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.
DEUTERONOMY 22:5KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 22:5 mean?
Deuteronomy 22:5 says that women should not wear clothing or items that belong to men, and men should not wear women’s garments, because doing so is considered detestable to the LORD God. This verse sets a boundary about clothing and gender distinctions in ancient Israelite society.
Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, giving them laws to guide their daily life. The verse addresses the outward appearance of men and women, emphasizing a clear distinction between the two in dress. The instruction reflects the cultural and religious importance of maintaining gender roles and identity in the community at that time.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 22:5
- "pertaineth" (כְּלִי, keli): This word often means "article," "vessel," or "implement," not just clothing. Here, it refers to anything that belongs to a man, possibly including weapons or tools, not only garments.
- "man" (גֶּבֶר, gever): This word for "man" often highlights strength or masculinity, suggesting the verse is about more than just generic male clothing, but items specifically tied to male roles.
- "garment" (שִׂמְלָה, simlah): This word means "outer garment" or "cloak," the main piece of clothing people would see. The focus is on visible, public attire.
- "abomination" (תּוֹעֵבָה, to‘evah): This word means something detestable or repugnant, especially in a religious or moral sense. Using this strong term shows the seriousness with which the law treats this boundary.
Why Deuteronomy 22:5 matters
- Deuteronomy 22:5 is sometimes misunderstood as only about fashion, but the original words show it covers a broader range of items tied to gender roles, not just clothes.
- The verse highlights the importance of clear distinctions between men and women in ancient Israel, which was seen as part of honoring God’s order.
- This law fits into a larger section of Deuteronomy that addresses everyday practices meant to set Israel apart from neighboring cultures and reinforce their identity as God’s people.