New Testament
Mark 2:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Nobody pours new wine into old wineskins either. The new wine would burst the old skins, and you'd lose both the wine and the skins. New wine needs fresh wineskins."
Compare translations
And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.
What Mark 2:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of wine and wineskins to illustrate a deeper spiritual truth. New wine, which is still fermenting, needs new wineskins that can stretch and adapt to the changes. Old wineskins, which are rigid and brittle, cannot handle the pressure of new wine and will burst, resulting in the loss of both the wine and the skins. This teaching emphasizes the importance of being open to new ideas and changes in faith and practice. Jesus was introducing a new way of understanding God’s relationship with humanity, which could not be contained within the old religious structures. The message encourages believers to embrace transformation and renewal in their spiritual lives, rather than clinging to outdated traditions that may hinder growth.
How to apply Mark 2:22 to your life
This verse challenges us to evaluate our own lives and faith practices. Are we holding onto old habits or beliefs that prevent us from growing spiritually? Embracing new ideas and being open to change can lead to a more vibrant and fulfilling faith experience.
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 2:22
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 2:22
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 2:22 mean?
Mark 2:22 uses the metaphor of new wine and old wineskins to illustrate that new ideas and practices in faith require fresh approaches. Just as old wineskins cannot stretch to hold new wine, outdated beliefs may hinder spiritual growth.
What is the meaning of new wine in Mark 2:22?
In Mark 2:22, new wine represents fresh teachings and spiritual insights that are dynamic and evolving. It signifies the new covenant Jesus brings, which cannot be confined to old religious structures.
How does Mark 2:22 apply to my life?
Mark 2:22 encourages individuals to assess their beliefs and practices. It prompts you to consider whether you are open to new ideas that can enhance your spiritual journey or if you are stuck in outdated habits.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.