Today, body modifications are common, from tattoos to cosmetic surgery. But how does the Bible view the idea of altering our bodies? While scripture doesn’t directly address modern practices, it provides wisdom on how we should honor and respect the bodies we’ve been given. Understanding biblical principles about the body can help guide our choices and perspectives on this topic.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Peacemakers
What Does The Bible Say About Altering Your Body
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that since we belong to God, we should take care of our bodies and use them to bring glory to Him.
Choosing to alter our bodies, whether through tattoos, piercings, or other means, should be done with careful consideration. We should examine our motives and ensure that any alterations we make align with God’s will and do not detract from our ability to serve and honor Him.
Leviticus 19:28
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
In this verse, God instructs His people not to make cuts on their bodies or tattoo themselves. This command is given in the context of the Israelites’ separation from the customs and practices of the pagan nations around them.
While this verse may be relevant in understanding God’s view on permanent body alterations like tattoos, it is important to consider the cultural, historical, and symbolic context of the command. It is also important to note that this verse is from the Old Testament and should be understood in light of the New Testament teachings of grace and freedom in Christ.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
In this passage, Samuel learns an important lesson about the way God sees and evaluates people. God does not place great importance on outward appearance, but rather focuses on the condition of one’s heart.
While body alterations may change our outward appearance, it is crucial to remember that true beauty and worth come from within. Our character, integrity, and relationship with God matter far more than our physical appearance.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
This verse encourages believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices to God. Our bodies are meant to be dedicated to His service and used for His glory.
When considering altering our bodies, we should ask ourselves if the change aligns with offering our bodies as living sacrifices to God. Will it enhance our ability to serve and worship Him, or will it distract or hinder our devotion?
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
This passage advises against placing excessive importance on outward adornment and physical beauty. Instead, it urges us to focus on cultivating inner beauty, such as a gentle and quiet spirit.
While body alterations may seem appealing to enhance our outward appearance, they should not become the primary means by which we seek beauty or worth. True beauty lies in our character, our actions, and our relationship with God.
1 Timothy 4:8
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
This verse highlights the distinction between the value of physical training and the value of godliness. While physical fitness is beneficial, the pursuit of godliness holds eternal significance.
In the context of altering our bodies, it is important to recognize that physical appearance is temporary and fleeting. Prioritizing the pursuit of a godly character and a deep relationship with God is far more significant and enduring.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
As believers, our bodies are described as God’s temple, where His Spirit resides. It is a sacred space meant to be treated with reverence and respect.
While altering our bodies may not necessarily equate to “destroying” the temple, we should be mindful of how our choices impact our body, which is meant to be a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. Any alterations should be made with the understanding that we carry God’s presence within us.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
This verse reminds us that we are God’s masterpiece, created with a purpose to do good works in Jesus Christ. We are intricately designed and uniquely gifted for a specific plan that God has prepared for us.
When contemplating altering our bodies, we should consider how it aligns with our purpose and the good works God has prepared for us. Will it enhance or hinder our ability to fulfill our calling and live out our purpose?
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse encourages us to align everything we do, including our actions and decisions, with the name of Jesus. It reminds us to give thanks to God for everything we have and to live with a sense of gratitude.
When considering altering our bodies, we should evaluate whether it can be done in the name of the Lord Jesus and if it aligns with our gratitude and thankfulness towards God. Will it bring honor and glory to Him, or is it purely self-centered?
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This verse exclaims the awe and wonder of being fearfully and wonderfully made by God. It acknowledges the beauty and intricacy of God’s creation, including our physical bodies.
In light of this truth, altering our bodies should be approached with a sense of reverence for the incredible workmanship of God. It should not stem from dissatisfaction but rather a desire to appreciate and care for the masterpiece that He has created.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse reminds us that charm and physical beauty are transient qualities. They can deceive and distract us from what truly matters.
While altering our bodies may be driven by a desire for external beauty, it is important to remember that true worth and praise come from a heart that fears and honors the Lord, rather than from mere outward appearance.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
In this verse, believers are encouraged to do everything, even the simplest actions like eating and drinking, for the glory of God. Our entire lives are meant to be lived with a mindset of bringing honor to Him.
When contemplating altering our bodies, we should evaluate whether it can be done for the glory of God. Will it reflect His character and attract others to Him, or will it draw attention solely to ourselves?
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
This verse describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes qualities such as love, joy, peace, and self-control. These traits are evidence of a heart yielded to the Holy Spirit.
When considering altering our bodies, we should assess whether it aligns with the fruit of the Spirit. Does it foster self-control, peace, or kindness? Or does it veer towards self-indulgence, impulsiveness, or lack of self-control?
1 Corinthians 10:23
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.”
This verse cautions against exercising our freedom in Christ without considering its impact. While we may have the liberty to make choices, not everything we choose to do is beneficial or constructive.
When contemplating altering our bodies, we should weigh the potential benefits and consequences. Will it be beneficial spiritually, mentally, and emotionally? Or will it lead to negative consequences or hinder our growth in Christ?
1 Corinthians 6:12
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
In this verse, Paul reminds believers that although they may have certain rights, they should not become slaves to their desires or allow anything to have mastery over them.
When considering altering our bodies, we should evaluate whether it has become an obsession or a source of identity. Are we being mastered by the desire to change our appearance, or are we allowing God to shape and define our identity?
Psalm 119:73
“Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.”
This verse expresses a desire for God to grant understanding so the psalmist can learn and follow God’s commands. It acknowledges that God is the Creator who formed and shaped us.
In light of this truth, altering our bodies should be approached with a humble spirit that seeks understanding and alignment with God’s commands. It should reflect a recognition of His creative authority over our lives.
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
This verse reminds us that while we may plan and make decisions, ultimately it is the Lord who establishes our steps and guides our paths.
When contemplating altering our bodies, we should seek God’s guidance and surrender our plans to His wisdom. His leading should take precedence over our personal desires and preferences.
Colossians 2:16-17
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
In this passage, Paul encourages believers not to allow others to pass judgment on them based on external practices or observances. He emphasizes that the ultimate reality is found in Christ.
When considering altering our bodies, we should not allow the judgments or opinions of others to dictate our decisions. Our focus should be on a personal relationship with Christ and an understanding of His grace and truth.
Matthew 15:11
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
In this verse, Jesus highlights the importance of the condition of our hearts and the words we speak. He emphasizes that true defilement comes from within, rather than from external factors.
When contemplating altering our bodies, we should remember that external changes do not determine our level of defilement or purity. It is the condition of our hearts and the words we speak that truly matter in God’s eyes.
Romans 14:13
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
This verse encourages believers to refrain from passing judgment on one another and to consider the impact of their actions on fellow believers. It emphasizes the importance of not causing others to stumble or placing obstacles in their spiritual walk.
When contemplating altering our bodies, we should consider how our choices may affect our relationships with fellow believers. Will it cause unnecessary conflict, confusion, or stumbling? Will it hinder our ability to be a positive influence on others?
James 4:17
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
This verse reminds us that failing to do what we know is right is considered sin. It underscores the importance of aligning our actions with our understanding of God’s will.
When considering altering our bodies, we should evaluate whether it is a decision that aligns with the good and righteous path that God has revealed to us. Ignoring His leading or acting against His will is a form of disobedience.
Genesis 1:27
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This verse affirms that every human being is created in the image of God. It underscores the value and dignity that each individual possesses.
When contemplating altering our bodies, we should consider how it aligns with the recognition that we are made in God’s image. Will it foster respect for ourselves and others, or will it detract from our understanding of the inherent worth we possess?
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
In this verse, believers are described as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and God’s special possession. We are called to declare His praises and reflect His glory.
When contemplating altering our bodies, we should consider whether it aligns with our identity as God’s chosen and special people. Will it enable us to better reflect His light and proclaim His praises to others, or will it detract from this purpose?