Deuteronomy 22:5

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ 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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

"A woman is not to wear men's clothing, and a man is not to put on women's clothing, for whoever does these things is detestable to ADONAI your God.

Berean Standard Bible:

A woman must not wear men’s clothing, and a man must not wear women’s clothing, for whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD your God.

American Standard Version:

A woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment; for whosoever doeth these things is an abomination unto Jehovah thy God.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

The woman^{H802} shall not wear that which pertaineth^{H3627} unto a man^{H1397}, neither shall a man^{H1397} put^{H3847} on a woman's^{H802} garment^{H8071}: for all that do^{H6213} so^{H428} are abomination^{H8441} unto the LORD^{H3068} thy God^{H430}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Deuteronomy 22:5

Deuteronomy 22:5 is part of a larger section in the book that deals with various laws and regulations given to the Israelites by Moses, as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The verse reflects the cultural and religious norms of ancient Israel regarding gender distinction and roles. In its historical context, clothing was a significant marker of a person's identity, including their gender, social status, and sometimes even their religious affiliation.

The theme of the verse is clear: it prohibits cross-dressing, stating that a woman must not wear what pertains to a man, nor should a man wear women's clothing. The use of the word "abomination" suggests that such behavior was considered detestable to the Lord and was to be avoided by the Israelites. This prohibition is understood within a broader ancient Near Eastern context where maintaining clear distinctions between genders was important for social order and the preservation of religious identity.

In a wider theological context, this verse has been interpreted in various ways by different religious communities and scholars. Some view it as a specific commandment meant to prevent the blurring of gender distinctions, which was seen as crucial for maintaining the social fabric of Israelite society. Others interpret it as a principle that speaks to a holistic understanding of gender and the importance of embracing one's God-given identity.

Modern interpretations of this verse vary, with some seeing it as a reflection of ancient cultural norms that may not directly apply to contemporary contexts, while others maintain its relevance as a moral directive against gender confusion or the rejection of one's biological sex. Regardless of the interpretation, Deuteronomy 22:5 remains a part of the Jewish and Christian scriptures and is often discussed in conversations about gender roles and identity.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H802
   There are 729 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִשָּׁה
   Transliteration: ʼishshâh
   Pronunciation: ish-shaw'
   Description: feminine of אִישׁ or אֱנוֹשׁ; irregular plural, נָשִׁים;(used in the same wide sense as אֱנוֹשׁ); a woman; (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3627
   There are 276 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כְּלִי
   Transliteration: kᵉlîy
   Pronunciation: kel-ee'
   Description: from כָּלָה; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon); armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever.
   
3. Strong's Number: H1397
   There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גֶּבֶר
   Transliteration: geber
   Pronunciation: gheh'-ber
   Description: from גָּבַר; properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply; every one, man, [idiom] mighty.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3847
   There are 103 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לָבַשׁ
   Transliteration: lâbash
   Pronunciation: law-bash'
   Description: or לָבֵשׁ; a primitive root; properly, wrap around, i.e. (by implication) to put on agarment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively; (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear.
   
5. Strong's Number: H8071
   There are 28 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שִׂמְלָה
   Transliteration: simlâh
   Pronunciation: sim-law'
   Description: perhaps by permutation for the feminine of סֶמֶל (through the idea of a cover assuming the shape of the object beneath); a dress, especially a mantle; apparel, cloth(-es, -ing), garment, raiment. Compare שַׂלְמָה.
   
6. Strong's Number: H6213
   There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָשָׂה
   Transliteration: ʻâsâh
   Pronunciation: aw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.
   
7. Strong's Number: H428
   There are 146 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֵלֶּה
   Transliteration: ʼêl-leh
   Pronunciation: ale'-leh
   Description: prolonged from אֵל; these or those; an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m).
   
8. Strong's Number: H8441
   There are 112 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תּוֹעֵבַה
   Transliteration: tôwʻêbah
   Pronunciation: to-ay-baw'
   Description: or תֹּעֵבַה; feminine active participle of תַּעָב; properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol; abominable (custom, thing), abomination.
   
9. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
10. Strong's Number: H430
    There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
    Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
    Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
    Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; 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 deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.