Body piercings are often debated among Christians, with differing views based on cultural and biblical principles. Today, we’ll examine what the Bible says about adornments and how they relate to honoring God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Body Of Christ
What Does The Bible Say About Body Piercings
Leviticus 19:28
“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.”
This verse highlights the commandment given by God to the Israelites not to cut their bodies or mark themselves with tattoos. It emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
While this verse specifically mentions cutting and tattoo marks, it can also be applied to body piercings. It encourages us to consider whether certain body modifications align with God’s desire for us to live holy and set apart lives.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
This powerful verse reminds us that our bodies are not our own but are temples of the Holy Spirit. Because of this, we are called to honor God with our bodies and treat them with the respect and purity they deserve.
When considering body piercings, it is important to reflect on whether they align with the concept of honoring God with our bodies. We should seek to glorify Him in all that we do, including the choices we make regarding our physical appearance.
Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
This verse speaks about the freedom we have in Christ. Through His sacrifice, we have been set free from the bondage of sin and worldly desires.
While body piercings might be seen as a form of personal expression, it is essential to examine whether our choices are leading us into any form of bondage or enslavement. We should be cautious not to become slaves to societal expectations or the desire to fit in.
Romans 12:1-2
“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. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
These verses call us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and His purposes. They also remind us that as followers of Christ, we should not conform to the patterns and desires of the world.
When considering body piercings, it is crucial to evaluate whether they align with offering our bodies as living sacrifices and whether they contribute to conforming to the patterns of this world. Our desire should be to seek God’s will and to live lives that are holy and pleasing to Him.
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 verse encourages believers to prioritize inner beauty rather than focusing solely on external adornments. It emphasizes the value of cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit, which is esteemed by God.
While body piercings may be considered a form of outward adornment, it is vital to remember that our true beauty comes from within. We should evaluate whether our desire for body piercings reflects a desire for attention or validation from others, or if it aligns with a gentle and quiet spirit that pleases God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse calls us to live our lives with the overarching goal of bringing glory to God. It reminds us that even in the smallest actions, we should strive to honor and glorify Him.
When contemplating body piercings, it is essential to evaluate whether they indeed serve the purpose of glorifying God. We should examine our motivations and intentions behind such choices, ensuring that they align with our desire to bring glory to God in all that we do.
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 do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, acknowledging His lordship over our lives. It exhorts us to give thanks to God the Father through Him.
When considering body piercings, we should evaluate whether our choices align with doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. It is important to question whether these choices bring honor and thanksgiving to God or if they conflict with the lordship of Christ in our lives.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
These verses specifically address women and call them to dress modestly, focusing not on external adornments but on good deeds that align with their profession of faith.
While body piercings may not be explicitly mentioned, the underlying message of modesty and focusing on good deeds can be extended to our choices regarding body modifications. It is important to consider whether body piercings align with the call to modesty and whether they distract from the good deeds that should characterize our lives as believers.
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 that God sees beyond outward appearances and looks at the heart of individuals. It teaches us that God values inner qualities and character over external appearance.
While body piercings may be seen as a way to enhance or alter our external appearance, this verse reminds us that God’s evaluation of us goes beyond physical appearance. It directs us to focus on developing a heart and character that are pleasing to God rather than placing undue importance on external changes.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This verse teaches us the importance of letting our light shine before others. It encourages us to live in such a way that our actions testify to the goodness and glory of God.
When considering body piercings, we should ask ourselves whether our choices align with letting our light shine before others. We should consider whether such modifications would hinder or enhance our ability to be a positive influence and bring glory to God through our lives.
Ephesians 5:18-20
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
These verses admonish believers not to be controlled by substances such as wine but to be filled with the Holy Spirit. They encourage expressions of worship, thanksgiving, and making music in our hearts to the Lord.
When considering body piercings, it is important to evaluate whether our choices align with being filled with the Spirit and living in a manner that glorifies God. We should also examine if they hinder our ability to engage in heartfelt worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God.
Psalms 139:13-14
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
These verses affirm the truth that God is the creator of our inmost being and that He has fearfully and wonderfully made us. They declare the intrinsic value and beauty with which God has designed each one of us.
When contemplating body piercings, it is vital to reflect on the fact that God has created us fearfully and wonderfully. We should consider whether making alterations to our bodies through piercings aligns with the recognition of God’s intricate design and the appreciation of the beauty with which He has uniquely fashioned us.
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 that God sees beyond outward appearances and looks at the heart of individuals. It teaches us that God values inner qualities and character over external appearance.
While body piercings may be seen as a way to enhance or alter our external appearance, this verse reminds us that God’s evaluation of us goes beyond physical appearance. It directs us to focus on developing a heart and character that are pleasing to God rather than placing undue importance on external changes.
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 others and not to be a stumbling block or obstacle in their faith journey.
When considering body piercings, it is essential to evaluate whether our choices might cause others to stumble in their faith. We should be sensitive to the convictions and beliefs of fellow believers and ensure that our actions do not become a hindrance to their walk with God.
Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
In these verses, Jesus addresses the issue of lust and emphasizes the importance of purity not only in actions but also in thoughts and desires.
When contemplating body piercings, it is crucial to evaluate whether our choices might contribute to lustful thoughts or desires in ourselves or in others. We should consider whether certain piercings might unintentionally draw attention in a way that could lead to impure thoughts or actions.
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 recognizes the value of physical training and exercise. However, it highlights that while physical fitness has some benefits, godliness has eternal value and promises blessings in both this life and the life to come.
When considering body piercings, it is essential to evaluate whether our focus on physical appearance through modifications aligns with prioritizing godliness and spiritual growth. We should ensure that we are not placing undue emphasis on external factors at the expense of nurturing our relationship with God.
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 outer charm and physical beauty are passing and can be deceiving. It teaches that a woman who fears the Lord and lives in reverence to Him is worthy of praise.
When contemplating body piercings, it is important to keep in mind that external beauty and charm are fleeting. The verse directs us to prioritize cultivating a heart that fears and honors the Lord rather than placing excessive focus on our outward appearance.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”
These verses emphasize that believers are the temple of God, and the Holy Spirit dwells within them. They warn against destroying God’s temple, highlighting the sacredness of our bodies.
When considering body piercings, it is crucial to evaluate whether our choices align with the understanding that our bodies are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. We should approach modifications with reverence, realizing the sacredness of our bodies as temples of God.
2 Corinthians 6:16
“What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.'”
These verses reinforce the concept that believers are the temple of the living God. They highlight the intimacy of God dwelling with us and us being His people.
When contemplating body piercings, it is important to consider whether our choices align with the recognition that we are the temple of God. We should reflect on whether certain piercings would hinder the closeness of our relationship with God or compromise our identity as His people.
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.”
These verses affirm believers as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and God’s special possession. They emphasize the purpose of declaring God’s praises, having been called out of darkness into His marvelous light.
When considering body piercings, it is important to evaluate whether our choices align with the recognition that we are set apart for God’s purposes. We should question whether certain piercings would detract from our testimony as chosen people, a royal priesthood, and God’s special possession.
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
In this verse, believers are instructed to flee evil desires and instead pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. The call is to pursue these virtues alongside fellow believers who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
When contemplating body piercings, it is important to evaluate whether our choices align with pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace. We should consider whether certain piercings may be influenced by worldly desires rather than a pursuit of these godly virtues.
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.”
This verse reminds believers that while they have freedom in Christ, not everything is beneficial or edifying. It cautions against becoming enslaved to anything.
When considering body piercings, it is important to evaluate whether our choices are truly beneficial and edifying in our walk with Christ. We should examine whether certain piercings have the potential to become a source of enslavement or addiction.
1 Corinthians 8:9
“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
This verse advises believers to exercise caution so that their freedom and rights do not become a stumbling block to others who may be weak in their faith.
When contemplating body piercings, it is essential to evaluate whether our choices may cause fellow believers who are weaker in their faith to stumble. We should consider whether certain piercings might lead others to question their own convictions or become a hindrance to their spiritual growth.
Romans 14:1-4
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”
These verses encourage believers not to quarrel over disputable matters and to accept those with weak faith. They address differences in personal convictions regarding dietary choices but can also be applied to other areas, such as body piercings.
When considering body piercings, it is important to respect the varying convictions of fellow believers. We should remember that God is the ultimate judge, and it is not our place to condemn or judge those who make different choices regarding body modifications.