Earrings have long been a part of various cultures and traditions, but what does the Bible say about men wearing them? While there isn’t a specific command about earrings, there are principles in Scripture about appearance, modesty, and cultural norms. Let’s explore how these teachings might apply to this question.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About self righteousness
What Does The Bible Say About man wearing earrings
Genesis 35:4
So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak at Shechem.
This verse depicts a cultural practice of wearing earrings as a form of idol worship. Jacob’s family is shown to have taken off their earrings, which were associated with foreign gods, as an act of repentance and obedience to God. It serves as a reminder to prioritize our devotion to God and remove anything that may hinder our relationship with Him.
Exodus 32:2-3
Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons, and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron.
In this biblical account, the Israelites are seen wearing earrings made of gold, which were later used to create a golden calf idol. This incident demonstrates how material possessions, including jewelry, can lead to idolatry when wrongly worshipped. It emphasizes the importance of putting God first in our lives and not letting external adornments distract us from our faith.
Exodus 35:22
All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings, and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.
In this passage, the Israelites willingly offer their gold jewelry, including earrings, as a contribution for the construction of the tabernacle. It portrays a positive example of using one’s possessions for the glory of God and the advancement of His work. It reminds us of the importance of having a generous and willing heart to contribute to the work of God’s kingdom.
Numbers 31:50
We have brought the Lord’s offering, the gold articles each of us acquired: armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces, to make atonement for ourselves before the Lord.
In this verse, the Israelites offer their acquired gold articles, including earrings, as an offering to atone for themselves before the Lord. This act symbolizes repentance and seeking forgiveness from God. It signifies the willingness to let go of worldly possessions and seek reconciliation with the Almighty, emphasizing the importance of sincere repentance in the life of a believer.
Judges 8:24-25
Gideon said to them, “I would like to make a request of you, that each of you give me an earring from your share of the plunder.” (It was the custom of the Ishmaelites to wear gold earrings.) They answered, “We will give them gladly.” So they spread out a garment, and each of them threw a ring from his plunder onto it.
In this account, Gideon asks the people for their gold earrings as spoils of war. It reveals the cultural custom of wearing earrings among the Ishmaelites. Although this verse does not provide a direct moral lesson, it showcases the significance of earrings as a form of personal adornment and cultural expression in biblical times.
Isaiah 61:10
I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
This verse uses metaphorical language to express joy and gratitude for the salvation and righteousness provided by God. The comparison of adorning oneself with jewels, similar to how a bride decorates herself for a wedding, highlights the concept of spiritual beauty and the transformation that takes place within a believer. It reminds us to prioritize inward virtues and the righteousness that comes from God rather than solely focusing on external adornment.
Ezekiel 16:11-12
I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck, and I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.
In this passage, God metaphorically describes how He adorned Jerusalem with jewelry as a metaphor for bestowing blessings upon the city. The use of earrings here represents God’s desire to adorn and beautify His people. It serves as a reminder of God’s love, care, and desire to bless His followers with His abundant grace and blessings.
Hosea 2:13
I will punish her for the days she burned incense to the Baals; she decked herself with rings and jewelry and went after her lovers, but me she forgot,” declares the Lord.
In this verse, God uses earrings and other forms of jewelry to symbolize Israel’s pursuit of false gods and idolatry. It portrays the tragic reality of forsaking one’s relationship with God in favor of worldly desires and false idols. It serves as a cautionary reminder to remain faithful to God and not to prioritize material possessions or external appearances over our relationship with Him.
Matthew 7:6
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
In this verse, Jesus advises against sharing valuable or sacred things with those who would not appreciate their worth or might misuse them. The mention of pearls serves as a metaphor for something of great value. It encourages believers to be discerning and cautious in sharing their spiritual treasures and not to cast them before people who do not understand or appreciate their significance.
Matthew 13:45-46
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
In this parable, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a merchant who recognizes the incomparable value of a fine pearl and is willing to give up everything he possesses to obtain it. This metaphor highlights the surpassing worth of the kingdom of God and the sacrificial commitment necessary to embrace it fully. It challenges us to prioritize the eternal treasures of God’s kingdom above temporary pleasures or material possessions.
Luke 15:22
But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.”
In the parable of the prodigal son, the father celebrates the return of his wayward son by clothing him in the best robe, putting a ring on his finger, and providing sandals for his feet. The ring represents the father’s acceptance and restoration of his son’s position within the family. It portrays God’s willingness to welcome and restore His repentant children, emphasizing the Father’s unconditional love, grace, and forgiveness.
Acts 7:33
Then the Lord said to him, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
In this verse, God instructs Moses to remove his sandals while standing on holy ground. Although not directly about earrings, it demonstrates the significance of removing items associated with everyday life in the presence of God as an act of reverence and acknowledging His holiness. It reminds us of the need to approach and worship God with humility and respect.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
In this passage, Paul encourages women to focus on inner virtues rather than outward adornment. Although earrings are not specifically mentioned, the reference to gold, pearls, and costly attire refers to extravagant and excessive forms of physical adornment. It emphasizes the importance of modesty, self-control, and good works as the true adornment for those who profess godliness.
James 2:2-4
For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
James addresses the issue of favoritism and superficial judgments based on outward appearances. While the focus is not directly on earrings, it highlights the danger of valuing people based on external factors, such as their attire or jewelry. It serves as a reminder to treat all individuals with equal respect and not to make unfair distinctions or judgments based on superficial criteria.
1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
In this passage, Peter emphasizes the importance of inward beauty and character over external adornment. While specifically referencing hairstyles and gold jewelry, it applies to the overall concept of physical adornment, including earrings. It encourages believers to cultivate a gentle and quiet spirit, focusing on character and inner virtues that are precious in the sight of God.
Revelation 17:4
The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones, and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries.
In this apocalyptic vision, a woman symbolizing a corrupted and idolatrous system is described as adorned with opulent clothing, gold, precious stones, and pearls. This depiction serves as a cautionary warning against seeking worldly wealth, pleasures, and sinful desires that lead to spiritual corruption and deviation from God’s truth. It prompts believers to remain steadfast and not be swayed by the allure of materialism and worldly temptations.
Revelation 21:21
The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.
In this description of the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, gates made of pearls are mentioned. Although earrings are not directly referenced, the mention of pearls showcases the exquisite beauty and richness of the final dwelling place of believers. It represents the eternal and glorious rewards that await those who remain faithful to God. It brings a message of hope and anticipation for an everlasting, heavenly home.
The Bible provides various references to earrings and external adornment, presenting both positive and negative examples. These verses caution against idolatrous practices associated with wearing earrings as well as excessive focus on external appearance and material possessions. They highlight the importance of prioritizing inner virtues, modesty, and the righteousness that comes from God, rather than relying on physical adornment for significance. However, it is essential to note that these passages should not be interpreted as rigid rules or prohibitions against wearing earrings or jewelry. Instead, they serve as reminders to maintain a balance between outward physical presentation and the cultivation of a godly character. The ultimate focus should be on the heart and the inward transformation that comes from a genuine relationship with God. As believers, we must embody humility, discernment, and a sincere devotion to God, recognizing that true beauty lies in the way we reflect His image through our actions, attitudes, and relationships.