King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 22:5 Mean?

Deuteronomy 22:5 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 22:5 · KJV


Context

3

In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself.

4

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.

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.

6

If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young:

7

But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this law teach about God's creation of distinct male and female identities?
  2. How does cross-dressing relate to rejection of created order?
  3. Why is visible honoring of biological sex important in daily life?
  4. What does calling this practice 'abomination' reveal about its seriousness?
  5. How should biblical affirmation of sexual distinction inform Christian response to contemporary gender ideology?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
לֹֽא1 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִהְיֶ֤ה2 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְלִי3 of 18

shall not wear that which pertaineth

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

גֶּ֖בֶר4 of 18

neither shall a man

H1397

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

עַל5 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אִשָּׁ֑ה6 of 18

The woman

H802

a woman

וְלֹֽא7 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִלְבַּ֥שׁ8 of 18

put

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

גֶּ֖בֶר9 of 18

neither shall a man

H1397

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

שִׂמְלַ֣ת10 of 18

garment

H8071

a dress, especially a mantle

אִשָּׁ֑ה11 of 18

The woman

H802

a woman

כִּ֧י12 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תֽוֹעֲבַ֛ת13 of 18

are abomination

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

יְהוָ֥ה14 of 18

unto the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ15 of 18

thy God

H430

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

כָּל16 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֹ֥שֵׂה17 of 18

for all that do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֵֽלֶּה׃18 of 18

so

H428

these or those


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 22:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 22:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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