Deuteronomy 22:11

KJV

Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, [as] of woollen and linen together.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not wear {H3847} a garment of divers sorts {H8162}, as of woollen {H6785} and linen {H6593} together {H3162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to wear clothing woven with two kinds of thread, wool and linen together.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not wear a mingled stuff, wool and linen together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 22:11 presents a specific command within the Mosaic Law prohibiting the wearing of garments woven from a mixture of wool and linen. This seemingly particular injunction is part of a broader set of laws designed to cultivate a distinct identity for Israel, emphasizing purity, order, and separation from the practices of surrounding nations. It reflects God's desire for His people to embody holiness in all aspects of their lives, from the grandest theological principles to the most mundane daily practices, symbolizing an outward expression of an inward commitment to divine standards.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 22:11 is situated within a larger section of the Deuteronomic Code (chapters 12-26), which details various civil, social, and cultic laws given to Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. This specific verse falls among other regulations concerning social order, property rights, and moral purity, including laws against sexual immorality, dishonest weights, and other "mixed kinds" (e.g., sowing different seeds in the same field, yoking different animals together – [Deuteronomy 22:9-10](/deuteronomy/22-9 "Deuteronomy 22:9-10 - Laws Against Mixed Kinds")). The juxtaposition of these laws underscores a consistent divine principle of maintaining distinct categories and avoiding unnatural mixtures, reflecting God's orderly character and His desire for Israel to reflect that order in their society.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was called to be a holy nation, set apart from the surrounding Canaanite and pagan cultures ([Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel, a Holy People")). The Mosaic Law, including seemingly obscure commands like this one, served to establish this distinctiveness. While some scholars suggest that the prohibition against wool and linen mixtures (known as *sha'atnez*) might have been to prevent imitation of pagan priestly garments or cultic practices (as certain deities were associated with specific animal or plant fibers), the primary textual emphasis remains on Israel's unique identity and purity before Yahweh. These laws reinforced a worldview where God's creation was ordered and distinct, and Israel was to mirror that divine order in their daily lives, including their attire, as a visible sign of their covenant relationship.
* **Key Themes:** The prohibition against mixed fabrics contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Purity and Distinction**, emphasizing God's desire for His people to be unadulterated, both spiritually and physically, from the world's influences. This extends to their clothing, signifying an outward expression of an inward commitment to God's standards. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Order**, reflecting the principle that God is a God of order, and His creation's distinct categories should be respected and not unnaturally blurred. Finally, the command reinforces Israel's call to **Holiness**, to be set apart for the Lord ([Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")), signifying their unique status as God's covenant people, distinct from all other nations in their practices and devotion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Divers sorts (Hebrew, _kil'ayim'_):** This term, though not directly in the KJV translation of Deuteronomy 22:11, is the broader Hebrew concept for "mixed kinds" or "two sorts" found in the preceding verses ([Deuteronomy 22:9-10](/deuteronomy/22-9 "Deuteronomy 22:9-10 - Laws Against Mixed Kinds")) and elsewhere in the Pentateuch ([Leviticus 19:19](/leviticus/19-19 "Leviticus 19:19 - Do Not Mix Kinds")). It denotes the mixing of different species or categories, whether in agriculture (seeds, animals) or clothing. The prohibition against *kil'ayim* underscores a divine principle of maintaining distinctiveness and respecting the created order, where each thing has its proper category and purpose as ordained by God.
* **Woollen and linen (Hebrew, _sha'atnez'_):** This is the specific technical term for the forbidden mixture of wool and linen, found only in this verse and [Leviticus 19:19](/leviticus/19-19 "Leviticus 19:19 - Do Not Mix Kinds"). The etymology is uncertain, possibly of Egyptian origin, but it specifically refers to the combination of these two particular fibers. Wool comes from an animal (sheep), while linen comes from a plant (flax). The prohibition is highly specific to these two materials, not a general ban on all mixed fabrics, suggesting a particular significance to this combination, perhaps related to the distinct kingdoms of creation (animal and vegetable) or specific cultic associations in pagan religions that Israel was to avoid.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts":** This opening clause establishes the general prohibition against wearing clothing made from a mixture of different kinds. It sets the stage for the specific example that follows, indicating that the principle is against an unnatural or forbidden combination of materials in one's attire. The emphasis is on the garment itself being "of divers sorts," implying an intentional blending of materials that God has deemed inappropriate for His people's common wear.
* **"[as] of woollen and linen together":** This specifies the exact forbidden mixture. The parenthetical "[as]" in the KJV indicates that "woollen and linen together" is given as the primary, perhaps even sole, example of the "divers sorts" of garments prohibited. This highlights the unique nature of the *sha'atnez* prohibition, focusing on the combination of animal-derived (wool) and plant-derived (linen) fibers. This specific pairing was singled out, possibly due to its symbolic significance, its use in pagan rituals, or simply as a concrete example of the broader principle of maintaining distinctiveness in all areas of life.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 22:11 employs **Symbolism** where the physical garment serves as a tangible representation of an internal state or societal principle. The "unmixed" garment symbolizes the desired purity and distinctiveness of Israel as a holy nation, set apart for God. It is a form of **Metonymy**, where the clothing stands in for the identity and character of the wearer and the community. Furthermore, the command functions as a **Legal Precedent** or a specific case within a broader category of laws against mixing "kinds" (*kil'ayim*), found throughout the Pentateuch. This repetition of the principle across different domains (agriculture, animal husbandry, clothing) underscores its fundamental importance to God's design for order and holiness in His creation and among His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly mundane command in Deuteronomy 22:11 carries profound theological weight, extending beyond a literal dress code. It underscores God's nature as the Creator who established distinct categories and order in His creation, and His desire for His people to reflect that order and purity. The prohibition against *sha'atnez* serves as a tangible reminder for Israel to maintain their unique identity and avoid syncretism, whether spiritual or cultural, with the surrounding pagan nations. It points to a God who cares about every detail of His people's lives, calling them to an integrated holiness where outward actions align with inward devotion. This principle of distinctiveness and purity finds resonance throughout the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of wholehearted devotion and avoiding spiritual compromise.

* [Leviticus 19:19](/leviticus/19-19 "Leviticus 19:19 - Do Not Mix Kinds")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal observance of Deuteronomy 22:11 is not typically maintained by Christians today, as it is part of the ceremonial law fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. This command challenges us to consider where we might be "mixing" incompatible elements in our lives—blending Christian faith with worldly values, compromising truth for convenience, or allowing our devotion to God to be diluted by competing allegiances. It calls us to a life of spiritual integrity and distinctiveness, where our identity in Christ is not blurred by the patterns of this world. We are invited to live out our faith authentically, pursuing wholehearted devotion to God, ensuring that our outward actions and choices reflect the inward transformation wrought by the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "mixing" incompatible values or practices, subtly compromising my Christian distinctiveness?**
* **How does the principle of divine order, as seen in this command, inform my understanding of God's character and His expectations for my life?**
* **What does it mean for me to live a life of "unmixed" devotion and spiritual purity in a world that often encourages compromise and blending?**

### FAQ

**Why specifically wool and linen? Were other mixed fabrics allowed?**

Answer: The prohibition in Deuteronomy 22:11 and [Leviticus 19:19](/leviticus/19-19 "Do Not Mix Kinds") is highly specific to the combination of wool and linen, known as *sha'atnez*. Other mixed fabrics, like cotton and silk, were generally permissible. The unique prohibition against wool (animal-derived) and linen (plant-derived) might symbolize the mixing of distinct categories within creation, or it could have been to prevent imitation of specific pagan cultic garments or practices where these materials held particular significance. The text itself does not provide an explicit reason, but the emphasis is on maintaining distinctiveness and purity as part of Israel's covenant identity.

**Doesn't the Bible say priests wore linen and wool? Is that a contradiction?**

Answer: This is an excellent question that highlights an important nuance. While the general populace was forbidden from wearing *sha'atnez*, the garments of the high priest, such as the ephod and its accompanying breastplate, were divinely ordained to include both linen and wool ([Exodus 28:6](/exodus/28-6 "Description of the Ephod"), [Exodus 39:29](/exodus/39-29 "The High Priest's Garments")). This is not a contradiction but an exception that proves the rule. The priestly garments were sacred, set apart for a specific divine purpose, and were not for common wear. This exception underscores that the prohibition for the general Israelite was not based on an inherent impurity of the materials themselves, but on a specific divine command for distinctiveness in common life, reinforcing the idea that God's laws are rooted in His sovereign will and His unique purposes for His people.

**Is Deuteronomy 22:11 still binding for Christians today?**

Answer: No, the literal command in Deuteronomy 22:11 is generally understood by Christians as part of the Mosaic ceremonial law, which has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfilled the Law"), [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Shadow of Things to Come")). The New Covenant emphasizes an internal transformation and spiritual purity over external ritualistic observances. However, the underlying principles of this law—such as distinctiveness, purity, integrity, and avoiding spiritual syncretism—remain highly relevant for believers. We are called to live distinctively as God's people in the world, reflecting His holiness and righteousness ([1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "Be Holy as I Am Holy")), avoiding the blending of Christian faith with worldly values that contradict God's truth ([2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 22:11, with its prohibition against mixed fabrics, points profoundly to Christ and the nature of the New Covenant. While a seemingly obscure ceremonial law, it embodies the principle of purity, distinctiveness, and unadulterated holiness that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. Christ Himself is the perfectly "unmixed" Son of God, fully divine and fully human, yet without sin, representing the ultimate purity and integrity that the Law foreshadowed. He is the Lamb of God, unblemished and without spot, whose sacrifice perfectly atones for sin ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "Redeemed by the Blood of Christ")), making us holy and distinct in God's sight. Under the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from external regulations to internal transformation. Believers are now clothed in the righteousness of Christ ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")), and the call to be "unmixed" becomes a spiritual reality: to live a life undivided in devotion to God, free from the entanglements of sin and the compromises of the world ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Do Not Be Conformed to This World")). Through Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to pursue true holiness, reflecting the divine order and purity that the ancient law could only symbolize, thereby fulfilling its deepest spiritual intent.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.