Luke 5:39

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

No man {G3762} also {G2532} having drunk {G4095} old {G3820} wine straightway {G2112} desireth {G2309} new {G3501}: for {G1063} he saith {G3004}, The old {G3820} is {G2076} better {G5543}.

Besides that, after drinking old wine, people don't want new; because they say, `The old is good enough.'"

And no one after drinking old wine wants new, for he says, ‘The old is better.’”

And no man having drunk old wine desireth new; for he saith, The old is good.

Commentary

Luke 5:39 is a concluding proverb spoken by Jesus, following His parables about new cloth on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins. This verse offers a profound insight into human nature and its resistance to radical change, particularly when confronted with something entirely new that challenges established traditions or comfortable ways of thinking.

Context

This verse comes after Jesus's disciples are questioned by the Pharisees and scribes about why they do not fast, unlike John the Baptist's disciples (Luke 5:33). Jesus responds by explaining that guests do not fast while the bridegroom is present, implying that His presence signifies a time of joy and new beginnings. He then presents the parables of the new patch on an old garment and new wine requiring new wineskins. Luke 5:39 serves as a culminating observation, explaining *why* people might struggle to embrace the "new wine" of His teachings and the new covenant He was inaugurating.

Key Themes

  • Resistance to the New: The core message is the human tendency to prefer the familiar and comfortable over the unfamiliar or challenging. People often cling to what is known, even if it is outdated or less effective, simply because it is perceived as "better" or more reliable.
  • Incompatibility of Old and New: Spiritually, the "old wine" can represent the established religious systems, traditions, and the Mosaic Law, which, while good in their time, were insufficient for the fullness of God's plan. The "new wine" symbolizes the radical, life-transforming message of Jesus Christ—His grace, truth, and the Kingdom of God—which cannot be contained within or merely added to the old, rigid structures.
  • Comfort in Tradition: This proverb highlights how ingrained traditions and long-held beliefs can create a comfort zone that makes it difficult for individuals to accept revolutionary truths, even divine ones. The "old is better" sentiment reflects a deep-seated preference for what is tried and tested.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "old" (palaios) in this context refers to something aged, while "new" (neos) signifies something fresh or recently made. Old wine, having completed its fermentation, would be smooth and palatable. New wine, still fermenting and expansive, required flexible, new wineskins to prevent bursting. The phrase "the old is better" (to palaios chrēstoteros estin) doesn't necessarily mean the old is objectively superior, but rather that it is *perceived* as more agreeable, useful, or pleasant by someone accustomed to it. This speaks to subjective preference and comfort.

Practical Application

Luke 5:39 provides timeless insights for spiritual life and understanding:

  • Openness to Spiritual Growth: For believers, this verse is a call to humility and openness. We must be willing to let go of old patterns of thinking, legalistic tendencies, or comfortable spiritual routines that might hinder us from fully embracing the transformative power of Christ's new life within us. Just as new wine needs new wineskins, a vibrant faith often requires new ways of living and understanding.
  • Challenges in Sharing the Gospel: The proverb helps explain why some people resist the Gospel message. Those deeply rooted in other belief systems, cultural traditions, or even a form of nominal Christianity may find it challenging to accept the radical claims of Christ, preferring their "old wine" of familiar practices or self-righteousness.
  • Embracing Transformation: Jesus's coming was not merely an update to the Law but a complete paradigm shift. This verse underscores that His life, death, and resurrection inaugurated a truly new era, demanding a new heart and mind. As Colossians 3:9-10 teaches, we are to "put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man."

In essence, Luke 5:39 is a realistic observation of human nature's tendency to resist change, even when that change is divine and ultimately beneficial. It highlights the profound challenge Jesus faced in introducing His revolutionary Kingdom message to a world comfortable with its established norms.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:39 (6 votes)

    And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

  • Mark 7:7 (4 votes)

    Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.

  • Mark 7:13 (4 votes)

    Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

  • Jeremiah 6:16 (4 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein].

  • Romans 4:11 (3 votes)

    And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had yet] being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

  • Romans 4:12 (3 votes)

    And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which [he had] being [yet] uncircumcised.

  • Hebrews 11:1 (1 votes)

    ¶ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.