King James Version

What Does Mark 2:22 Mean?

Mark 2:22 in the King James Version says “And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the... — study this verse from Mark chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles. bottles: or, sacks of skin

Mark 2:22 · KJV


Context

20

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

21

No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. new cloth: or, raw, or, unwrought cloth

22

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles. bottles: or, sacks of skin

23

And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went , to pluck the ears of corn.

24

And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus extends the new-versus-old contrast: 'No man putteth new wine into old bottles.' New wine, still fermenting, produces gas that expands containers. Old wineskins, already stretched, lack flexibility and burst under pressure. This illustrates the gospel's dynamic, transformative power that can't be contained in old covenant forms. The 'new wine' represents the Holy Spirit's energizing presence. The 'new bottles' represent new covenant structures—faith community not bound by ceremonial law but characterized by Spirit-indwelling, faith in Christ, and mission to all nations. Reformed theology emphasizes that the gospel creates new people requiring new forms.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Wine storage in first-century Palestine used leather wineskins from goats or sheep. Fresh skins were supple and expandable; aged skins became brittle. Jesus' teaching challenged the assumption that Messiah would simply restore old covenant Judaism. The early church's separation from Judaism (synagogue to church, Saturday to Sunday worship, circumcision to baptism) enacted this principle. Church history warns against fossilizing gospel structures into new legalism.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'old wineskins' might you be clinging to that prevent the Spirit's fresh work?
  2. How can the church honor biblical authority while remaining flexible in cultural methods?
  3. What traditions have you elevated to the same level as Scripture, and how does this hinder gospel ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 33 words
καὶ1 of 33

And

G2532

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

οὐδεὶς2 of 33

no man

G3762

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

βάλλει3 of 33

putteth

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

οἶνον4 of 33

the wine

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

νέον5 of 33

new

G3501

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

εἰς6 of 33

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἀσκοὺς7 of 33

bottles

G779

a leathern (or skin) bag used as a bottle

παλαιούς·8 of 33

old

G3820

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

εἰ9 of 33
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ10 of 33
G1161

but, and, etc

μή11 of 33
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ῥήσσει12 of 33

doth burst

G4486

to "break," "wreck" or "crack", i.e., (especially) to sunder (by separation of the parts; g2608 being its intensive (with the preposition in compositi

13 of 33
G3588

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

οἶνον14 of 33

the wine

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

15 of 33
G3588

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

νέον16 of 33

new

G3501

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

τοὺς17 of 33
G3588

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

ἀσκοὺς18 of 33

bottles

G779

a leathern (or skin) bag used as a bottle

καὶ19 of 33

And

G2532

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

20 of 33
G3588

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

οἶνον21 of 33

the wine

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

ἐκχεῖται,22 of 33

is spilled

G1632

to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow

καὶ23 of 33

And

G2532

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

οἱ24 of 33
G3588

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

ἀσκοὺς25 of 33

bottles

G779

a leathern (or skin) bag used as a bottle

ἀπόλοῦνται26 of 33

will be marred

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

ἀλλὰ27 of 33

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οἶνον28 of 33

the wine

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

νέον29 of 33

new

G3501

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

εἰς30 of 33

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἀσκοὺς31 of 33

bottles

G779

a leathern (or skin) bag used as a bottle

καινούς32 of 33

new

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

βλητέον33 of 33

must be put

G992

fit to be cast (i.e., applied)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 2:22 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 Mark 2:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study