Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 2:22. It’s a really important and insightful metaphor! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about repairing and strengthening relationships. It’s saying that when we try to fix something old or broken, instead of making it better, we can actually damage it. Let’s unpack the parts: “Mark 2:22” : This refers to a story in the Gospel of Mark about Jesus healing a man with a broken leg. “And no man putteth new wine into old bottles…” : This is the core of the message. It means that when you try to fix something that’s already damaged, you’re not making it stronger; you’re causing problems. Think of it like trying to patch a hole in a tire – it doesn’t work well. “…else the new wine doth burst the bottles…” : This is where the warning comes in. If you put new wine into old bottles, it will explode! The new wine will spill out and damage the existing contents. This represents a relationship that's already flawed – it becomes chaotic and unstable. “…and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred:” : This describes the negative consequences of this “bursting.” It means the relationship suffers, things get messy, and there are lasting marks or damage. In a nutshell: Don’t try to fix what's already broken. Instead, focus on nurturing and strengthening relationships – giving them new life and care. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of: Forgiveness: It speaks to the need for forgiveness – letting go of past hurts and moving forward. Renewal: It emphasizes the need to renew relationships, not just fix the surface-level problems. Care & Attention: It suggests that we should be attentive and nurturing our relationships because they're valuable. Do you want me to explain this verse in a different way? Perhaps you’d like to explore: A specific example of how this applies to relationships? The historical context of the story (the healing of Jesus)?