In biblical contexts, the term "patched" often refers to the act of mending or repairing a garment by sewing a piece of cloth over a hole or worn area. This concept is used metaphorically in Scripture to convey spiritual truths and lessons, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Context

While the specific term "patched" is not frequently used in the Old Testament, the concept of mending or repairing is present. The practice of patching garments would have been a common necessity in ancient times, reflecting the need for resourcefulness and stewardship of one's possessions. The broader principle of restoration and repair can be seen in various laws and teachings, such as those concerning the maintenance of the tabernacle and the garments of the priests (Exodus 28:2-4).

New Testament Context

The most notable reference to patching in the New Testament is found in the teachings of Jesus. In the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus uses the metaphor of patching a garment to illustrate the incompatibility of the old and new covenants. In Matthew 9:16 , Jesus states, "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, and a worse tear will result." This parable is also recorded in Mark 2:21 and Luke 5:36.

Theological Significance

The metaphor of patching an old garment with new cloth is rich with theological significance. Jesus uses this imagery to highlight the transformative nature of His ministry and the new covenant He inaugurates. The old garment represents the Mosaic Law and the traditions of Judaism, while the new patch symbolizes the new covenant of grace and truth brought by Christ. The incompatibility of the new patch with the old garment underscores the idea that the new covenant cannot simply be an addition to the old; it requires a complete transformation.

This teaching emphasizes the necessity of embracing the new life offered through Christ, rather than attempting to fit it into the old framework of legalism and ritual. It calls believers to a deeper understanding of the radical change that Jesus brings, one that cannot be contained within the old structures.

Practical Application

For Christians, the concept of "patched" serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual renewal and the dangers of trying to blend the old life with the new. It encourages believers to fully embrace the new identity in Christ, allowing His transformative power to renew their minds and hearts. This metaphor challenges individuals to examine areas of their lives where they may be attempting to patch the new life in Christ onto old habits, beliefs, or practices, rather than allowing for a complete renewal.

In summary, the biblical concept of "patched" serves as a powerful illustration of the transformative work of Christ and the necessity of embracing the new covenant in its entirety. Through this metaphor, believers are called to a life of renewal, leaving behind the old and fully embracing the new life offered through faith in Jesus Christ.(imp. & p. p.) of Patch.2921. tala -- to patch, spot
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to patch, spot NASB Word Usage patched (1),
spotted (6), various colors (1). clouted, with divers colors, spotted. ...
/hebrew/2921.htm - 6k

Carletta and the Merchant
... the shadow of something hovering backwards and forwards on the edge of the door;
now they followed a slight little figure, wrapped in a patched cloak, patched ...
/.../carletta and the merchant.htm

Use what You Have.
... down to Cairo. These nets of ours have been patched and patched. They are
so old." The Master says, "Let down your nets." There is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/use what you have.htm

Introductory Notice to the Decretals.
... there were no "princes great or small" in the Church." He adds that it speaks of
"subdeacons," an order not then existing, and that it is patched up from ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/introductory notice to the decretals.htm

Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies.
... The specimens here given are like cloth of gold (Psalm 45:13), moth-eaten and patched,
and spangled over with tinsel; and the true artist has only the one ...
/.../various/early liturgies/introductory notice to the early.htm

A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection ...
... of the parts of armour, where he saith, be armed complete, whole; be armed on every
part with the armour of God; not borrowed, nor patched, but all godly. ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon made by m.htm

God's Reply to These Assumptions.
... What, therefore, is their testimony concerning the author of the book of Isaiah?
Did that prophet write the book, or is it a patched book from various authors? ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/vii gods reply to these.htm

No House of any Pretension to be Called a Palace is in the Least ...
... oak; another, a birch-tree, though nobody could ever find how that fairy made a
house of it; another, a hut of growing trees intertwined, and patched up with ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 28 no house of.htm

Robbie Goodman's Prayer
... he goes to the chapel and to see sick people. Even that one is thin and patched.
He says he and his little sisters have been praying ...
/.../touching incidents and remarkable answers to prayer/robbie goodmans prayer.htm

The Traitors
... The hoofs of his fat little horse were patched with wet sand of the roadway
and there was no dust on the prince's modest raiment. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxviii the traitors.htm

I Will Take one Case that Will Serve Both as Symbol and Example...
... poor. But whatever the poor streets are they are not gray; but motley,
striped, spotted, piebald and patched like a quilt. Hoxton ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 35 i will take.htm

Patched (2 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Patch. Multi-Version Concordance Patched (2 Occurrences). ... Joshua
9:5 and old and patched shoes on their feet, and wore old garments. ...
/p/patched.htm - 7k

Patch (5 Occurrences)

/p/patch.htm - 9k

Pate (1 Occurrence)

/p/pate.htm - 8k

Worn (29 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:5 and old and patched shoes upon their feet, and old garments upon them;
and all the bread of their provision was dry and was become mouldy. ...
/w/worn.htm - 14k

Wore (19 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:5 and old and patched shoes on their feet, and wore old garments. All
the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. (WEB NIV). ...
/w/wore.htm - 11k

Moldy (2 Occurrences)
... Moldy (2 Occurrences). Joshua 9:5 and old and patched shoes on their feet, and wore
old garments. All the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. ...
/m/moldy.htm - 7k

Botch (3 Occurrences)
... boil; an eruptive disease. 2. (n.) A patch put on, or a part of a garment
patched or mended in a clumsy manner. 3. (n.) Work done ...
/b/botch.htm - 9k

Crumbs (8 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:5 and old and patched shoes upon their feet, and old garments upon them;
and all the bread of their provision was dry and was become mouldy. ...
/c/crumbs.htm - 8k

Clout
... As verb (Tala') "to bandage," "patch," or mend with a clout. "Old shoes and clouted
(the American Standard Revised Version "patched") upon their feet" (Joshua 9 ...
/c/clout.htm - 7k

Shoes (32 Occurrences)
... (WEB BBE RSV). Joshua 9:5 and old and patched shoes on their feet, and wore old
garments. All the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. ...
/s/shoes.htm - 16k

Who were the Gibeonites? | GotQuestions.org

Patched: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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