Saying 34

English

Jesus said, ‘If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.’

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Interpretation

The version of this saying in Matthew is used describe the Pharisees. Luke inserts it more haphazardly, between other comments about not judging others and disciples not being superior to their teachers. The position of Saying 34, after a sequence of teachings about Jesus’ followers being public and resilient, may suggest the author intended it to be understood as describing the opposite of Jesus’ disciples.

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Parallels

Matthew

15.14 ‘Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.’

Luke

6.39 He also told them a parable. ‘Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?’