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Deuteronomy 22

Deuteronomy 22:5

Various Laws · Deuteronomy 22:1–12
Read Deuteronomy 22

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Anything that pertains to a man shall not be upon a woman, and a man shall not put on the garment of a woman; for an abomination to YHWH your God is anyone doing these things.
Latin
Non induetur mulier veste virili, nec vir utetur veste feminea: abominabilis enim apud Deum est qui facit hæc.

Original

Hebrew
English
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.

Notes

Deuteronomy 22:5

In this law, men and women were not to dress or act like the other gender. The command was meant to keep a clear distinction between them.

This instruction reflects a broader pattern in Deuteronomy of keeping certain things separate (also 22:9–11).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of

Topics

Abomination: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Adornment Being Modest Braided Hair Christian Women Clothes Clothing Covering of Heads Dress: Men Forbidden to Wear Women's, and Women Forbidden to Wear Men's Dressing Dressing Up for Church Effeminateness Garments of the Sexes, not to be Interchanged Gender Gender Roles Head Coverings How we Dress Lipstick Long Hair Makeup Men Wearing Dresses Men Wearing Earrings Modest Apparel Our Appearance Proper Dress Sex Change The Way we Dress The Way you Should Dress Wearing Earrings Wearing Hats Wearing Jewelry Wearing Makeup What to Wear Women: Forbidden to Wear Men's Costume Women's Hair