Deuteronomy 22:5A woman shall not wear men's clothing, neither shall a man put on women's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh your God.
The setting
Wilderness of Moab, ~1406 BC. Moses addresses Israel before entering Canaan, establishing laws for their new society...
The emotion here: urgent concern for Israel's holiness and distinction from surrounding nations
The original word
to'evah (תּוֹעֵבָה) — abomination, something that violates divine order
Why it matters
Ancient Near Eastern cultures had strict gender role distinctions tied to religious worship practices
Read with care
What most readers miss in Deuteronomy 22:5
This law distinguished Israel from pagan fertility cults where cross-dressing was ritual practice
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about fashion choices, but it was about Israel avoiding pagan religious practices where cross-dressing was part of fertility worship.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Deuteronomy 22:5
Bible Genome reading
Deuteronomy 22:5 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Deuteronomy 22:5 comes from the book of Deuteronomy, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include gender distinction, holiness. Notable phrases: abomination. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Deuteronomy 22:5 mean to you, today?
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