Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of a wineskin is not directly paralleled in Hebrew with a specific term equivalent to ἀσκός, but similar ideas can be found in the use of Hebrew words like נֹאד (no'd), which refers to a skin bottle or container, as seen in passages such as Job 32:19 and Psalm 119:83.

Usage: The term ἀσκός is used in the New Testament to refer to a container made from animal skin, often used for holding wine. It is mentioned in the context of Jesus' teachings to illustrate the incompatibility of new and old practices.

Context: The Greek word ἀσκός appears in the New Testament in the context of Jesus' parables, specifically in the Synoptic Gospels. In Matthew 9:17, Mark 2:22, and Luke 5:37-38, Jesus uses the imagery of wineskins to convey a spiritual truth about the new covenant He brings. The parable explains that new wine must be put into new wineskins to prevent the skins from bursting, symbolizing the need for new structures or ways of thinking to accommodate the transformative message of the Gospel.

In ancient times, wineskins were made from the hides of animals, typically goats. The skin was tanned and sewn together, with the openings sealed to prevent leakage. As wine ferments, it expands, and the elasticity of new wineskins allows for this expansion. Old wineskins, having lost their flexibility, would burst if filled with new wine, leading to the loss of both the wine and the skins.

This metaphor highlights the necessity of receptivity and adaptability in spiritual life. The new wine represents the teachings and life of Jesus, which cannot be contained within the old frameworks of the Jewish law and traditions. Instead, a new approach, symbolized by the new wineskins, is required to fully embrace and live out the Gospel.