Devine Scripture

Luke 6:39

What does Luke 6:39 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 6:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 6:39 means

Jesus spoke a parable, asking, "Can the blind guide the blind? Shall they not both fall into a pit?" This metaphor warns against unqualified leadership and emphasizes the necessity of spiritual insight in those who presume to guide others. It implies that those lacking true spiritual discernment or sound doctrine cannot effectively lead others in the path of righteousness; instead, they will lead both themselves and their followers into error or destruction. The parable underscores the critical importance of a clear-sighted teacher.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he spake also a parable unto them, Can the blind guide the blind? shall they not both fall into a pit?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he spake also a parable unto them, Can the blind guide the blind? shall they not both fall into a pit?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he gave them teaching in the form of a story, saying, Is it possible for one blind man to be guide to another? will they not go falling together into a hole?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he spake a simile to them, `Is blind able to lead blind? shall they not both fall into a pit?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he spoke also to them a similitude: Can the blind lead the blind? Do they not both fall into the ditch?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he spoke also a parable to them: Can a blind [man] lead a blind [man]? shall not both fall into [the] ditch?

Context

Following the teachings on mercy and giving, this verse introduces a series of parables and illustrations about spiritual discernment and the nature of true discipleship. This parable immediately highlights the danger of following unqualified leadership, setting a critical tone for understanding authenticity. It transitions to the importance of a disciple's relationship with their teacher and self-examination before attempting to guide others.

v.38give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again.

v.39This passage

v.40The disciple is not above his teacher: but every one when he is perfected shall be as his teacher.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 2:19

    and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them that are in darkness,

  • Isaiah 9:16

    For they that lead this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.

  • Matthew 23:16

    Woe unto you, ye blind guides, that say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor.

  • Jeremiah 14:15

    Therefore thus saith Jehovah 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.

  • 2 Timothy 3:13

    But evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

  • Micah 3:6

    Therefore it shall be night unto you, that ye shall have no vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down upon the prophets, and the day shall be black over them.

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