Deuteronomy 22:5
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The verse doesn't just forbid cross-dressing; it addresses the underlying confusion of roles that threatened to blur the distinct identities God created. This prohibition was crucial for maintaining moral clarity and preventing the kind of spiritual and social decay seen in surrounding idolatrous practices.
“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)
This command appears within a broader section of laws detailing how Israel should conduct themselves in their daily lives, distinguishing them from the surrounding nations. Following instructions on reuniting lost animals and caring for those in need, this verse addresses outward appearances and the distinct roles of men and women. It's immediately followed by regulations concerning animal care and property, suggesting a theme of ordered living and preserving clear boundaries within society.
Ever wondered why a simple clothing choice could be called an 'abomination'? This verse dives deeper than just outward appearance.
In Deuteronomy 22:5, God instructs the Israelites not to blur the distinct roles He created between men and women by wearing each other's clothing. This wasn't just about fashion trends, but about respecting the fundamental design God established for humanity.
Maintaining Distinction
God created male and female with distinct purposes and identities. Clothing, in this ancient context, was a significant marker of these roles. When men wore women's garments or vice versa, it confused these God-given distinctions.
Preventing Confusion and Corruption
This law also served to prevent moral confusion and the potential for sexual sin. Blurring the lines between sexes through attire could lead to inappropriate associations and actions. The goal was to maintain purity and order within society, reflecting God's design.
The word 'abomination' is strong. What does it really mean in this context, and why was this practice so offensive to God?
The term 'abomination' in Deuteronomy 22:5 signifies something deeply detestable and offensive to God. This wasn't a minor infraction, but a transgression that struck at the heart of God's ordered creation and His people's covenant relationship with Him.
Idolatry's Shadow
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Many scholars suggest this prohibition was closely linked to the surrounding pagan cultures. These cultures often incorporated practices that blurred gender distinctions in their idolatrous worship. For example, some cults involved men dressing as women or vice versa during religious rituals. By forbidding this, God was separating Israel from these corrupting influences and calling them to a unique, holy standard.
Rejecting God's Order
When God's people engaged in practices labeled 'abominations,' it demonstrated a rejection of His ways and an embrace of the world's corrupt practices. It showed a disregard for the distinct identities and roles God had established, aligning themselves with paganism rather than with their covenant God.
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 how people exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature, connecting to the idea of maintaining natural distinctions between sexes.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20It emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and calls us to glorify God in our bodies, which aligns with the principle of maintaining purity and distinctiveness in all aspects of life, including appearance.
Galatians 3:28While Paul states there is no male and female in Christ for all are one, this does not negate the importance of distinct biological and social roles in general society, which Deuteronomy 22:5 addresses before the redemptive work of Christ.
Genesis 1:27This verse establishes that God created humanity male and female, setting a foundational distinction that the law in Deuteronomy further seeks to preserve in outward appearance.
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…
The verse doesn't just forbid cross-dressing; it addresses the underlying confusion of roles that threatened to blur the distinct identities God created. This prohibition was crucial for maintaining moral clarity and preventing the kind of spiritual and social decay seen in surrounding idolatrous practices.
This command appears within a broader section of laws detailing how Israel should conduct themselves in their daily lives, distinguishing them from the surrounding nations. Following instructions on reuniting lost animals and caring for those in need, this verse addresses outward appearances and the distinct roles of men and women. It's immediately followed by regulations concerning animal care and property, suggesting a theme of ordered living and preserving clear boundaries within society.
This command appears within a broader section of laws detailing how Israel should conduct themselves in their daily lives, distinguishing them from the surrounding nations. Following instructions on reuniting lost animals and caring for those in need, this verse addresses outward appearances and the distinct roles of men and women. It's immediately followed by regulations concerning animal care and property, suggesting a theme of ordered living and preserving clear boundaries within society.
"“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." — The verse doesn't just forbid cross-dressing; it addresses the underlying confusion of roles that threatened to blur the distinct identities God created. This prohibition was crucial for maintaining…
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Last reviewed October 2026
