeremiah 6:15</a> 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.<a href="/jeremiah/8-12.htm">Jeremiah 8:12</a> 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.<a href="/jeremiah/14-15.htm">Jeremiah 14:15,16</a> 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… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/19-11.htm">Bestowed</a> <a href="/luke/4-19.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Ditch</a> <a href="/luke/2-34.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/luke/4-22.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/luke/3-22.htm">Form</a> <a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Full</a> <a href="/luke/1-53.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/luke/1-79.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/mark/14-44.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Measure</a> <a href="/luke/5-36.htm">Parable</a> <a href="/mark/12-1.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/luke/1-37.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Pour</a> <a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Pressed</a> <a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Running</a> <a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Shaken</a> <a href="/luke/5-36.htm">Story</a> <a href="/luke/6-7.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Together</a> <a href="/luke/6-34.htm">Use</a> <a href="/luke/6-37.htm">Won't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/7-21.htm">Bestowed</a> <a href="/luke/6-40.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/luke/6-40.htm">Ditch</a> <a href="/luke/6-40.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/luke/8-8.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/luke/8-4.htm">Form</a> <a href="/luke/6-45.htm">Full</a> <a href="/luke/11-13.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/john/10-16.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/luke/11-4.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/luke/11-33.htm">Measure</a> <a href="/luke/8-4.htm">Parable</a> <a href="/luke/8-31.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/luke/18-27.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/luke/7-47.htm">Pour</a> <a href="/luke/8-42.htm">Pressed</a> <a href="/luke/17-23.htm">Running</a> <a href="/luke/7-24.htm">Shaken</a> <a href="/luke/7-17.htm">Story</a> <a href="/luke/7-2.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/luke/8-4.htm">Together</a> <a href="/luke/7-21.htm">Use</a> <a href="/luke/11-11.htm">Won't</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 6</div>1. <a href="/luke/6-1.htm">Jesus reproves the Pharisees;</a> 12. <a href="/luke/6-12.htm">chooses apostles;</a> 17. <a href="/luke/6-17.htm">heals the diseased;</a> 20. <a href="/luke/6-20.htm">preaches to his disciples before the people: the beattitudes;</a> 27. <a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Love your Enemy</a> 37. <a href="/luke/6-37.htm">Do not Judge</a> 43. <a href="/luke/6-43.htm">A Tree and Its Fruit</a> 46. <a href="/luke/6-46.htm">The House on the Rock</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>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.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of the parable, Jesus uses this metaphor to teach His disciples about spiritual discernment and leadership. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> The primary audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being prepared for their roles as leaders and teachers. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_blind_man.htm">The Blind Man</a> Represents those who lack spiritual insight or understanding. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_pit.htm">The Pit</a> Symbolizes the danger or destruction that results from following misguided or uninformed leaders.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a> We must seek spiritual discernment and wisdom from God to avoid being led astray by those who lack true understanding. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_leadership.htm">The Importance of Godly Leadership</a> Leaders in the church must be spiritually sighted, grounded in Scripture, and led by the Holy Spirit to guide others effectively. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Regularly examine your own spiritual sight. Are you following God's guidance, or are you relying on human wisdom? <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_scripture.htm">The Role of Scripture</a> Scripture is our guide and light. Regular study and meditation on God's Word are essential to avoid spiritual blindness. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a> Engage in a community of believers who can provide guidance, correction, and encouragement in your spiritual journey.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 6</a> <a href="/q/george_mand#252;ller__bio,_quotes,_legacy.htm">What happens when the blind lead the blind?</a> <a href="/q/what_if_the_blind_lead_the_blind.htm">What happens when the blind lead the blind?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_spiritual_blindness_mean.htm">What does spiritual blindness mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_did_the_centurion_say_at_jesus'_death.htm">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)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 <a href="/matthew/15-14.htm" title="Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.">Matthew 15:14</a>. 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 <a href="/romans/2-19.htm" title="And are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,">Romans 2:19</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>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. <a href="/commentaries/luke/6-39.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[Jesus] also told Εἶπεν (Eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. them αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_3850.htm">Strong's 3850: </a> From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage. “Can δύναται (dynatai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (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 <a href="/greek/strongs_5185.htm">Strong's 5185: </a> Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind. lead ὁδηγεῖν (hodēgein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3594.htm">Strong's 3594: </a> To lead, guide; met: I instruct, teach. From hodegos; to show the way (teach). a blind [man]? τυφλὸν (typhlon) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5185.htm">Strong's 5185: </a> Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind. {Will they} not οὐχὶ (ouchi) IntPrtcl <a href="/greek/strongs_3780.htm">Strong's 3780: </a> By no means, not at all. Intensive of ou; not indeed. both ἀμφότεροι (amphoteroi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_297.htm">Strong's 297: </a> Both (of two). Comparative of amphi; both. fall ἐμπεσοῦνται (empesountai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1706.htm">Strong's 1706: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. a pit? βόθυνον (bothynon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_999.htm">Strong's 999: </a> A pit, ditch. Akin to bathuno; a hole; specially, a cistern. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/6-39.htm">Luke 6:39 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/6-39.htm">Luke 6:39 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/6-39.htm">Luke 6:39 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/6-39.htm">Luke 6:39 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/6-39.htm">Luke 6:39 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/6-39.htm">Luke 6:39 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/6-39.htm">Luke 6:39 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/6-39.htm">Luke 6:39 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/6-39.htm">Luke 6:39 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/6-39.htm">Luke 6:39 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/6-39.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 6:39 He spoke a parable to them (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/6-38.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 6:38"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 6:38" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/6-40.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 6:40"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 6:40" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>