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 22:5KJV
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Deuteronomy 22:5 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“so” Hebrew H428 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 2:4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
  • Numbers 10:28 Thus were the journeyings of the children of Israel according to their armies, when they set forward.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:4 Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges:

“garment” Hebrew H8071 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 9:23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.
  • Exodus 19:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,
  • Judges 8:25 And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey.

“man” Hebrew H1397 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 10:11 Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.
  • Job 33:29 Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man,
  • Proverbs 30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

“put” Hebrew H3847 · used in 103 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • 2 Chronicles 5:12 Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)
  • Isaiah 49:18 Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.