Deuteronomy 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.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִהְיֶ֤ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְלִי
shall not wear that which pertaineth
H3627
כְלִי
shall not wear that which pertaineth
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
3 of 18
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
גֶּ֖בֶר
neither shall a man
H1397
גֶּ֖בֶר
neither shall a man
Strong's:
H1397
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִלְבַּ֥שׁ
put
H3847
יִלְבַּ֥שׁ
put
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
גֶּ֖בֶר
neither shall a man
H1397
גֶּ֖בֶר
neither shall a man
Strong's:
H1397
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
כִּ֧י
H3588
כִּ֧י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תֽוֹעֲבַ֛ת
are abomination
H8441
תֽוֹעֲבַ֛ת
are abomination
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
יְהוָ֥ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
15 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Ancient pagan religions included cross-dressing in cultic practices, often associated with worship of deities representing gender fluidity or as part of fertility rituals. God's law separated Israel from such practices.
Maintaining visible sexual distinction reinforced the complementary nature of male and female in marriage and society.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this law teach about God's creation of distinct male and female identities?
- How does cross-dressing relate to rejection of created order?
- Why is visible honoring of biological sex important in daily life?
- What does calling this practice 'abomination' reveal about its seriousness?
- How should biblical affirmation of sexual distinction inform Christian response to contemporary gender ideology?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. God establishes distinction between male and female in dress and appearance. This maintains the creation order where God made humanity male and female with distinct identities.
The word abomination (to'evah) indicates ritual repugnance and covenant violation. Cross-dressing was associated with pagan fertility rites and represented rejection of God's created order. Israel must maintain distinctions God established in creation.
This law affirms that biological sex matters to God and should be visibly honored in daily life. Gender is not mere social construct but divine creation that humans must respect, not blur or deny.
Reformed theology affirms God's creation of humanity as male and female, with these distinctions being good, purposeful, and enduring. Contemporary rejection of sexual differentiation contradicts creation order and dishonors the Creator.