What does Luke 6:39 mean?

Explanation

Luke 6:39 presents a rhetorical question posed by Jesus to his listeners within the form of a parable.

The question, "Can the blind lead the blind?" invites listeners to consider the absurdity of a blind person attempting to guide another blind person; naturally, both would lack the visual capacity to avoid pitfalls along their path, resulting in them both falling into a ditch.

The literal meaning is straightforward; it would be unwise and potentially dangerous for someone who is blind to act as a guide for another blind person.

Beyond the surface level, the verse is metaphorically highlighting the importance of spiritual discernment and the folly of following leaders who lack true insight and understanding.

The "blind" in this context refers to spiritual or moral blindness, rather than physical sightlessness.

Jesus is cautioning against placing trust in those who are not themselves guided by truth and wisdom.

The "ditch" represents the potential consequences that come from following such misguided leadership, namely, falling into error or misfortune.

Historical Context

This passage comes from the Gospel of Luke, written around AD 80-110.

The context of Luke is the wider Roman Empire, with particular focus on the why and how of Jesus' teachings and works.

At the time, Jewish communities had various sects, such as the Sadducees and Pharisees, with significant influence over religious and daily life.

This parable may have been addressing the leaders of such groups, whom Jesus often challenged for their legalistic approaches and hypocrisy, suggesting that they were spiritually "blind" leaders.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse emphasizes the importance of discernment in choosing religious leaders.

It warns against false prophets and teachers, a recurrent theme in the New Testament.

In Catholic and Orthodox traditions, this has often been interpreted to reinforce the need for apostolic succession and teachings that align with church authority rooted in Christ's original disciples.

In Protestant traditions, it underscores the importance of scriptural literacy so that individuals may not be led astray by false doctrines.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse may be applied by being cautious about whom we follow or look up to as role models.

This applies not just in a spiritual or religious context but also in our secular lives.

It can also act as a reminder to strive for personal growth and awareness so that we do not become "blind" leaders ourselves, potentially influencing others negatively through our actions or advice.

Cross-References

• Matthew 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 23:16, 24: "Woe unto you, ye blind guides..."
• Jeremiah 23:16: "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "blind" is "τυφλός" (typhlos), which can refer to both physical and metaphorical blindness.

The word "lead" is "ὁδηγεῖ" (hodegei), from which we derive the term "guide." This word choice emphasizes the responsibility that comes with leading others.

The term translated as "ditch" is "βόθυνον" (bothynon), which could refer to a pit or hole in the ground, symbolizing a perilous end.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons with other ancient myths or religious interpretations might include themes of blindness as a form of punishment or ignorance, with figures such as Tiresias in Greek mythology, who was physically blind but possessed spiritual insight.

In Hinduism, there is a story in the Mahabharata where the blind king Dhritarashtra is guided by the wise Sanjaya, who had been granted divine vision.

This can be juxtaposed with Jesus' teaching to illustrate the difference between leaders with genuine insight versus those without.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, blindness as described in the parable might be examined through the prism of cognitive biases and decision-making.

Our modern understanding of psychology recognizes that individuals can be 'blind' to certain aspects of reality due to inherent biases or lack of knowledge, which can lead to poor judgment and errors, paralleling the spiritual warning given by Jesus.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Luke 6:39 offer varied interpretations of this parable's meaning.

Renowned biblical scholars like William Barclay note that the principle warns against the danger of choosing inadequate spiritual role models, while others such as John Gill comment on the Pharisees' spiritual blindness as an example of the leaders described.

Matthew Henry emphasizes self-awareness in our capabilities to lead and teach others, suggesting that one must first be enlightened by the grace of God before attempting to guide others in spiritual matters.