New Testament
Matthew 9:17
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 they did, the skins would burst, the wine would spill out, and the skins would be ruined. Instead, new wine goes into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved."
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Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
What Matthew 9:17 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 flexible, new wineskins to expand without breaking. Old wineskins, which have already been stretched, cannot accommodate the new wine without bursting. This symbolizes the need for new approaches and mindsets when embracing the teachings of Jesus. The old religious practices and traditions cannot contain the new life and teachings He brings. Just as new wine requires new wineskins, the message of Jesus requires a fresh understanding and openness to change. This highlights the importance of being adaptable and receptive to new spiritual insights, rather than clinging to outdated beliefs that may hinder growth and transformation.
How to apply Matthew 9:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to be open to new ideas and changes in our spiritual lives. We should not cling to outdated beliefs or practices that may prevent us from experiencing growth. Embracing new perspectives can lead to a deeper understanding of faith and a more vibrant spiritual life.
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 9:17 mean?
Matthew 9:17 uses the metaphor of new wine and old wineskins to illustrate that new teachings and spiritual insights require fresh perspectives. Just as new wine needs flexible wineskins to expand, the message of Jesus needs open minds willing to embrace change.
What is the significance of new wine in Matthew 9:17?
In Matthew 9:17, new wine represents the fresh teachings of Jesus that cannot be contained within old religious practices. This signifies the need for adaptability and openness to new spiritual understandings.
What does the term 'old wineskins' refer to in this verse?
The term 'old wineskins' in Matthew 9:17 refers to outdated beliefs and traditions that cannot accommodate new spiritual insights. It emphasizes the importance of letting go of old practices to embrace new growth.
How can I apply Matthew 9:17 to my life?
You can apply Matthew 9:17 by being open to new ideas and changes in your spiritual journey. Avoid clinging to outdated beliefs that may limit your growth and be willing to explore fresh perspectives.
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