Matthew 9:17
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.
Matthew 9:17 · King James Version
Meaning
The passage "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" conveys a metaphorical message about the importance of embracing change and adapting to new situations. In the context of the Bible, this verse is often interpreted as a lesson about the need to be open to spiritual growth and transformation. Just as old wineskins cannot withstand the fermenting process of new wine and would burst, causing both the wine and the container to be lost, in life, we must be willing to let go of outdated beliefs or habits in order to make room for personal growth and development. By being open to new experiences and perspectives, we can ensure our own preservation and fulfillment. The verse serves as a reminder that staying stagnant or resisting change can lead to destruction, while embracing change can lead to preservation and growth.
Theological Overview
One prevalent theological interpretation of the verse "Neither do men put new wine into old bottles" is that it serves as a metaphor for the importance of embracing change and renewal in one's spiritual life. The concept of old bottles representing rigid and outdated beliefs or practices, while new wine symbolizes fresh insights and spiritual growth, underscores the idea that one must be open to receiving and integrating new ideas and experiences to fully thrive in their faith journey.
Furthermore, this verse can be understood through a word study of the term "bottles." In the context of the biblical era, bottles were typically made of skins, which would expand as new wine fermented. Putting new wine into old bottles that had already been stretched to their limit would result in the skins breaking, causing the wine to spill and ultimately ruining both the wine and the bottle. This demonstrates the necessity of using new, flexible vessels to contain the effervescent nature of new wine, highlighting the importance of adaptability and receptivity in spiritual growth and transformation.
Matthew 9:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
Neither do [men] put new wine into old wine-skins: else the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins perish: but they put new wine into fresh wine-skins, and both are preserved.
World English Bible
Neither do people put new wine into old wine skins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the skins ruined. No, they put new wine into fresh wine skins, and both are preserved.”
Douay-Rheims
Neither do they put new wine into old bottles. Otherwise the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish. But new wine they put into new bottles: and both are preserved.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Neither doe they put newe wine into olde vessels: for then the vessels would breake, and the wine woulde be spilt, and the vessels shoulde perish: but they put new wine into newe vessels, and so are both preserued.