He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The parable here isn't just a warning against incompetent leadership; it's a sharp call to self-awareness. Jesus is highlighting that the primary danger of "blindness" is not leading others astray, but the catastrophic pitfall awaiting the "blind leader" themselves.
He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just delivered a powerful teaching about judging others, emphasizing mercy and forgiveness. Following this, he uses a series of practical parables and analogies to illustrate the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of discerning truth, beginning with this proverb about blind leaders leading the blind.
Ever wondered why some advice just doesn't seem to lead anywhere good? Jesus uses a stark image to show us.
Jesus poses a question: 'Can a blind man lead a blind man?' The answer is a resounding no.
Jesus warns us about a certain kind of judgment. It’s not about discernment, but about self-righteous condemnation.
This parable about the blind leading the blind is deeply connected to Jesus's preceding commands: 'Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned.'
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Understand the original words
typhlos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Someone who lacks spiritual insight, understanding, or the light of the gospel. It describes a state of being lost or unable to perceive the truth of God's kingdom.
This parable arises from Jesus' teaching, particularly in the context of His discipleship training, where He cautions them against the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders and the dangers of poor spiritual guidance.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus is actively teaching, healing, and gathering disciples across Galilee and Judea, often in conflict with religious leaders.
Early 1st century AD
Pharisaic Influence
The Pharisees, a prominent religious group, wield significant influence over the populace and often challenge Jesus' teachings and practices.
Early 1st century AD
Discipleship Training
Jesus is systematically teaching His core followers, preparing them to carry on His mission and understand deeper spiritual truths.
This passage directly parallels the 'blind leading the blind' imagery, explicitly stating that the Pharisees were blind guides and that if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit. It emphasizes the danger of following those who lack true spiritual understanding.
Romans 2:19This verse describes those who presume to instruct others in the law but are blind to their own failings, highlighting the hypocrisy of 'blind guides.' It speaks to the disconnect between outward instruction and inward spiritual sight.
Proverbs 14:7This proverb warns against conversing with a foolish person, suggesting a parallel to the idea that engaging with those who lack wisdom (the 'blind') can lead to negative consequences for oneself.
1 John 2:11John warns that hating a brother means walking in darkness and that the one who hates his brother is 'in the darkness and walks in it, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.' This connects spiritual blindness to a lack of love and an inability to navigate life's path.
barnesLuke 6:39: "And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?"
A parable - A proverb or similitude. Can the blind lead the blind? - See the notes at Matthew 15:14.
calvinLuke 6:37-42: "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"
- Judge not, that you may not be judged. 2. For with what judgment you judge you shall be judged, and with what measure you measure, it shall be measured to you again. 3. And why seest thou the straw, which is in thy brother's eye, and perceivest not the beam which is in thine eye? 4. Or how shall thou say to thy brother, Allow me to pull the straw out of thine…
The parable here isn't just a warning against incompetent leadership; it's a sharp call to self-awareness. Jesus is highlighting that the primary danger of "blindness" is not leading others astray, but the catastrophic pitfall awaiting the "blind leader" themselves.
Jesus has just delivered a powerful teaching about judging others, emphasizing mercy and forgiveness. Following this, he uses a series of practical parables and analogies to illustrate the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of discerning truth, beginning with this proverb about blind leaders leading the blind.
Jesus has just delivered a powerful teaching about judging others, emphasizing mercy and forgiveness. Following this, he uses a series of practical parables and analogies to illustrate the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of discerning truth, beginning with this proverb about blind leaders leading the blind.
"He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?" — The parable here isn't just a warning against incompetent leadership; it's a sharp call to self-awareness. Jesus is highlighting that the primary danger of "blindness" is not leading others astray, b…
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Last reviewed October 2026