What is the reasoning behind this prohibition, and what about this particular behavior makes it “abhorrent?” Since the Torah itself does not state a clear reason for the prohibition, a wide variety of suggestions have been put forth over the millennia by Jewish sages and scholars.
Commentators
Saadiah Gaon explains the terms as vessels or tools, and as women’s ornaments and other similar items. In contrast to earlier interpretations in which the ambiguous terms of the verse were given specific connotations (like armor or jewelry), Saadia's use of plural definitions for the singular terms extends the scope of possible meanings.
Rashi comments incorporates some of the discussion in the rabbinic sources examined above. He explains that the verse prohibits women from appearing similar to men and going among them, because mingling with the opposite sex can only lead to lewd behavior. He explains that the Torah is forbidding only a garment that could lead to an abomination.
