New Testament
Mark 2:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Nobody patches an old garment with a piece of unshrunk cloth. If you do, the new patch will shrink and pull away from the old fabric, making the tear even worse.
Compare translations
No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.
What Mark 2:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of sewing to illustrate a deeper truth about change and renewal. Just as you wouldn't patch an old garment with new cloth because the new fabric will shrink and worsen the tear, Jesus is indicating that His teachings and the new covenant cannot simply be added to the old religious practices. The old ways are incompatible with the new life He offers. This highlights the need for a complete transformation rather than a mere adjustment to existing beliefs. The message emphasizes that true faith in Christ requires a fresh start, not just a modification of previous traditions. It calls for a new mindset and approach to spirituality that aligns with the radical nature of Jesus' message.
How to apply Mark 2:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to embrace change in our spiritual lives. Instead of trying to fit new beliefs into old habits, we should seek a complete transformation. This might mean letting go of outdated practices and fully committing to the new life that faith in Christ offers.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Mark 2:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Mark 2:21
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 2:21 mean in simple terms?
Mark 2:21 uses the metaphor of sewing to convey that Jesus' teachings cannot be simply added to old religious practices. Just as a new patch on an old garment will eventually make the tear worse, trying to mix Jesus' new covenant with outdated traditions leads to conflict and confusion. This verse emphasizes the need for a complete transformation in our spiritual lives rather than just minor adjustments.
How can I apply Mark 2:21 to my life?
To apply Mark 2:21, consider areas in your life where you might be trying to blend new beliefs with old habits. Instead of patching up your spiritual life with temporary fixes, seek a complete renewal. This could mean letting go of outdated practices or mindsets that no longer serve you and fully embracing the new life that faith in Christ offers. It's about committing to a fresh start and aligning your life with the teachings of Jesus.
What is the significance of the new cloth in Mark 2:21?
The new cloth in Mark 2:21 symbolizes the fresh teachings and the new covenant that Jesus brings. It represents a radical change in how people relate to God, moving away from old religious laws to a more personal relationship through faith in Christ. The verse highlights that this new way cannot coexist with outdated practices, as they are fundamentally incompatible.
Why does Jesus use the example of sewing in Mark 2:21?
Jesus uses the example of sewing in Mark 2:21 to illustrate the incompatibility between His new teachings and the old religious traditions. The act of sewing a new patch onto an old garment serves as a vivid metaphor for how trying to mix the old with the new can lead to greater problems. It emphasizes the need for a complete transformation in our approach to faith and spirituality.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.