Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together! It’s a really important one about transformation and healing. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that sometimes, things don’t work when they’re trying to be the same way again. It's like when you put new sugar into an old bottle of water – it doesn’t mix well and can cause problems. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Neither do men put new wine into old bottles” : This refers to situations where people are trying to fix something that's already broken or outdated. It’s like trying to repair a car with rusted parts – it’s going to be difficult and the result might not be good. “…else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish” : This is the scary part! If we don't do something new , different , or better , things can fall apart. The bottles (representing a person, relationship, or situation) will break down because they’re not compatible anymore. The wine (representing hope, healing, or potential) will run out – it won’t flow as easily. And finally, the bottles will be destroyed – that means everything is lost. “But they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved” : This is the good part! When we introduce something new , like fresh ideas, a different approach, or a new perspective, it can actually make things better. It’s like replacing the old bottle with a brand new one – it’s stronger, more effective, and allows everything to flow better. And because it's new and different , it remains intact and continues to work well. In a nutshell: It’s about change and renewal. We need to introduce something fresh and appropriate to fix things, or else things will fall apart. What does this mean in practice? This verse is often used when someone is struggling with a difficult situation – maybe they're feeling stuck, discouraged, or hopeless. It encourages us to: Don’t stay in situations that are hindering your progress. Be open to new possibilities and approaches. Change things for the better! Do you want me to: Explain it further with a specific example? Discuss what this verse might be saying about overcoming challenges?