Luk 5:33-38 | RWP | e4.org | Often ( πυκνα ). Only in Luke. Common word for thick, compact, often. And make supplications ( κα δεησεις ποιουντα ). Only in Luke. But thine ( ο δε σο ). Sharp contrast between the conduct of the disciples of Jesus and those of John and the Pharisees who here appear together as critics of Christ and his disciples ( ; ), though Luke does not bring that out sharply. It is probable that Levi had his reception for Jesus on one of the Jewish fast days and, if so, this would give special edge to their criticism.

‏ Luke 5:33-38

Often ( πυκνα ). Only in Luke. Common word for thick, compact, often.

And make supplications ( κα δεησεις ποιουντα ). Only in Luke.

But thine ( ο δε σο ). Sharp contrast between the conduct of the disciples of Jesus and those of John and the Pharisees who here appear together as critics of Christ and his disciples (Mr 2:18; Mt 9:14), though Luke does not bring that out sharply. It is probable that Levi had his reception for Jesus on one of the Jewish fast days and, if so, this would give special edge to their criticism.

Can ye ( μη δυνασθε ). So Luke, adding

make, ποιησα, where Mark and Matthew have μη δυναντα. All three have μη and expect the answer no.

Then in those days ( τοτε εν εκειναις ταις ημεραις ). Here Mr 2:20 has "then in that day," and Mt 9:15 only "then."

Also a parable ( κα παραβολην ). There are three parables here in the answer of Jesus (the bridegroom, the patch on the garment, the wineskin). They are not called parables save here, but they are parables and Luke's language means that.

Rendeth ( σχισας ). This in Luke alone. Common verb. Used of splitting rocks (Mt 27:51). Our word schism comes from it.

Putteth it ( επιβαλλε ). So Mt 9:16 when Mr 2:21 has επιραπτε (sews on). The word for "piece" or "patch" ( επιβλημα ) in all the three Gospels is from the verb επιβαλλω, to clap on, and is in Plutarch, Arrian, LXX, though the verb is as old as Homer. See on Matthew and Mark for distinction between καινος (fresh), νεος (new), and παλαιος (old).

He will rend the new ( κα το καινον σχισε ). Future active indicative. So the best MSS.

Will not agree ( ου συμφωνησε ). Future active indicative. So the best manuscripts again.

With the old ( τω παλαιω ). Associative instrumental case. Instead of this phrase in Luke, Mr 2:21; Mt 9:16 have "a worse rent" ( χειρον σχισμα ).

Must be put ( βλητεον ). This verbal adjective in -τεος rather than -τος appears here alone in the N.T. though it is common enough in Attic Greek. It is a survival of the literary style. This is the impersonal use and is transitive in sense here and governs the accusative "new wine" ( οινον νεον ), though the agent is not expressed (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1097).