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If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/15-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/15-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/15.htm">Chapter 15</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/15-13.htm" title="Matthew 15:13">◄</a> Matthew 15:14 <a href="/matthew/15-15.htm" title="Matthew 15:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/15.htm">New International Version</a> Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/15.htm">New Living Translation</a> so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.” <a href="/esv/matthew/15.htm">English Standard Version</a> Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/bsb/matthew/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/blb/matthew/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Leave them! They are blind guides of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit." <a href="/kjv/matthew/15.htm">King James Bible</a> Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/15.htm">New King James Version</a> Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Leave them alone; they are blind guides of blind people. And if a person who is blind guides another who is blind, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/nasb/matthew/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/amp/matthew/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Leave them alone; they are blind guides [leading blind followers]. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/csb/matthew/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Leave them alone! They are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Leave them alone! They are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit. <a href="/cev/matthew/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Stay away from those Pharisees! They are like blind people leading other blind people, and all of them will fall into a ditch." <a href="/erv/matthew/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit. <a href="/gwt/matthew/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Leave them alone! They are blind leaders. When one blind person leads another, both will fall into the same pit." <a href="/gnt/matthew/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Don't worry about them! They are blind leaders of the blind; and when one blind man leads another, both fall into a ditch." <a href="/isv/matthew/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If one blind person leads another blind person, both will fall into a ditch." <a href="/net/matthew/15.htm">NET Bible</a> Leave them! They are blind guides. If someone who is blind leads another who is blind, both will fall into a pit." <a href="/nheb/matthew/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit." <a href="/wbt/matthew/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leadeth the blind, both will fall into the ditch. <a href="/wey/matthew/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind; and if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into some pit."<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/matthew/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/web/matthew/15.htm">World English Bible</a> Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> leave them alone, they are guides—blind of blind; and if blind may guide blind, both will fall into a ditch.” <a href="/blb/matthew/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Leave them! They are blind guides of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit." <a href="/ylt/matthew/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> let them alone, guides they are -- blind of blind; and if blind may guide blind, both into a ditch shall fall.' <a href="/slt/matthew/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Let them go: they are blind guides of the blind. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Let them alone: they are blind, and leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the pit. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Leave them alone. They are blind, and they lead the blind. But if the blind are in charge of the blind, both will fall into the pit.” <a href="/nabre/matthew/15.htm">New American Bible</a> Let them alone; they are blind guides (of the blind). If a blind person leads a blind person, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Leave them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if the blind lead around the blind, both will fall into a pit. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Let them alone. They are blind guides of the blind; but if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Let them alone; they are blind leaders of the blind; and if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the pit. <a href="/godbey/matthew/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Let them alone: the blind are leaders of the blind: if the blind may lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Leave them to themselves: they are blind leaders of the blind. But if the blind lead the blind, they will both fall into the pit. <a href="/mace/matthew/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a> let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind, now if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. <a href="/wey/matthew/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind; and if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into some pit." <a href="/worrell/matthew/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>Let them alone; they are blind guides; and if a blind man be guiding a blind man, both will fall into a pit."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Regard them not; <Fr>for<FR> they are blind guides of the blind: and if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/15-14.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/hriiyJYqzvc?start=4325" 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/matthew/15.htm">What Defiles a Man</a> …13But Jesus replied, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by its roots. 14<a href="/greek/863.htm" title="863: aphete (V-AMA-2P) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">Disregard</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- 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/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">They are</a> <a href="/greek/5185.htm" title="5185: typhloi (Adj-NMP) -- Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.">blind</a> <a href="/greek/3595.htm" title="3595: hodēgoi (N-NMP) -- A leader, guide; met: an instructor, teacher. From hodos and hegeomai; a conductor (teacher).">guides.</a> <a href="/greek/5185.htm" title="5185: typhlōn (Adj-GMP) -- Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind."></a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">If</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/3594.htm" title="3594: hodēgē (V-PSA-3S) -- To lead, guide; met: I instruct, teach. From hodegos; to show the way (teach).">leads</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/297.htm" title="297: amphoteroi (Adj-NMP) -- Both (of two). Comparative of amphi; both.">both</a> <a href="/greek/4098.htm" title="4098: pesountai (V-FIM-3P) -- A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall.">will 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> 15Peter said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.”…<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="/luke/6-39.htm">Luke 6:39</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="/isaiah/9-16.htm">Isaiah 9:16</a> For those who guide this people mislead them, and those they mislead are swallowed up. <a href="/isaiah/42-19.htm">Isaiah 42:19</a> 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? <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="/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="/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="/jeremiah/5-31.htm">Jeremiah 5:31</a> The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end? <a href="/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4</a> The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <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="/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="/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="/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40</a> “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.” <a href="/ezekiel/13-10.htm">Ezekiel 13:10</a> Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built, <a href="/1_timothy/1-7.htm">1 Timothy 1:7</a> They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert. <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a> And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.Let.<a href="/hosea/4-17.htm">Hosea 4:17</a> Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.<a href="/1_timothy/6-5.htm">1 Timothy 6:5</a> Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.they.<a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Matthew 23:16-24</a> Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! … <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/42-19.htm">Isaiah 42:19</a> Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?And if.<a href="/jeremiah/5-31.htm">Jeremiah 5:31</a> The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?<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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/14-23.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/matthew/12-11.htm">Ditch</a> <a href="/matthew/12-11.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/matthew/13-8.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/micah/7-5.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-28.htm">Guides</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-19.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/matthew/12-11.htm">Hole</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-3.htm">Leadeth</a> <a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/matthew/12-11.htm">Pit</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/17-8.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/matthew/15-30.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/luke/6-39.htm">Ditch</a> <a href="/matthew/15-27.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/matthew/15-27.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/matthew/23-10.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/matthew/23-10.htm">Guides</a> <a href="/john/18-3.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/matthew/21-13.htm">Hole</a> <a href="/mark/9-2.htm">Leadeth</a> <a href="/matthew/18-12.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/mark/12-1.htm">Pit</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 15</div>1. <a href="/matthew/15-1.htm">Jesus reproves the Scribes and Pharisees </a> 7. <a href="/matthew/15-7.htm">for transgressing God's commandments through their own traditions;</a> 10. <a href="/matthew/15-10.htm">teaches how that which goes into the mouth does not defile a man.</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/15-21.htm">He heals the daughter of the woman of Canaan,</a> 29. <a href="/matthew/15-29.htm">and other great multitudes;</a> 32. <a href="/matthew/15-32.htm">and with seven loaves and a few small fish feeds four thousand men</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/matthew/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Disregard them! In this context, Jesus is speaking about the Pharisees and religious leaders who were offended by His teachings. The command to "disregard" them highlights the need to prioritize God's truth over human traditions. This echoes the Old Testament warnings against false prophets and teachers who lead people away from God's commandments (<a href="/jeremiah/23-16.htm">Jeremiah 23:16</a>). The emphasis is on discerning true spiritual authority and not being swayed by those who appear religious but lack genuine understanding.They are blind guides. The metaphor of "blind guides" is a powerful image illustrating the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees. Despite their knowledge of the Law, they failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and misunderstood the heart of God's commandments. This blindness is not physical but spiritual, indicating a lack of insight and understanding. The term "guide" suggests a role of leadership and responsibility, which makes their blindness even more perilous. This concept is further explored in <a href="/isaiah/42-18.htm">Isaiah 42:18-20</a>, where the blindness of Israel's leaders is lamented.If a blind man leads a blind man, This phrase underscores the danger of following leaders who lack true spiritual vision. In the cultural context of the time, guides were essential for safe travel, especially in unfamiliar or treacherous terrain. The imagery of a blind man leading another blind man highlights the futility and risk of such a situation. It serves as a warning to the followers of the Pharisees, urging them to seek leaders who have genuine insight and understanding of God's will.both will fall into a pit.” The "pit" symbolizes destruction and calamity, a common metaphor in biblical literature for the consequences of sin and poor judgment (<a href="/psalms/7-15.htm">Psalm 7:15</a>). In the historical context, pits were often used as traps or storage, and falling into one could be dangerous or fatal. This phrase warns of the inevitable downfall that results from following spiritually blind leaders. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and the need to follow those who truly understand and live by God's Word. The imagery also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and separation from God that awaits those who reject His truth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, addressing His disciples about the Pharisees. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a> A religious group in Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions, whom Jesus criticizes for their hypocrisy. 3. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> Followers of Jesus who are being instructed by Him in this passage. 4. <a href="/topical/b/blind_guides.htm">Blind Guides</a> A metaphor used by Jesus to describe the Pharisees, indicating their spiritual blindness and inability to lead others. 5. <a href="/topical/p/pit.htm">Pit</a> Symbolic of spiritual ruin or destruction, representing the consequences of following false leaders.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a> Believers must exercise discernment in choosing whom to follow, ensuring their leaders are aligned with biblical truth. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_blind_leadership.htm">Consequences of Blind Leadership</a> Following leaders who are spiritually blind can lead to personal and communal spiritual downfall. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Christians should regularly examine their own spiritual sight, ensuring they are not blind to God's truth. <a href="/topical/r/responsibility_of_leaders.htm">Responsibility of Leaders</a> Those in leadership positions within the church must seek God's wisdom and guidance to lead others effectively. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_hypocrisy.htm">Avoiding Hypocrisy</a> Like the Pharisees, Christians must guard against hypocrisy, ensuring their actions align with their professed beliefs.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 15</a> <a href="/q/what_if_the_blind_lead_the_blind.htm">What happens when the blind lead the blind?</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_does_spiritual_blindness_mean.htm">What does spiritual blindness mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_can't_prayer_regrow_amputated_limbs.htm">Why has no amputee ever regrown a limb through prayer?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) They be blind leaders of the blind.--It would appear from <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> that the phrase was one in common use to describe the ideal of the Rabbi's calling. Now they heard it in a new form, which told them that their state was the very reverse of that ideal. And that which was worst in it was that their blindness was self-chosen (<a href="/matthew/13-15.htm" title="For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.">Matthew 13:15</a>), and that they were yet all unconscious of it, and boasted that they saw (<a href="/john/9-41.htm" title="Jesus said to them, If you were blind, you should have no sin: but now you say, We see; therefore your sin remains.">John 9:41</a>).If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.--The proverb was probably a familiar one (it is given in St. <a href="/luke/6-39.htm" title="And he spoke a parable to them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?">Luke 6:39</a> as part of the Sermon on the Plain), but, as now spoken, it had the character of a prophecy. We have but to read the Jewish historian's account of the years that preceded the destruction of Jerusalem to see what the "ditch" was towards which teachers and people were alike blindly hastening. Bitter sectarianism, and wild dreams, and baseless hopes, and maddened zeal, and rejection of the truth which alone had power to save them, this was the issue which both were preparing for themselves, and from which there was no escape.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - Let them alone. Do not trouble yourselves about them; let them be offended, if they will. Blind leaders of the blind. Both teachers and taught are alike ignorant of the truth. The people had no spiritual light, and, applying to their appointed pastors, they learned nothing profitable from them; for these were as much in the dark as themselves. It was evident, then, that the rabbis ought not to be followed unreservedly. If the blind. A proverbial saying. Comp. Horat., 'Epp.,' I, 17:3 - "... ut si Caecus iter monstrare velit." And the Greek adage, Μήτε τυφλὸν ὁδηγόν, μήτε ἐκνόητον σύμβουλον. Nosgen calls attention to the order of the words, Τυφλὸς δὲ τυφλὸν ἐὰν ὁδηγῇ, "Blind blind if he lead," which, while it substantiates the advice, "Let them alone," forcibly expresses the fatal result of this guidance. The ditch (βόθυνον); a pitfall (comp. <a href="/isaiah/24-17.htm">Isaiah 24:17, 18</a>, Septuagint, where it is used as the translation of the Hebrew pachath, a pit in which wild animals are taken). The "ditch" in one sense is unbelief in Christ, to which rabbinical teaching undoubtedly led. In another sense it adumbrates the ruin in which these false principles would involve the Jewish polity and people. It is obvious that the rejection of the Messiah drew down the punishment which has made the Hebrew nation an astonishment to all the world. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/15-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Disregard ἄφετε (aphete) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications. them! αὐτούς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 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. They are εἰσιν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. blind τυφλοί (typhloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5185.htm">Strong's 5185: </a> Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind. guides. ὁδηγοί (hodēgoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3595.htm">Strong's 3595: </a> A leader, guide; met: an instructor, teacher. From hodos and hegeomai; a conductor (teacher). If ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. [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. leads ὁδηγῇ (hodēgē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <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. both ἀμφότεροι (amphoteroi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_297.htm">Strong's 297: </a> Both (of two). Comparative of amphi; both. will fall πεσοῦνται (pesountai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4098.htm">Strong's 4098: </a> A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall. 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/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 15:14 Leave them alone (Matt. 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