New Testament
Luke 5:37
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And nobody pours new wine into old wineskins. If you did, the new wine would burst the skins — the wine would spill out and the skins would be ruined.
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And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
What Luke 5:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of new wine and old wineskins to illustrate a deeper spiritual truth. New wine, which is still fermenting, expands and needs a flexible container to accommodate its growth. Old wineskins, however, have already become rigid and brittle, unable to stretch. If new wine is poured into them, the pressure from fermentation will cause the old skins to burst, resulting in the loss of both the wine and the skins. This teaching emphasizes the need for new ways of thinking and living that align with the fresh message of the Gospel. It suggests that the old religious practices and mindsets cannot contain the transformative power of Jesus' teachings. Instead, believers must be open to change and renewal in their faith to fully embrace the new life offered through Christ.
How to apply Luke 5:37 to your life
This verse encourages us to be open to change in our spiritual lives. Just as old wineskins cannot hold new wine, rigid mindsets can hinder our growth. Embrace new ideas and practices that align with your faith, allowing for personal and spiritual transformation.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 5:37
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 5:37 mean?
Luke 5:37 uses the metaphor of new wine and old wineskins to illustrate that new ideas and teachings cannot fit into old, rigid structures. It emphasizes the need for flexibility and openness to change in order to embrace the transformative message of Jesus.
What is the meaning of new wine in Luke 5:37?
In Luke 5:37, new wine represents the fresh teachings and transformative power of Jesus. It signifies the need for a new approach to faith that cannot be contained by outdated beliefs or practices.
How does Luke 5:37 apply to my life?
Luke 5:37 encourages individuals to be open to change and new ideas in their spiritual journey. It suggests that rigid beliefs can hinder personal growth, and embracing new practices can lead to transformation.
What does old wineskins symbolize in Luke 5:37?
In Luke 5:37, old wineskins symbolize outdated beliefs and rigid mindsets that cannot accommodate new spiritual truths. They represent the limitations of traditional practices when faced with the dynamic message of the Gospel.
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