Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus commands his disciples to "let them alone," not in the sense of ignoring the danger of false teaching, but to stop concerning themselves with the Pharisees' offended reactions. The real issue isn't external purity, but the internal spiritual blindness that causes leaders and followers to inevitably plunge into ruin together.
Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just declared that true uncleanness doesn't come from what goes into a person, but from what comes out of their heart, specifically mentioning wicked thoughts and deeds. His disciples point out that the Pharisees are offended by this teaching, and Jesus dismisses their concerns, stating that any teaching not from God will be uprooted. He then directly addresses the Pharisees' spiritual blindness, calling them blind guides whose misguided leadership will lead others to ruin.
Jesus calls the religious leaders 'blind guides.' What does this really mean for their followers and for us today?
When Jesus calls the Pharisees and scribes 'blind guides,' he's not just saying they're mistaken. He's declaring they are profoundly unable to see spiritual truth, and worse, they are leading others astray.
Spiritual Incompetence
The 'blindness' here isn't physical; it's spiritual. They were so focused on their traditions and external rules that they missed the heart of God's law and the very Messiah standing before them. Their knowledge was intellectual, not life-giving.
Leading Others to Ruin
This blindness makes them dangerous leaders. A blind guide can't see the dangers on the path, like hidden pits or cliffs. They might think they're leading people to safety, but their lack of true sight guarantees disaster for anyone who follows them without question.
Jesus warns that following blind guides leads to falling into a 'pit.' What kind of pit is this?
The 'pit' Jesus refers to is more than just a physical hazard; it represents ultimate destruction and separation from God.
Divine Judgment
This pit symbolizes the judgment that awaits those who reject God's truth and guidance. It's a place of ruin, both spiritually and, in the context of Jesus' warning to the Jews, ultimately leading to national catastrophe.
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The Cost of Misguided Faith
Whether it's the leaders or the followers, both face ruin. The leaders are condemned for their arrogance and deception, while the followers are condemned for their willful ignorance and refusal to seek true light. It highlights that true faith requires discerning leaders and a personal commitment to truth.
Understand the original words
typhlos hodēgos · Greek Adjective/Noun
A metaphor for a person who presumes to instruct others in spiritual matters while lacking spiritual insight, discernment, or true revelation from God.
bothynos · Greek Noun
A metaphor for destruction, judgment, or ruin; it represents the inevitable consequence for those who follow false teaching and reject God's guidance.
Jesus's warning against the 'blind guides' like the Pharisees directly addressed the spiritual peril of his time, a peril that would tragically culminate in the destruction of Jerusalem decades later, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of following misguided leadership.
c. 27 AD
Jesus Begins Public Ministry
Jesus begins to teach and perform miracles, attracting followers and challenging established religious authorities like the Pharisees.
c. 28 AD
Jesus Delivers Sermon on the Plain (Luke)
Luke records Jesus teaching similar "blind leading the blind" sentiments, indicating this proverb was part of Jesus's general teaching.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Cleansing the Temple
Jesus's disruptive actions in the Temple further alienated the religious elite, increasing tensions.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Pharisees Offended by Jesus' Teachings
The Pharisees are increasingly upset by Jesus's teachings, particularly his reinterpretation of religious law and his critique of their traditions, as seen in the lead-up to this verse.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Predicts Destruction of Jerusalem
Jesus foretells the future destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, a prophecy that would have been starkly contrasted with the Pharisees' misplaced confidence.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple, fulfilling Jesus's prophecies and highlighting the catastrophic end for those who followed misguided leaders.
This passage directly quotes the same proverb, highlighting Jesus' consistent warning about the dangers of unqualified spiritual leadership and the resulting downfall.
Matthew 23:16Jesus reiterates this theme of blind guides, specifically condemning the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and their inability to discern true spiritual matters, leading others astray.
Isaiah 9:16This Old Testament passage describes how the leaders of Israel misled the people, causing them to err and be destroyed, mirroring the consequence of blind leaders and followers falling into ruin.
Proverbs 26:7This proverb offers a similar, though more concise, warning about the futility of a foolish person attempting to impart wisdom, reflecting the essence of the blind leading the blind.
John 9:41In this narrative, Jesus confronts the Pharisees about their spiritual blindness, showing that their refusal to acknowledge their lack of understanding makes them culpable and unable to guide others.
calvinMatthew 15:10-20: "And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:"
- And having called the multitudes to him, he said to them, Hear and understand. 11. What entereth into the mouth polluteth not the man, but what goes out of the mouth polluteth the man. 12. Then his disciples approaching said to him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended when they heard that saying? 13. But he answering, said, Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be roote…
bensonMatthew 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."
Matthew 15:14 . Let them alone — Do not trouble or concern yourselves about their censures: neither court their favour nor dread their displeasure, nor much care though they be offended. Seek not to please a generation of men that please not God, 1 Thessalonians 2:15 ; and will be pleased with nothing less than absolute dominion over your consciences. They be bli…
Jesus commands his disciples to "let them alone," not in the sense of ignoring the danger of false teaching, but to stop concerning themselves with the Pharisees' offended reactions. The real issue isn't external purity, but the internal spiritual blindness that causes leaders and followers to inevitably plunge into ruin together.
Jesus has just declared that true uncleanness doesn't come from what goes into a person, but from what comes out of their heart, specifically mentioning wicked thoughts and deeds. His disciples point out that the Pharisees are offended by this teaching, and Jesus dismisses their concerns, stating that any teaching not from God will be uprooted. He then directly addresses the Pharisees' spiritual blindness, calling them blind guides whose misguided leadership will lead others to ruin.
Jesus has just declared that true uncleanness doesn't come from what goes into a person, but from what comes out of their heart, specifically mentioning wicked thoughts and deeds. His disciples point out that the Pharisees are offended by this teaching, and Jesus dismisses their concerns, stating that any teaching not from God will be uprooted. He then directly addresses the Pharisees' spiritual blindness, calling them blind guides whose misguided leadership will lead others to ruin.
"Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”" — Jesus commands his disciples to "let them alone," not in the sense of ignoring the danger of false teaching, but to stop concerning themselves with the Pharisees' offended reactions. The real issue i…
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Last reviewed October 2026