EGW → Biblical Foundation
Select an Ellen White book from the sidebar to see each passage mapped to the Bible verses it amplifies, cites, or echoes.
Scripture Index
Ellen White & Bible Cross-Reference
Deuteronomy 22:5
"The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God."
"I saw that God's order has been reversed, and His special directions disregarded, by those who adopt the American costume. I was referred to Deuteronomy 22:5 : “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.” God would not have His people adopt the so-called reform dress. It is immodest apparel, wholly unfitted for the modest, humble followers of Christ. 1T 421.2"
EGW directly quotes Deuteronomy 22:5 and applies it to the issue of dress reform.
"“In this style of dress God's order has been reversed and His special directions disregarded. Deuteronomy 22:5 : ‘The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.’ God would not have His people adopt this style of dress. It is not modest apparel, and is not at all fitting for modest, humble women who profess to be Christ's followers. God's prohibitions are lightly regarded by all who advocate doing away with the distinction of dress between males and females. The extreme position taken by some dress reformers upon this subject cripples their influence. 1T 459.8"
Ellen White directly references Deuteronomy 22:5 in this passage.
"“There is an increasing tendency to have women in their dress and appearance as near like the other sex as possible, and to fashion their dress very much like that of men, but God pronounces it abomination. ‘In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety.’ 1 Timothy 2:9 . 1T 457.2"
EGW directly references the principle of Deuteronomy 22:5 regarding cross-dressing, applying it to the trend of women adopting masculine styles of dress. While not a direct quote, the principle is clearly present.
"The above-described dress we believe to be worthy of the name of the reform short dress. It is being adopted at the Western Health Reform Institute and by some of the sisters at Battle Creek and other places where the matter is properly set before the people. In wide contrast with this modest dress is the so-called American costume, resembling very nearly the dress worn by men. It consists of a vest, pants, and a dress resembling a coat and reaching about halfway from the hip to the knee. This dress I have opposed, from what has been shown me as in harmony with the word of God; while the other I have recommended as modest, comfortable, convenient, and healthful. 1T 465.1"
EGW directly references the principle of Deuteronomy 22:5 by opposing women wearing clothing that resembles men's clothing. The connection is clear and intentional.
"“Those who feel called out to join the movement in favor of woman's rights and the so-called dress reform might as well sever all connection with the third angel's message. The spirit which attends the one cannot be in harmony with the other. The Scriptures are plain upon the relations and rights of men and women. Spiritualists have, to quite an extent, adopted this singular mode of dress. Seventh-day Adventists, who believe in the restoration of the gifts, are often branded as spiritualists. Let them adopt this costume, and their influence is dead. The people would place them on a level with spiritualists and would refuse to listen to them. 1T 457.3"
The EGW passage discusses dress reform and its potential association with spiritualism. Deuteronomy 22:5 forbids cross-dressing, which is related to dress and gender roles. The EGW passage is concerned with the appearance of impropriety and the blurring of gender lines through dress, which aligns with the principle in Deuteronomy 22:5.
"“The American costume,” here referred to by Mrs. White, was a modification of the earlier style and was sponsored by Dr. Harriet Austin of Dansville, New York. It combined the short skirt, “reaching about halfway from the hip to the knee,” with mannish-looking trousers, coat, and vest. See description on page 465. This “so- called reform dress” was in 1864 shown to Mrs. White to be unsuitable for adoption by God's people. 1T 717.4"
The EGW passage directly addresses the principle outlined in Deuteronomy 22:5, specifically regarding clothing styles that blur gender lines. The 'American costume' described is considered unsuitable based on this principle.
"“There is still another style of dress which is adopted by a class of so-called dress reformers. They imitate the opposite sex as nearly as possible. They wear the cap, pants, vest, coat, and boots, the last of which is the most sensible part of the costume. Those who adopt and advocate this style of dress carry the so-called dress reform to very objectionable lengths. Confusion will be the result. Some who adopt this costume may be correct in their general views upon the health question, but they would be instrumental in accomplishing vastly more good if they did not carry the matter of dress to such extremes. 1T 459.7"
EGW's statement about women wearing men's clothing directly echoes the prohibition in Deuteronomy 22:5. The connection is clear and intentional.
Deuteronomy 22:22
"If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel."
"The shameful crime of Amnon, the first-born, was permitted by David to pass unpunished and unrebuked. The law pronounced death upon the adulterer, and the unnatural crime of Amnon made him doubly guilty. But David, self-condemned for his own sin, failed to bring the offender to justice. For two full years Absalom, the natural protector of the sister so foully wronged, concealed his purpose of revenge, but only to strike more surely at the last. At a feast of the king's sons the drunken, incestuous Amnon was slain by his brother's command. PP 727.2"
The EGW passage directly references the law regarding adultery and applies it to Amnon's actions, highlighting David's failure to enforce the law. Deuteronomy 22:22 explicitly states the punishment for adultery, making this a clear connection.