King James Version

What Does Luke 6:39 Mean?

Luke 6:39 in the King James Version says “And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 6:39 · KJV

Context

37

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

38

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

39

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

40

The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. that: or, shall be perfected as his master

41

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Read Luke 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Can blind lead blind shall they not both fall into ditch. Rhetorical question expects no. Blind tuphlos spiritually blind. Lead hodēgein guide. Both amphoteroi leader follower. Fall pesountai stumble. Ditch bothynon pit. Blind leading blind results in disaster. Spiritually blind teachers lead followers to ruin. Pharisees were blind guides (Matt 15:14). Need teachers who see spiritual truth. Reformed theology emphasizes qualified eldership. Not all can teach. Must be spiritually mature grounded in truth.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Context Jesus teaching about judging others judging self first (v. 41-42). Blind leaders Pharisees hypocrites. See speck in others eye miss log in own. Must have spiritual sight to lead others. Teaching office requires maturity knowledge humility. Paul warns against novices in leadership (1 Tim 3:6). Early church recognized qualified elders overseers. Medieval church sometimes elevated based on politics not qualification. Reformation recovered biblical eldership qualified shepherds. Modern church celebrity pastors sometimes unqualified. Need return to biblical qualifications for leadership.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does blind leading blind teach about necessity of qualified mature spiritual leadership?
  2. How can church ensure leaders are spiritually mature not merely popular or charismatic?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Εἶπεν1 of 14

“he spake”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

παραβολὴν3 of 14

“a parable”

G3850

a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage

αὐτοῖς·4 of 14

“unto them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Μήτι5 of 14
G3385

whether at all

δύναται6 of 14

“Can”

G1410

to be able or possible

τυφλὸν7 of 14

“the blind”

G5185

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)

τυφλὸν8 of 14

“the blind”

G5185

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)

ὁδηγεῖν9 of 14

“lead”

G3594

to show the way (literally or figuratively (teach))

οὐχὶ10 of 14

“not”

G3780

not indeed

ἀμφότεροι11 of 14

“both”

G297

(in plural) both

εἰς12 of 14

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

βόθυνον13 of 14

“the ditch”

G999

a hole (in the ground); specially, a cistern

πεσοῦνται14 of 14

“fall”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 6:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 6:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 15:142 Timothy 3:13Jeremiah 14:15-161 Timothy 6:3-5Matthew 23:16-26Zechariah 11:15-17

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 6 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes