Body piercings have become a form of self-expression for many. But what does the Bible say about piercings? In this post, we’ll explore verses that touch on the topic of piercings and their significance, shedding light on a commonly debated issue.
Bible Verses About Piercings
Leviticus 19:28
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
This verse in Leviticus prohibits the act of making cuts on the body and tattooing oneself. It serves as a reminder for believers to honor their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and not to engage in practices that defile or harm them.
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.”
These verses in Corinthians emphasize the importance of treating our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded that we belong to God and that He dwells within us. Therefore, we should strive to glorify Him in both our actions and the way we take care of our physical bodies.
Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
This verse encourages believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, dedicated to God and set apart for His purposes. Our bodies are given to us as vessels to carry out His will, and it is our spiritual worship to offer ourselves wholly to Him, surrendering our desires and conforming to His perfect plan.
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.”
These verses in Peter teach believers not to place undue importance on external appearance or material possessions. Instead, the focus should be on cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit, which holds great value in the sight of God. True beauty is found in the qualities of the heart and the character of a person rather than in superficial adornment.
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 these verses, Paul advises women on the appropriate way to dress. Modesty and self-control should be the focus, rather than seeking attention or displaying extravagant clothing and jewelry. Good works and a godly character should be the true adornment of those who profess faith in Christ.
Matthew 5:28
“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, addresses the issue of lustful thoughts and intentions. This verse highlights the importance of guarding our hearts and minds and not allowing impure thoughts to take root. It serves as a reminder to focus on purity and to treat one another with respect and honor, both in our actions and in our thoughts.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'”
In this passage, Samuel is reminded by the Lord that outward appearances are not a true reflection of a person’s worth or potential. God sees beyond the external and looks at the heart, where true intentions and character lie. As believers, we should strive to cultivate a heart that is pleasing to God, rather than being consumed by superficial concerns.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.”
These verses in Galatians list the fruits of the Spirit, which are the qualities that should be evident in the lives of believers. Instead of focusing on external adornment or appearances, our attention should be on cultivating these inner virtues. By allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, we demonstrate true beauty and godliness.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
In this verse, Paul emphasizes the importance of living our lives in a way that brings glory to God. It is a reminder that every action, including our choice of food and drink, should be done with the intention of honoring and glorifying God. This extends to all aspects of our lives, including how we present ourselves and the choices we make regarding our appearance.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'”
In this passage, Samuel is reminded by the Lord that outward appearances are not a true reflection of a person’s worth or potential. God sees beyond the external and looks at the heart, where true intentions and character lie. As believers, we should strive to cultivate a heart that is pleasing to God, rather than being consumed by superficial concerns.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
These verses in Galatians list the fruits of the Spirit, which are the qualities that should be evident in the lives of believers. Instead of focusing on external adornment or appearances, our attention should be on cultivating these inner virtues. By allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, we demonstrate true beauty and godliness.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
In this verse, Paul emphasizes the importance of living our lives in a way that brings glory to God. It is a reminder that every action, including our choice of food and drink, should be done with the intention of honoring and glorifying God. This extends to all aspects of our lives, including how we present ourselves and the choices we make regarding our appearance.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
In this verse from Proverbs, we are reminded that true beauty comes from a deep reverence and fear of the Lord. External charm and physical attractiveness may fade over time, but a woman who genuinely seeks to honor God is worthy of praise. It is a call to prioritize inner character and godliness over external appearances.
James 1:26-27
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
These verses remind believers that practicing true religion involves more than outward appearances or rituals. It requires the control of one’s tongue and actions, as well as a heart committed to helping those in need and remaining pure in a world that often leads to corruption. How we present ourselves physically should align with the inner transformation that comes from a genuine relationship with Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.'”
This verse in Corinthians serves as a warning about the influence of our associations. The people we surround ourselves with can have a significant impact on our thoughts, actions, and values. As believers, we should be cautious about the kind of company we keep, ensuring that they align with our commitment to living according to God’s Word.
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
In this verse, we are encouraged to guard our hearts carefully. Our hearts are the wellspring of life, and what we allow to enter will affect every aspect of our lives. It is a reminder to be discerning in what we allow to influence us, including external appearances and worldly trends, and instead focus on cultivating a heart that is surrendered to God.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
These words from Paul remind us to approach every task or responsibility with a wholehearted commitment, recognizing that ultimately, we are serving the Lord, not just others or ourselves. This also applies to how we present ourselves physically. Whether it is the way we dress or the choices we make regarding our appearance, our motivation should always be to please God first and foremost.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
These words of Paul encourage young believers to live in a way that sets an example for others, regardless of their age or experience. It serves as a reminder that our actions and words should reflect our identity as children of God and followers of Christ. This includes how we present ourselves physically, with purity and modesty.
1 Corinthians 6:12
“‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything.”
In this verse, Paul addresses the concept of freedom in Christ. While we have freedom to make choices, not everything is beneficial or edifying. As believers, we should strive to ensure that our choices, including those related to our appearance or adornment, do not become a dominant force in our lives, but rather serve to bring glory to God.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'”
In this passage, Samuel is reminded by the Lord that outward appearances are not a true reflection of a person’s worth or potential. God sees beyond the external and looks at the heart, where true intentions and character lie. As believers, we should strive to cultivate a heart that is pleasing to God, rather than being consumed by superficial concerns.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
These verses in Galatians list the fruits of the Spirit, which are the qualities that should be evident in the lives of believers. Instead of focusing on external adornment or appearances, our attention should be on cultivating these inner virtues. By allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, we demonstrate true beauty and godliness.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
In this verse, Paul emphasizes the importance of living our lives in a way that brings glory to God. It is a reminder that every action, including our choice of food and drink, should be done with the intention of honoring and glorifying God. This extends to all aspects of our lives, including how we present ourselves and the choices we make regarding our appearance.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
In this verse from Proverbs, we are reminded that true beauty comes from a deep reverence and fear of the Lord. External charm and physical attractiveness may fade over time, but a woman who genuinely seeks to honor God is worthy of praise. It is a call to prioritize inner character and godliness over external appearances.
James 1:26-27
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
These verses remind believers that practicing true religion involves more than outward appearances or rituals. It requires the control of one’s tongue and actions, as well as a heart committed to helping those in need and remaining pure in a world that often leads to corruption. How we present ourselves physically should align with the inner transformation that comes from a genuine relationship with Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.'”
This verse in Corinthians serves as a warning about the influence of our associations. The people we surround ourselves with can have a significant impact on our thoughts, actions, and values. As believers, we should be cautious about the kind of company we keep, ensuring that they align with our commitment to living according to God’s Word.
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
In this verse, we are encouraged to guard our hearts carefully. Our hearts are the wellspring of life, and what we allow to enter will affect every aspect of our lives. It is a reminder to be discerning in what we allow to influence us, including external appearances and worldly trends, and instead focus on cultivating a heart that is surrendered to God.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
These words from Paul remind us to approach every task or responsibility with a wholehearted commitment, recognizing that ultimately, we are serving the Lord, not just others or ourselves. This also applies to how we present ourselves physically. Whether it is the way we dress or the choices we make regarding our appearance, our motivation should always be to please God first and foremost.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
These words of Paul encourage young believers to live in a way that sets an example for others, regardless of their age or experience. It serves as a reminder that our actions and words should reflect our identity as children of God and followers of Christ. This includes how we present ourselves physically, with purity and modesty.
1 Corinthians 6:12
“‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything.”
In this verse, Paul addresses the concept of freedom in Christ. While we have freedom to make choices, not everything is beneficial or edifying. As believers, we should strive to ensure that our choices, including those related to our appearance or adornment, do not become a dominant force in our lives, but rather serve to bring glory to God.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Tears
What Does the Bible Say About Piercings?
In the Bible, there are references that touch upon the topic of piercings, though they are not explicit or extensive. It’s important to note that interpretations of these passages may vary among different Christian denominations.
One of the verses that is often cited in discussions about piercings is 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which states that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that we should honor God with our bodies. Some interpret this to mean that we should not deface or harm our bodies with piercings, tattoos, or other forms of body modification.
Another passage often referred to is Leviticus 19:28, which in the Old Testament states that one should not make cuttings in their flesh for the dead or print any marks upon themselves. While this verse is not specifically about piercings, it has been used to discourage certain forms of body modification.
However, it’s essential to consider the context of these verses. The Bible does contain cultural and historical elements, and interpretations can differ. Some Christians believe that these verses should be taken in the context of the times and cultures in which they were written and that they may not necessarily apply to modern practices like ear piercings or other body modifications.
Ultimately, the Bible does not provide a clear-cut answer on the issue of piercings. Therefore, individuals and Christian communities may hold various beliefs and interpretations on whether piercings are acceptable or not. It’s crucial to approach this topic with an open heart and respect for differing viewpoints while seeking guidance from one’s faith community and spiritual leaders for personal decisions on body piercings.