King James Version

What Does Luke 5:39 Mean?

Luke 5:39 in the King James Version says “No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.”

Luke 5:39 · KJV

Context

37

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

38

But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.

39

No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better—This final verse completes Jesus's parable about wineskins (5:36-39), adding a psychological observation missing from Matthew and Mark's accounts. The Greek eutheos (εὐθέως, straightway/immediately) emphasizes the instinctive preference: The old is better (ho palaios chrestos estin, ὁ παλαιὸς χρηστός ἐστιν)—literally "the old is good/pleasant."

Jesus diagnoses human resistance to the new covenant: people comfortable with old religious systems (Judaism's traditions) resist the gospel's newness not from theological evaluation but from habitual preference. The scribes and Pharisees questioning Jesus's disciples' practices (5:33) illustrated this: their objection wasn't that fasting is biblical but that Jesus's approach didn't match their traditions. The verse functions as both explanation (why the Pharisees resist Jesus) and warning (don't let tradition-preference blind you to God's new work). It anticipates later conflicts: Jesus healing on Sabbath (6:1-11), eating with sinners (15:1-2), and ultimately the Jewish leaders' rejection of Messiah despite prophetic fulfillment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism had developed extensive oral traditions (later codified as Mishnah and Talmud) interpreting Torah's application. These traditions—fasting practices, ritual purity laws, Sabbath regulations—had become so central that they often overshadowed Scripture itself. Jesus consistently challenged tradition's authority while affirming Torah's authority (Matthew 5:17-18), provoking conflict with religious leaders invested in the status quo.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'old wine' (comfortable traditions or familiar religious practices) might you be preferring over Jesus's challenging new covenant demands?
  2. How can church traditions become obstacles to embracing fresh moves of God's Spirit, and how do you discern between preserving truth and resisting change?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge both religious traditionalism (preferring old) and novelty-seeking (rejecting old) by pointing to the substance of Christ Himself?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐδεὶς2 of 13

“No man”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

πιὼν3 of 13

“having drunk”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

παλαιὸς4 of 13

“The old”

G3820

antique, i.e., not recent, worn out

εὐθέως5 of 13

“wine straightway”

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

θέλει6 of 13

“desireth”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

νέον·7 of 13

“new”

G3501

"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate

λέγει8 of 13

“he saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

γάρ9 of 13

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

Ὁ10 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παλαιὸς11 of 13

“The old”

G3820

antique, i.e., not recent, worn out

χρηστότερός12 of 13

“better”

G5543

employed, i.e., (by implication) useful (in manner or morals)

ἐστιν13 of 13

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 5:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 5:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:39Jeremiah 6:16Mark 7:7-13Romans 4:11-12Hebrews 11:1-2

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