New wine cannot be put in old wineskin

A classic biblical phrase!

The phrase "new wine cannot be put into old wineskins" is from Matthew 9:17, Mark 2:22, and Luke 5:37. It is a metaphorical expression used by Jesus to describe the relationship between the old covenant and the new covenant.

In ancient times, wineskins were made from animal hides or woven bags. When new wine was poured into an old wineskin, the fermentation process would cause the skin to expand and eventually burst, resulting in a loss of the wine. This was because the old skin was no longer flexible enough to accommodate the new, more potent wine.

Jesus used this analogy to explain that the old covenant, which was given through Moses, was no longer suitable for the new, more powerful message of salvation that he was bringing. The old covenant was like the old wineskin, which was no longer able to contain the new, more potent wine of the gospel.

In other words, the old covenant was not equipped to handle the new, more radical teachings of Jesus, such as forgiveness of sins, salvation through faith alone, and the promise of eternal life. The old covenant was like a wineskin that was no longer flexible or strong enough to contain the new wine of the gospel.

This phrase has been interpreted in various ways throughout history, but its core message remains the same: that the old ways of thinking and living are no longer sufficient for the new, more powerful message of salvation that Jesus brings.