The Greek word askós, represented by G779, refers to a leathern (or skin) bag used as a bottle. It appears 12 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, establishing its presence in a very specific and repeated illustration.
In the biblical narrative, G779 is used exclusively in the context of the parable about new wine and old wineskins. The word illustrates the incompatibility of old, worn-out containers with new, fermenting wine. When new wine is put into old bottles, the result is that the bottles break or burst (Matthew 9:17, Mark 2:22, Luke 5:37). This causes the wine to be spilled and the bottles themselves to perish or be marred (Mark 2:22, Luke 5:37). The teaching concludes that new wine must be put into new bottles, which ensures that both are preserved (Matthew 9:17, Luke 5:38).
Several related words provide deeper context for the use of askós:
- G3631 oînos (wine): This is the substance placed within the bottle. The term is used both literally and figuratively throughout scripture, sometimes representing divine wrath Revelation 14:10 or spiritual influence Ephesians 5:18.
- G3820 palaiós (old): This describes the state of the unsuitable bottles. It means "antique, i.e. not recent, worn out" and is used elsewhere to refer to the "old man" which is corrupt Ephesians 4:22 and the "old leaven" of malice and wickedness 1 Corinthians 5:7-8.
- G4486 rhḗgnymi (to "break," "wreck" or "crack"): This verb describes what happens to the old bottles under the pressure of new wine Matthew 9:17. It is also used to describe a violent action, such as when a demon "teareth" a person Mark 9:18.
- G622 apóllymi (to destroy fully... to perish, or lose): This word signifies the fate of the old bottles and the spilled wine (Mark 2:22, Luke 5:37). The concept of perishing is a significant theological theme, as seen in the promise that believers should not perish but have everlasting life John 3:16.
The theological weight of G779 is conveyed through its role in this central parable. It helps to illustrate a fundamental principle of spiritual life.
- Incompatibility of Old and New: The old G3820 bottle cannot contain the new wine. This parallels other biblical concepts like putting off the "old man" Romans 6:6 and purging the "old leaven" 1 Corinthians 5:7, suggesting that old systems or sinful natures are unfit for the new life.
- Consequences of Improper Mixing: Attempting to put the new into the old leads to ruin. The bottles break G4486 and perish G622, and the wine is lost. This demonstrates that trying to combine new spiritual realities with old, rigid forms results in the destruction of both.
- The Necessity of Preservation: The solution is to put new wine into new bottles, so that both "are preserved" G4933 Matthew 9:17. The word for preserved G4933 implies careful conservation and is also used to describe how Mary "kept" and pondered events in her heart Luke 2:19, suggesting a new and fitting vessel is required to protect something precious.
In summary, G779 is more than just a simple container. As a bottle made of skin, its use in scripture serves as a powerful and memorable metaphor. It teaches that new divine movements and truths require new frameworks and receptive hearts. The image of an old, inflexible bottle bursting underscores the principle that the new life offered by God cannot be contained within old, unchanged structures or ways of thinking.
TRV