Question 1

What does Deuteronomy 22:11 mean?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 22:11 instructs the Israelites not to wear clothing made from a mix of wool and linen. This law is one of several in the Old Testament that set boundaries for daily life, marking out distinct practices for Israel as a people. In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The command is part of a larger section of laws that cover various aspects of community life. The rule about not mixing wool and linen in garments is often understood as a way to keep certain boundaries clear, reflecting a broader theme in the law of separating different kinds of things.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 22:11

Accepted Answer

"wear" (לָבַשׁ, lavash): This word means to put on or clothe oneself. The command is about what people actually wear, not just what is produced or owned. "sorts" (שַׁעַטְנֵז, shaatnez): This rare word refers to a mixed fabric, specifically a mixture of wool and linen. Its use here highlights the specific prohibition against blending these two materials. "woollen" (צֶמֶר, tzemer): This is the ordinary word for wool, the fiber from sheep. "linen" (פִּשְׁתִּים, pishtim): This word refers to linen, a fabric made from flax. "together" (יַחְדָּו, yachdav): This word means "together" or "combined," emphasizing that the issue is the combination of materials in a single garment.

Question 3

Why Deuteronomy 22:11 matters

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 22:11 is sometimes misunderstood as a general statement about clothing, but it specifically addresses mixing wool and linen, not all fabric blends. This verse fits into a larger pattern of laws in Deuteronomy that set Israel apart from surrounding nations, often through everyday practices. The focus on separation in clothing mirrors other laws about keeping things distinct, such as not mixing seeds in a field or animals in plowing, highlighting a theme of order and boundaries in Israelite life.

Deuteronomy 22:11 (KJV)