Definition: The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a womanâÂÂs garment: for all that do so [are] abomination unto the LORD thy God.
Explanation: Okay, letâs break down this verse from Deuteronomy 22:5. Itâs a really important rule about relationships and boundaries in the Old Testament. Hereâs what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that men shouldn't be intimate with women, and women shouldn't be intimate with men. Itâs essentially establishing a clear separation between genders to keep things holy and pleasing to God. Letâs unpack it piece by piece: âDeuteronomy 22:5â : This is a passage from the Old Testament, specifically the Law (rules and regulations) of Moses. It's one of the most famous and impactful verses in the Bible. âThe woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a womanâs garmentâ : This is the core of the rule. It means that women shouldnât dress or behave like men â specifically, they shouldn't engage in sexual relationships with men. Itâs saying that a woman's clothing and behavior are meant for a female person, not a male one. âfor all that do so [are] abomination unto the LORD thy Godâ : This is the crucial part. It means that any act of sexual intimacy between a man and a woman is considered an offense to God. "Abomination" means something is deeply disliked and forbidden. The Lord (God) finds this relationship displeasing, so itâs not allowed. Why is this important? This verse was designed to help maintain the purity and holiness of the covenant (agreement) between God and His people. It was a way for God to protect Himself and his people from temptation and impurity. It highlights that intimacy is a sacred thing, and itâs best kept separate from those who are meant to be with each other â men and women. In short: This verse emphasizes the importance of separating genders and maintaining holiness in relationships through clear boundaries and prohibitions against intimate contact. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What's your current understanding of this verse? (Are you already familiar with the context?) Are there any specific aspects youâd like me to focus on? (e.g., its historical significance, its meaning in a modern-day perspective, or how it relates to other parts of the Bible?)