New Testament
Luke 5:37
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of new wine and old wineskins to illustrate a deeper spiritual truth.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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.
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.
Verse Analysis
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. Explore related transformation.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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