Deuteronomy 22:5
“A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While we often think of this verse as simply about cross-dressing, the Hebrew word translated as "garment" can also mean "utensil" or "weapon." This suggests the prohibition might extend beyond mere clothing to encompass adopting the tools and roles typically associated with the opposite sex, possibly to prevent blurring God-ordained distinctions or participating in idolatrous practices.
These verses appear within a larger section of Deuteronomy outlining various laws and regulations for the Israelite community. This particular passage is situated within a series of regulations concerning social conduct and proper behavior, following laws about warfare and property, and preceding laws about clothing, mixed fabrics, and other communal guidelines. The verse directly follows instructions about caring for lost animals and bridges to further directives on diverse aspects of daily life, all aimed at sanctifying the community as set apart for God.
Why would God care so much about what clothes men and women wear? This ancient law seems puzzling at first glance, but it touches on something foundational about God's design.
Deuteronomy 22:5 is part of a larger section (Deuteronomy 22:1-12) where God gives instructions for the Israelites to live distinctly from the surrounding nations. This specific command, "A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak," is about preserving the clear distinction between the sexes that God Himself established.
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This verse is often debated, and understanding its true meaning requires looking beyond the literal fabric. What was the deeper concern behind this command?
While the outward act of wearing certain garments is forbidden, the core concern isn't merely about specific items of clothing. The commentators point to deeper issues:
Understand the original words
to'ebah · Hebrew Noun
Something detestable, loathsome, or ethically/religiously impure to God. It describes practices that violate the created order or the moral standards established by the LORD.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the one true God of Israel (Yahweh). It signifies His self-existence, eternal nature, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.
This passage speaks about unnatural relations and desires between men and women, echoing the concern for distinct gender roles and expressions found in Deuteronomy 22:5. It highlights that deviating from God's design in these areas can lead to serious spiritual consequences.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20While focused on sexual immorality, this passage emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and belong to God. It aligns with the spirit of Deuteronomy 22:5, which calls for actions that honor God and avoid practices that could lead to impurity or dishonor Him.
Genesis 1:27This foundational verse establishes God's creation of humanity in His image, male and female. Deuteronomy 22:5 can be seen as a practical outworking of respecting these distinct, God-ordained identities and roles.
Galatians 3:28Paul states that in Christ, there is no male or female, which speaks to spiritual equality. However, this does not negate the importance of respecting created gender distinctions in other areas of life, a principle reflected in the dress codes of Deuteronomy.
gillDeuteronomy 22:5: "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God."
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man,.... It being very unseemly and impudent, and contrary to the modesty of her sex; or there shall not be upon her any "instrument of a man" (f), any utensil of his which he makes use of in his trade and business; as if she was employed in it, when her busines…
pooleDeuteronomy 22:5: "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God."
This shall not be done ordinarily or unnecessarily, for in some cases it may be lawful, as to make an escape for one’s life. Now this is forbidden, partly for decency sake, that men might not confound, nor seem to confound, those sexes which God hath distinguished, that all appearance of evil might be avoided, such…
While we often think of this verse as simply about cross-dressing, the Hebrew word translated as "garment" can also mean "utensil" or "weapon." This suggests the prohibition might extend beyond mere clothing to encompass adopting the tools and roles typically associated with the opposite sex, possibly to prevent blurring God-ordained distinctions or participating in idolatrous practices.
These verses appear within a larger section of Deuteronomy outlining various laws and regulations for the Israelite community. This particular passage is situated within a series of regulations concerning social conduct and proper behavior, following laws about warfare and property, and preceding laws about clothing, mixed fabrics, and other communal guidelines. The verse directly follows instructions about caring for lost animals and bridges to further directives on diverse aspects of daily life, all aimed at sanctifying the community as set apart for God.
These verses appear within a larger section of Deuteronomy outlining various laws and regulations for the Israelite community. This particular passage is situated within a series of regulations concerning social conduct and proper behavior, following laws about warfare and property, and preceding laws about clothing, mixed fabrics, and other communal guidelines. The verse directly follows instructions about caring for lost animals and bridges to further directives on diverse aspects of daily life, all aimed at sanctifying the community as set apart for God.
"“A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God." — While we often think of this verse as simply about cross-dressing, the Hebrew word translated as "garment" can also mean "utensil" or "weapon." This suggests the prohibition might extend beyond mere…
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