Bible Question: Is it a sin for women to wear pants? |
Bible Answer: Greetings reddick@enia.net, Here is some information on Deuteronomy 22:5, which says, "A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the LORD your God." "22:5 anything that pertains to a man ... woman's garment. Found only here in the Pentateuch, this statute prohibited a man from wearing any item of feminine clothing or ornamentation, or a woman from wearing any item of masculine clothing or ornamentation. The same word translated "abomination" was used to describe God's view of homosexuality (Lev. 18:22; 20:13). This instance specifically outlawed transvestism. The creation order distinctions between male and female were to be maintained without exception (cf. Gen. 1:27)." (1) "[11]tn The Hebrew term hb*u@oT (“offense”) speaks of anything that runs counter to ritual or moral order, especially (in the OT) to divine standards. Cross-dressing in this covenant context may suggest homosexuality, fertility cult ritual, or some other practice contrary to God’s nature and will." (2) "22:5 Probably intended to prohibit such perversions as transvestism and homosexuality, especially under religious auspices. The God-created differences between men and women are not to be disregarded (see Lev. 18:22; 20:13)." (3) "5: The distinction between the sexes is based on God's creation and should not be violated in any way as, for instance, in the simulated changes of sex in pagan religions." (4) Blessings to you, Makarios (1) MacArthur Study Bible, 1997, Word Publishing, John MacArthur, Author and General Editor, pg. 280 (2) The NET Bible notes (http://www.bible.org) (3) Zondervan NASB Study Bible, 1999, the Zondervan Corporation, Kenneth Barker, General Editor, pg. 254 (4) The Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, 1965, Oxford University Press, Herbert G. May, Bruce M. Metzger, Editors, pg. 242 |