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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Men Wearing Dresses</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/m/men_wearing_dresses.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/deuteronomy/22-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/m/men.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Men Wearing Dresses</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/m/men_upon_the_earth.htm" title="Men upon the Earth">◄</a> Men Wearing Dresses <a href="/topical/m/men_who_do_iniquity.htm" title="Men who do iniquity">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#top" title="Topical Bible Verses">Topical</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The topic of men wearing dresses, or more broadly, cross-dressing, is addressed in the Bible primarily through the lens of cultural norms and religious laws that were established for the Israelites. The primary scripture that speaks to this issue is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Deuteronomy.<br><br><b><a href="/deuteronomy/22-5.htm">Deuteronomy 22:5</a> :</b> "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."<br><br>This verse is part of the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites as a set of guidelines for living a life that was distinct from the surrounding nations. The prohibition against cross-dressing is understood to be a part of maintaining the distinctiveness of gender roles as ordained by God. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a strong emphasis on the differentiation between male and female roles, and clothing was a significant marker of these roles.<br><br>In the ancient Near Eastern context, clothing was not only functional but also symbolic. It represented one's identity, social status, and role within the community. The prohibition in <a href="/deuteronomy/22-5.htm">Deuteronomy 22:5</a> is seen as a means to uphold the natural order and the distinctions that God established at creation, as reflected in <a href="/genesis/1-27.htm">Genesis 1:27</a> : "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."<br><br>The New Testament does not directly address the issue of men wearing dresses or cross-dressing. However, the principles of modesty and propriety in dress are discussed. For instance, <a href="/1_corinthians/11-14.htm">1 Corinthians 11:14-15</a> touches on cultural norms regarding appearance: "Does not nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering."<br><br>While this passage does not specifically mention clothing, it reflects the broader biblical theme of adhering to cultural expressions of gender that honor God. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often emphasizes the importance of living in a way that does not cause confusion or dishonor within the community of believers.<br><br>Throughout church history, the interpretation of these passages has varied, but traditional conservative Christian teachings have generally upheld the view that men and women should dress in ways that reflect their God-given gender. This perspective is rooted in the belief that God created men and women with distinct roles and purposes, and that these distinctions should be honored and maintained in all aspects of life, including dress.<br><br>In contemporary discussions, the topic of men wearing dresses often intersects with broader conversations about gender identity and expression. While cultural norms have evolved, many conservative Christians continue to reference biblical teachings as a foundation for their views on gender-appropriate clothing, emphasizing the importance of adhering to scriptural principles in a changing world.<a name="top" id="top"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Bible Verses</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/deuteronomy/22-5.htm">Deuteronomy 22:5</a></span><br>The woman shall not wear that which pertains to a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination to the LORD your God.<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/farrar/gathering_clouds_a_tale_of_the_days_of_st_chrysostom/chapter_xxxvii_the_world_the.htm"><span class="l">The World, the Flesh, and the Devil</span></a> <br><b>...</b> ridicule the silk-embroidered boots of young <b>men</b>, which were <b>...</b> hair, and putting on<br> of gold, and <b>wearing</b> of apparel <b>...</b> God is of great price." Look at your <b>dresses</b>! <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter xxxvii the world the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/orr/food_for_the_lambs_or_helps_for_young_christians/on_dress.htm"><span class="l">On Dress.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Let not <b>men</b> and devils any longer put out our <b>...</b> on of apparel for adornment and the<br> <b>wearing</b> of jewelry <b>...</b> the house, and the Spartan transparent <b>dresses</b>, and those <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/on dress.htm</font><p><a href="/library/clement/the_instructor_paedagogus/chapter_iv_with_whom_we_are.htm"><span class="l">With whom we are to Associate.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> their own hands and serving themselves, <b>men</b> have recourse <b>...</b> the mirrors, some for the<br> head-<b>dresses</b>, others for <b>...</b> them silly amatory stories, and <b>wearing</b> out body <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv with whom we are.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_gal_eph_phi_col_thess_tim_titus_and_philemon/homily_viii_1_timothy_ii.htm"><span class="l">1 Timothy ii. 10-Aug</span></a> <br><b>...</b> She that weeps ought not to be <b>wearing</b> gold <b>...</b> when He who judges the secrets of <b>men</b><br> shall make <b>...</b> appearance more by these than by costlier <b>dresses</b>; especially when <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../homily viii 1 timothy ii.htm</font><p><a href="/library/edersheim/sketches_of_jewish_social_life/chapter_13_among_the_people.htm"><span class="l">Among the People, and with the Pharisees</span></a> <br><b>...</b> nose-rings, ear-rings, gorgeous head-<b>dresses</b>, necklaces, chains <b>...</b> least so far as<br> concerned the <b>wearing</b> of memorial <b>...</b> the Mishnah allows them also to be white (<b>Men</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm</font><p><a href="/library/emmerich/the_life_of_the_blessed_virgin_mary/iii_the_presentation_of_the.htm"><span class="l">The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Joachim went first to the Temple with Zechariah and the other <b>men</b>. <b>...</b> three maidens<br> who walked on each side of her, <b>wearing</b> white <b>dresses</b> embroidered with <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/jerome/the_principal_works_of_st_jerome/letter_lviii_to_paulinus.htm"><span class="l">Letter Lviii. To Paulinus.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> and in showing off fasts, or in <b>wearing</b> a cheap <b>...</b> Avoid the society of <b>men</b> of the world,<br> especially if they <b>...</b> And, if women round her wear silk <b>dresses</b> and gems <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lviii to paulinus.htm</font><p><a href="/library/stead/king_of_the_jews/chapter_x_conclusion.htm"><span class="l">Conclusion.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> unto death, and now, let us hope, <b>wearing</b> a crown <b>...</b> saw Jesus, the Galilean, as merely<br> a man among <b>men</b>. <b>...</b> The <b>dresses</b> are too beautiful"everything is conventional <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter x conclusion.htm</font><p><a href="/library/jerome/the_principal_works_of_st_jerome/letter_liv_to_furia.htm"><span class="l">Letter Liv. To Furia.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> sad fate the lately weeping widow <b>dresses</b> herself once <b>...</b> a widow wasted with fasting<br> and <b>wearing</b> the sombre <b>...</b> Here a woman vanquishes <b>men</b>, and chastity beheads lust <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter liv to furia.htm</font><p><a href="/library/orr/the_gospel_day_/chapter_xiv_evil_habits_and.htm"><span class="l">Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> she could not see any evil in <b>wearing</b> gay and <b>...</b> to wear such plumed hats and beaded<br> <b>dresses</b>, but she <b>...</b> meet strong looking, and apparently healthy <b>men</b>, who have <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xiv evil habits and.htm</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/three-men-Genesis-18.html">Who were the three men who visited Abraham in Genesis 18? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/effeminate-men-masculine-women.html">Is it wrong for men to be effeminate or for women to be masculine? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/sexual-temptation.html">Why is sexual temptation a bigger problem for men than for women? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/men.htm">Men: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/m/men.htm">Men</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/m/men_and_long_hair.htm">Men and Long Hair</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/m/men_wearing_dresses.htm">Men Wearing Dresses</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/sarcasm--the_men_of_jabesh_to_nahash.htm">Sarcasm: The Men of Jabesh to Nahash</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/menahem's.htm">Menahem's (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/men'ahem.htm">Men'ahem (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pekahiah.htm">Pekahiah (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tiglathpileser.htm">Tiglathpileser (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tiglath-pileser.htm">Tiglath-pileser (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shallum.htm">Shallum (27 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gadi.htm">Gadi (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tiphsah.htm">Tiphsah (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a 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