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The blind leading the blind

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.
Read in Context

Modern Meaning

What Does “The blind leading the blind” Mean?

An ignorant person guiding another ignorant person.

Biblical Origin

Where Does This Phrase Come From?

Jesus used this vivid image to describe the Pharisees and their followers — leaders who lacked true spiritual sight guiding people who trusted them. The inevitability of the ditch makes the metaphor devastatingly effective.

The phrase appears in Matthew 15:14 in the King James Version of the Bible, first published in 1611.

Usage Today

How Is It Used Today?

Describes incompetent leadership. "Asking the intern to train the new hire is the blind leading the blind."

The KJV Verse

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.

Read Matthew 15:14 with commentary →

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