The Greek word blētéos, represented by G992, is a verbal adjective derived from bállō G906 meaning to throw or put. It denotes that something is fit to be cast or, more directly, that it must be put. This specific term appears only 2 times across 2 unique verses, yet it carries significant weight in its context.
In both of its biblical appearances, G992 is used by Jesus in the parable of the new wine and the wineskins. The word emphasizes a divine necessity and proper application. In Luke, the instruction is clear: "new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved" Luke 5:38. Similarly, the Gospel of Mark concludes the same teaching by stating, "but new wine must be put into new bottles" Mark 2:22. The use of G992 transforms the action from a mere suggestion into a foundational principle for preserving both the new "wine" and its "bottle."
The meaning of G992 is illuminated by several related words used in the same passages:
- G906 bállō (to throw... cast... put): The root verb from which G992 is derived, signifying the action of placing or casting something. It is used in the negative part of the parable, where men do not "put" new wine into old bottles Mark 2:22.
- G3501 néos (new... youthful, or... fresh): This word describes the "new" wine Luke 5:38. It often relates to newness in terms of age, like the "younger" men 1 Timothy 5:1.
- G2537 kainós (new (especially in freshness)): This term is used for the "new" bottles Mark 2:22. It is distinguished from G3501 and points to a newness in quality or kind, as in a "new creature" 2 Corinthians 5:17 or a "new commandment" John 13:34.
- G779 askós (a leathern (or skin) bag used as a bottle): This is the object being acted upon—the wineskin or "bottle" that must be fit to receive the new wine Luke 5:38.
- G3820 palaiós (antique... not recent, worn out): This describes the "old" bottles that are incompatible with new wine. The term is also used figuratively for the "old man" which believers are to put off Ephesians 4:22.
The theological weight of G992 centers on the principle of compatibility between the new work of God and the vessel that contains it.
- A Divine Imperative: The word "must be put" establishes a non-negotiable rule. The new reality brought by Christ cannot be forced into old, rigid structures. This points to the need for a "new man" Colossians 3:10 and a "new testament" 2 Corinthians 3:6.
- The Consequence of Incompatibility: Placing new wine in old, worn-out bottles results in destruction. The bottles burst G4486, the wine is spilled G1632, and the bottles will be marred G622 or perish G622, as detailed in Mark 2:22.
- The Principle of Preservation: Following the imperative of G992 leads to preservation. When new wine is correctly put into new bottles, "both are preserved" G4933 Luke 5:38. This shows that the form and the substance must align for God's work to be sustained.
In summary, G992 blētéos is a concise but powerful word that captures a critical lesson from Jesus. While appearing only twice, its context within the parable of the wineskins makes it a key term for understanding the nature of the New Covenant. It conveys that the new life in Christ is not an addition to the old but a total replacement that must be put into a correspondingly new vessel—a renewed heart and mind—to avoid destruction and ensure preservation.
TRV