An Exegetical Study of Deuteronomy 22:5: The Meaning of Garment Fit for Each Gender

Abstract

The anti-transvestitism clause in Deuteronomy 22:5 has long posed a problem to translators and scholars. This study aims to give a clearer meaning of Deuteronomy 22:5. This will help the readers apply it correctly and avoid reading meanings into the text. It will enhance a proper reading, understanding, and interpretation of the material, particularly with the increased interest in the latest fashions in our postmodern era. After reviewing various commentaries on the text in question, the study applied exegetical approaches such as background, contextual, grammatical, and lexical analysis to examine Deuteronomy 22:5. According to the study, the legislation prohibits men from wearing any products specifically designed for women, including a woman's outfit. Consequently, each sex's distinctiveness should be maintained and conserved in terms of outward appearance. A contemporary reader, therefore, needs cultural sensitivity in applying Deuteronomy 22:5. This is not an easy task hence this study points out some general principles to be considered for the contemporary application of this text; the point of reference being the rationale for the prohibition. First, the contemporary reader should remember that man and woman have had a God-given differentiation since the beginning of creation, and the human race was defined as “male and female.” Second, the contemporary reader should be sensitive to cultural variation concerning outward appearance. Mark Braun put it thus: “it is impossible to stick to a uniform dress code throughout history and styles evolve from time to time and from one place to another.” Third, the Bible has not prescribed any universal dress code for the human race. We live in a vastly different civilization than that of the Bible. Yet in every culture there are articles of clothes and adornment that are specifically worn by men or women. Bible believers should dress in a way that culturally distinguishes them from the opposite sex in their given cultures, bearing in mind that it is abominable to dress otherwise.