The Parable of the New Piece of Cloth
B. Keach. Matthew 9:16 No man puts a piece of new cloth to an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up takes from the garment… By an old garment I understand is meant a man's own righteousness. It may be so compared. 1. Because it is old as Adam. 2. Because it is worn out. 3. It was once a new, good garment. 4. It needs mending.But why is righteousness compared to a garment? 1. Because it is to cover nakedness. 2. Because it covers the shame of mankind. 3. Because of the usefulness of it. 4. In respect of ornament. 5. Because it tends to keep a man warm in winter. 6. It preserves from thorns and briars. (B. Keach.) Parallel Verses KJV: No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. WEB: No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch would tear away from the garment, and a worse hole is made.