InsteadThis word indicates a contrast or alternative to what was previously mentioned. In the context of
Luke 5, Jesus is responding to questions about fasting and the practices of His disciples. The use of "instead" suggests a shift from old traditions to new practices introduced by Jesus.
new wine
In biblical times, new wine refers to freshly pressed grape juice that is still fermenting. It symbolizes new teachings, the new covenant, and the transformative power of the Gospel. The new wine represents the fresh and dynamic work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, contrasting with the old ways of the Pharisees and the law.
is poured
The act of pouring signifies the intentional and careful introduction of something new. In the context of Jesus' ministry, it reflects the deliberate dissemination of His teachings and the establishment of the new covenant. This imagery also suggests abundance and generosity, as wine was a symbol of joy and blessing in Jewish culture.
into new wineskins
Wineskins were made from animal hides and used to store wine. New wineskins were necessary for new wine because they were flexible and could expand with the fermentation process. This phrase highlights the need for new structures and mindsets to accommodate the new life and teachings brought by Jesus. It underscores the incompatibility of the old legalistic system with the new covenant of grace. The new wineskins symbolize the renewed hearts and minds of believers who are receptive to the transformative work of Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching about the new covenant and the transformation it brings.
2.
Pharisees and Teachers of the LawReligious leaders who often questioned Jesus' teachings and practices, representing the old ways and traditions.
3.
Disciples of JesusFollowers of Jesus who are learning about the new ways of the Kingdom of God.
4.
New Wine and New WineskinsMetaphors used by Jesus to illustrate the necessity of new structures and mindsets to accommodate the new covenant.
5.
Old WineskinsSymbolic of the old covenant and traditional Jewish practices that cannot contain the new teachings of Jesus.
Teaching Points
The Necessity of RenewalJust as new wine requires new wineskins, our spiritual lives require renewal and transformation to accommodate the work of the Holy Spirit.
Embracing ChangeThe new covenant brought by Jesus calls for a departure from old traditions that cannot contain the new life in Christ.
Flexibility in FaithBelievers are encouraged to remain open and adaptable to the leading of the Holy Spirit, much like new wineskins are flexible to expand with new wine.
The Incompatibility of Old and NewAttempting to mix old religious practices with the new life in Christ can lead to spiritual stagnation or conflict.
Personal TransformationEach believer is called to become a new creation, allowing the transformative power of Christ to work within them.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 5:38?
2.How does Luke 5:38 illustrate the importance of spiritual renewal in our lives?
3.What does "new wine" symbolize in the context of Luke 5:38?
4.How can we ensure our "wineskins" are ready for God's new work today?
5.What Old Testament passages connect with the theme of renewal in Luke 5:38?
6.How can we apply the principle of new wineskins to our church community?
7.What does Luke 5:38 mean by "new wine must be poured into new wineskins"?
8.How does Luke 5:38 relate to the concept of spiritual renewal?
9.Why does Jesus use the metaphor of wineskins in Luke 5:38?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 5?
11.Can new ideas fit into old frameworks successfully?
12.Mark 2:18-22 - Why does Jesus' stance on fasting differ so greatly from Jewish customs, and does this contradict Old Testament laws?
13.In Luke 5:33-39, how do these teachings on fasting align or conflict with other biblical passages that strongly advocate regular fasts?
14.What is the Christian Perspective on drinking wine?What Does Luke 5:38 Mean
Instead•Luke 5:37 records Jesus saying, “And no one pours new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins.” Verse 38 opens with “Instead…”, signaling a clear contrast.
• Jesus is not offering a mere suggestion; He is drawing a line between two incompatible realities—the old forms of religion represented by the Pharisees and the fresh work He is inaugurating. SeeMatthew 9:17 andMark 2:22, where the same contrast appears.
• By using “instead,” the Lord affirms that His way is the only faithful alternative. Scripture speaks plainly and literally; two mutually exclusive systems cannot coexist (Galatians 5:4).
new wine• Wine, when freshly fermented, expands. Jesus uses it to picture the vibrant, living message of the gospel and the dawning New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34).
• This “new wine” includes:
– The forgiveness of sins through Christ’s atoning death (Hebrews 9:15).
– The indwelling Holy Spirit, promised inJoel 2:28–29 and fulfilled inActs 2:17.
– A new creation life for every believer (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• The text is literal; Jesus is talking about real wine and real skins to illustrate equally real spiritual truths.
is poured• “Is poured” underscores deliberate action. God does not drizzle grace; He pours it out abundantly (Romans 5:5).
• The passive voice signals God as the ultimate Actor. Humanity cannot manufacture redemption; the Lord sovereignly dispenses it (Titus 3:5–6).
• At Pentecost the Spirit was “poured out” (Acts 2:33), echoing the very language Jesus employs here, confirming the reliability of Scripture across passages.
into new wineskins• New skins are flexible, able to stretch with the fermenting wine. They picture hearts made new by God: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you” (Ezekiel 36:26).
• Attempting to fit Christ’s life-giving message into rigid, man-made systems results in spiritual rupture, just as old skins burst. The warning is literal and practical.
• Jesus raises up disciples willing to be reshaped—Nicodemus had to be “born again” (John 3:3), and Saul became Paul, a “chosen vessel” (Acts 9:15).
• The church likewise must remain supple, submitted to Scripture, not tradition, to contain the continual work of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:23).
summaryLuke 5:38 teaches that the living gospel (“new wine”) must be received by regenerated hearts and Spirit-led structures (“new wineskins”). God Himself pours out this life, demanding we abandon rigid religiosity and welcome His fresh, expanding work. The verse affirms, literally and accurately, that only when believers are renewed can they fully contain and display the fullness of Christ’s kingdom.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Instead,ἀλλὰ(alla)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.newνέον(neon)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3501:(a) young, youthful, (b) new, fresh.wineοἶνον(oinon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3631:Wine. A primary word (yayin); 'wine'.is pouredβλητέον(blēteon)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 992:A verbal adj: one must put, that ought to be put. From ballo; fit to be cast.intoεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.newκαινοὺς(kainous)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2537:Fresh, new, unused, novel. Of uncertain affinity; newwineskins.ἀσκοὺς(askous)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 779:A wine-skin, leather bottle. From the same as askeo; a leathern bag used as a bottle.
Links
Luke 5:38 NIVLuke 5:38 NLTLuke 5:38 ESVLuke 5:38 NASBLuke 5:38 KJV
Luke 5:38 BibleApps.comLuke 5:38 Biblia ParalelaLuke 5:38 Chinese BibleLuke 5:38 French BibleLuke 5:38 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Luke 5:38 But new wine must be put into (Luke Lu Lk) 
