New Testament
Matthew 9:16
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 unshrunk cloth. The new patch would pull away from the old fabric and make the tear even worse.
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No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
What Matthew 9:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of an old garment and a new patch to illustrate a deeper spiritual truth. The old garment represents outdated religious practices or beliefs, while the new patch symbolizes the fresh teachings of Jesus. If one tries to combine the two, the new patch, which has not yet shrunk, will pull away from the old fabric when it is washed, causing further damage. This highlights the incompatibility of the new covenant Jesus brings with the old covenant of the law. It emphasizes that the transformative message of Jesus cannot simply be added to existing traditions; it requires a complete renewal of understanding and practice. The essence of Jesus' teachings calls for a radical change in how people relate to God, moving away from mere ritual to a genuine relationship based on faith and grace.
How to apply Matthew 9:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our own beliefs and practices. Are we trying to mix old habits with new faith? Embracing Jesus means letting go of outdated ways and fully accepting His transformative message, which calls for a fresh start in our spiritual journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 9:16 mean?
Matthew 9:16 uses the metaphor of an old garment and a new patch to illustrate that the teachings of Jesus cannot simply be added to outdated religious practices. It emphasizes the need for a complete renewal in understanding and practice.
What is the meaning of the old garment in Matthew 9:16?
In Matthew 9:16, the old garment represents outdated religious beliefs and practices that are incompatible with the new teachings of Jesus. It signifies the limitations of traditional approaches to faith.
What is the significance of the new patch in Matthew 9:16?
The new patch in Matthew 9:16 symbolizes the fresh and transformative teachings of Jesus. It highlights that these new teachings cannot be mixed with old traditions without causing further damage.
How does Matthew 9:16 relate to spiritual renewal?
Matthew 9:16 relates to spiritual renewal by illustrating that embracing Jesus requires letting go of old habits and fully accepting His transformative message. It calls for a fresh start in one's spiritual journey.
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