Luke 5:36

KJV

And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was [taken] out of the new agreeth not with the old.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he spake {G3004} also {G2532} a parable {G3850} unto {G4314} them {G846};{G3754} No man {G3762} putteth {G1911} a piece {G1915} of a new {G2537} garment {G2440} upon {G1909} an old {G2440}{G3820}; if otherwise, then {G1490} both {G2532} the new {G2537} maketh a rent {G4977}, and {G2532} the piece {G1915} that was taken out of {G575} the new {G2537} agreeth {G4856} not {G3756} with the old {G3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he gave them an illustration: "No one tears a piece from a new coat and puts it on an old one; if he does, not only will the new one continue to rip, but the piece from the new will not match the old.

Berean Standard Bible

He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will tear the new garment as well, and the patch from the new will not match the old.

American Standard Version

And he spake also a parable unto them: No man rendeth a piece from a new garment and putteth it upon an old garment; else he will rend the new, and also the piece from the new will not agree with the old.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 5:36, Jesus employs a concise yet profound parable, likening His revolutionary message and the Kingdom of God to a new patch on an old garment. This illustration underscores the fundamental incompatibility between His vibrant, transformative teachings and the rigid, worn-out religious systems of His day. The parable warns that attempting to force a superficial integration will not only fail to improve the old but will ultimately damage both the new and the old, emphasizing the necessity of a complete spiritual renewal rather than mere reform.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable is part of a series of teachings Jesus delivers following a challenging encounter with the Pharisees and scribes. Immediately prior, they question why Jesus' disciples do not fast, unlike the disciples of John the Baptist and their own (Luke 5:33). Jesus responds with the analogy of wedding guests not fasting while the bridegroom is present (Luke 5:34-35), signifying that His presence inaugurates a time of joy and celebration, not mourning. The parable of the new patch and the subsequent parable of the new wine in old wineskins (Luke 5:37-39) serve as a unified explanation, clarifying that His ministry is not merely a modification of existing Judaism but a radical, new reality that cannot be contained within or reconciled with the old, legalistic framework. These parables collectively articulate the essential discontinuity between the old covenant system and the new covenant inaugurated by Christ.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society was deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law and the traditions developed by the elders, meticulously observed by groups like the Pharisees. Fasting was a common religious practice, often performed on specific days or as an act of piety. Garment repair was also a common household activity. People understood that new, unshrunk cloth, when sewn onto an old, already shrunken garment, would contract upon washing, causing the weaker, older fabric to tear, resulting in a worse condition than before. This everyday experience provided a vivid and relatable analogy for Jesus' audience, illustrating the practical impossibility and destructive nature of trying to combine disparate materials or systems. The parable speaks to the tension between the established religious order and the radical newness Jesus was introducing.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the **incompatibility of systems**. Jesus' ministry and the Kingdom of God He inaugurates are fundamentally distinct from the existing, rigid religious structures. His coming was not about reforming or slightly adjusting the old covenant or traditional Judaism; it was about ushering in a completely new reality, a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") that required a fundamental shift in understanding and practice. This leads to the theme of **the nature of transformation**, emphasizing that true spiritual change is not superficial but radical and comprehensive. The parable also highlights the **damage from forcing a fit**, illustrating that attempting to combine the vibrant, expanding truth of the Gospel with rigid, decaying traditions will only cause damage and disunity, rather than improvement. The "new maketh a rent" because the unshrunk new cloth, when washed, would shrink and tear the already shrunk, weaker old garment, and the patch itself "agreeth not," meaning it doesn't match or belong, creating an unsightly and ineffective repair. This concept is further explored in the subsequent parable about [new wine and old wineskins](/luke/5-37-39 "Luke 5:37-39 - New Wine in New Wineskins"), reinforcing the idea that the "new" demands a "new" container.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **parable (Greek, _parabolḗ'_):** From G3850, meaning a similitude, symbolic fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm, or adage. Here, it signifies a teaching method where Jesus uses a relatable, everyday scenario—patching clothes—to convey a deeper spiritual truth about the nature of His ministry and the Kingdom of God. It's a comparison designed to illuminate a profound theological principle.
* **new (Greek, _kainós'_):** From G2537, meaning new, especially in freshness. This word emphasizes the qualitative newness of Jesus' teaching and the new covenant, not merely new in terms of age (for which the Greek word _néos_ would be used). It speaks to a fresh, unprecedented, and superior quality that is fundamentally different from what came before, highlighting the vibrant and transformative nature of Christ's message.
* **maketh a rent (Greek, _schízō'_):** From G4977, meaning to split or sever (literally or figuratively); to break, divide, open, rend, make a rent. This term vividly describes the destructive outcome of attempting to combine the new and the old. The new, unshrunk patch, upon washing, would contract and tear the old, already shrunken, and weaker garment, causing further damage rather than repair. It underscores the impossibility and negative consequences of trying to force an incompatible integration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he spake also a parable unto them;"**: This introductory clause sets the stage, indicating that Jesus is about to use a familiar, illustrative story to communicate a profound spiritual truth to His audience, likely the Pharisees, scribes, and His disciples.
* **"No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old;"**: This is the first premise of the parable, stating a common-sense observation. A "new garment" refers to unshrunk cloth, while an "old" garment has already been washed and shrunk. To patch an old, shrunken garment with a new, unshrunk piece of cloth is impractical and unwise, as it goes against the natural properties of the materials.
* **"if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent,"**: This clause describes the immediate negative consequence of ignoring the practical wisdom. If one attempts to sew a new, unshrunk patch onto an old garment, the new cloth, upon its first washing, will shrink. This shrinkage will pull on the weaker, already shrunken old fabric, causing it to tear further, creating a larger "rent" or hole than was originally present.
* **"and the piece that was [taken] out of the new agreeth not with the old."**: The second negative consequence highlights the aesthetic and functional failure of such an attempt. The new patch, even if it doesn't immediately tear the old garment, will not "agree" or harmonize with it. It will look mismatched, feel out of place, and ultimately fail to provide a proper, lasting repair, emphasizing the fundamental incompatibility of the two materials.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this verse. The primary device is **Parable**, a short, illustrative story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson. Here, the everyday act of patching clothes serves as an **Analogy** for a deeper theological truth, comparing the incompatibility of new cloth with old garments to the incompatibility of His new covenant with the old legalistic system. There is a clear **Contrast** established between "new" and "old," which extends beyond mere age to denote fundamental qualitative differences. Furthermore, the parable functions as a **Cause-and-Effect** statement, demonstrating that the unwise action of patching new onto old inevitably leads to a negative outcome: the tearing of the garment and the failure of the patch to integrate. This vivid imagery makes the abstract spiritual lesson concrete and memorable for His audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 5:36 profoundly illustrates the radical discontinuity between the old covenant and the new covenant inaugurated by Jesus Christ. It teaches that the Gospel is not merely an amendment or a patch to an existing, worn-out religious system, but a completely new creation that demands a fresh approach and a transformed heart. Attempting to force the vibrant, expansive truth of Christ's grace and freedom into the rigid, legalistic framework of the old covenant will not only fail but will result in damage to both. The new life in Christ requires a fundamental shift in perspective, priorities, and practice, rather than a superficial adjustment. This parable calls believers to recognize the profound newness of Christ's work and to embrace it fully, allowing it to reshape their entire being rather than trying to fit it into old patterns.

* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy")
* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")
* [Hebrews 8:13](/hebrews/8-13 "Hebrews 8:13 - The Obsolete Old Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 5:36 serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian faith, as inaugurated by Jesus, is not about mere religious reform or adding a few new practices to an existing life. It is about a radical, transformative encounter that necessitates a fundamental shift in our understanding of God, ourselves, and the world. This parable challenges us to honestly assess areas in our lives where we might be attempting to "patch" the new life in Christ onto old habits, mindsets, or cultural norms that are fundamentally incompatible with God's will. True spiritual growth often requires letting go of familiar, yet outdated, ways of thinking or behaving that hinder the vibrant, expansive work of the Holy Spirit within us. It calls for a willingness to embrace genuine newness, allowing the Holy Spirit to create a "new garment" within us, rather than trying to mend a worn-out one. This means being open to profound change, discerning what truly aligns with Christ's kingdom, and prioritizing the transformative power of the Gospel over comfortable traditions or superficial adjustments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I trying to "patch" new spiritual truths onto old, incompatible habits or mindsets?**
* **What "old garments" or traditions (personal, cultural, or religious) might be hindering the full expression of the "new" life Christ offers?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater openness to the radical, transformative work of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to create genuine newness within me?**
* **What might it look like to fully embrace the "new" way of Christ, even if it means letting go of familiar comforts or challenging established norms?**

### FAQ

**What is the main message of Luke 5:36?**

Answer: The main message of Luke 5:36 is the fundamental incompatibility between Jesus' new covenant and the old, legalistic religious system. Jesus uses the parable of a new patch on an old garment to illustrate that His teachings and the Kingdom of God He inaugurated are not mere additions or reforms to existing traditions, but a radical, transformative reality that cannot be contained within or reconciled with the worn-out structures of the past. Attempting to force such an integration will only result in damage to both the new and the old, emphasizing the need for complete spiritual renewal. This parable is closely linked to the [parable of new wine and old wineskins](/luke/5-37-39 "Luke 5:37-39 - New Wine in New Wineskins"), both conveying the same principle of discontinuity.

**Does this parable mean we should abandon all traditions?**

Answer: Not necessarily all traditions, but it certainly calls for discernment. The parable specifically addresses traditions and systems that are fundamentally incompatible with the "newness" of Christ's kingdom—those that are rigid, legalistic, or hinder the free flow of God's grace and Spirit. It's not a blanket condemnation of all past practices but a warning against trying to force the vibrant, expanding truth of the Gospel into forms that cannot contain it, or that would be damaged by it. The emphasis is on the spirit of the law versus the letter, and the freedom found in Christ versus the bondage of legalism. The Apostle Paul later elaborates on this freedom in [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 5:36 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the embodiment of the "new." He does not come to merely mend or reform a broken system, but to inaugurate a completely new reality—the [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") in His blood (Luke 22:20). Jesus represents a radical departure from the old covenant's emphasis on external laws and rituals, bringing instead a kingdom characterized by grace, truth, and an internal transformation of the heart (John 1:17). His life, death, and resurrection are not a patch on the old garment of Mosaic Law, but the creation of an entirely new garment of righteousness, freely offered to all who believe (Romans 3:21-24). Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are made [new creations in Christ](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"), no longer bound by the old patterns of sin and death, but walking in the newness of life (Romans 6:4). This parable, therefore, points to Jesus as the one who brings a complete, qualitative newness that cannot be contained by, nor mixed with, the worn-out religious forms of the past, demanding a radical embrace of His person and His kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:16

No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.

Matthew 9:17

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.

Mark 2:21

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.

Mark 2:22

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.

2 Corinthians 6:16

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Deuteronomy 22:11

Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, [as] of woollen and linen together.

Leviticus 19:19

¶ Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee.