Piercings are a common form of self-expression today, but have you ever wondered what the Bible says about them? The practice of body piercing isn’t new; it has been around for centuries. While the Bible doesn’t provide a direct commandment about piercings, it does offer insights on how we should view our bodies and the decisions we make about them.
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What Does The Bible Say About piercings
Leviticus 19:28
“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”
In Leviticus, God gives specific instructions to the Israelites regarding their bodies. The principle here addresses the cultural practices of surrounding nations, warning against imitating them. Piercings, tattoos, and cuttings were often done as rituals for the dead or as acts of pagan worship.
The broader message here is about maintaining holiness and not conforming to the world around us. This verse challenges us to consider whether our choices are influenced by God or by the cultural norms that may distract us from our spiritual walk.
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 passage underlines the value and respect we should have for our bodies. Since our bodies are considered temples of the Holy Spirit, we’re called to honor God through the ways we treat them. Piercings could be viewed through the lens of whether they honor God or diminish that respect for our temples.
Personally, I’ve contemplated this verse when making decisions about tattoos and piercings. This consideration helps ensure that my body remains a respectful dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.
Genesis 24:22
“When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels.”
This verse is part of the story of Abraham’s servant finding a wife for Isaac. The gold nose ring mentioned here was a gift to Rebekah, symbolizing wealth and favor. It shows that piercings were culturally significant and could represent blessings and honor.
However, while cultural context is essential, so is discerning how such practices align with our faith today. For example, in examining piercings, we must consider their symbolism in our lives and communities.
Ezekiel 16:12
“And I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head.”
Here, Ezekiel portrays God’s relationship with Jerusalem using the imagery of adornment. The act of placing a ring on the nose and earrings on the ears signifies God’s love and beautification of His people.
This example shows that piercings can be seen as ornaments that symbolize favor and blessing from God. While it’s beautiful imagery, discerning how it applies to our current practices is crucial in maintaining the right focus.
Exodus 21:6
“Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the doorpost; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.”
This verse discusses the ancient practice of a servant voluntarily committing to permanent service. Piercing the ear was a physical sign of this lifelong commitment. It portrays how certain piercings represented obedience and dedication.
From a personal experience, understanding this helps when evaluating modern piercings in their cultural and spiritual contexts. They should signify something meaningful rather than being impulsive or superficial.
Isaiah 3:21
“the signet rings and nose rings,”
In this passage, Isaiah lists various adornments worn by the women of Jerusalem. This helps us understand that such piercings were common and held significance in ancient culture. They were often symbols of wealth and status.
While it can be reassuring to see Biblical characters with piercings, it’s essential to prayerfully consider if they distract us from our faith or help us honor God. Intent matters deeply in our personal adornments and actions.
Judges 8:24
“And Gideon said, ‘I do have one request, 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.)”
This context shows that earrings were part of cultural customs and used as valuable treasures. Their significance was both aesthetical and monetary. When we talk about piercings today, we must consider their personal and cultural implications like Gideon did with the Israelites.
Also, recalling the values I hold, I ask myself whether my choice glorifies God or not. It helps to have a guiding principle when navigating cultural practices.
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 scenario, jewelry, including earrings, was brought as an offering. Such practices show that these items were cherished and seen as valuable. They were meant to honor God as He was the reason for their prosperity.
The underlying theme is valuing our adornments as gifts from God. When considering piercings, it’s beneficial to remember their worth and significance in our walk with God, ensuring that our intentions align with His will.
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.”
This verse is a warning about misplaced priorities. The adornments were not the issue but the heart and intentions behind them. This warns us about letting our appearance and adornments draw us away from God.
Reflecting on this, I’ve questioned how much time and attention I give to my appearance versus my relationship with God. It’s a reminder to keep God first in every aspect, including how we choose to present ourselves.
1 Timothy 2:9
“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,”
This teaching advises on modesty and propriety, emphasizing inner beauty over outward appearance. Elaborate adornments can sometimes become sources of pride and distraction. The idea is to focus on a beauty that reflects God’s character.
I’ve often examined my choices in light of this verse, ensuring they reflect modesty and do not become an avenue for vanity or distraction from my spiritual walk.
2 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.”
Peter echoes similar sentiments to Paul’s teachings, instructing believers to prioritize inner qualities over outward adornment. It reminds us that our true beauty comes from within, from a spirit that reflects God’s love and grace.
This Scripture has often guided my decisions regarding jewelry and piercings, ensuring they do not overshadow more important aspects of my faith and character.
Proverbs 25:12
“Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.”
Solomon uses the imagery of valuable adornments to describe the value of wise counsel. This highlights that items like earrings can symbolize something precious, much like wisdom. However, value comes from the wisdom they represent, not the adornments themselves.
I’ve learned to value the wisdom of those around me, seeing it as beautiful and precious. It shows that true value lies deeper than physical adornments, in the wisdom and character shaping our lives.
1 Peter 3:3
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.”
This verse resonates with 1 Timothy 2:9, which prioritizes spiritual beauty over physical. Peter encourages believers to cultivate inner strength and grace, not relying solely on external adornments for beauty.
This guidance serves as a timeless reminder to focus on inner spiritual growth. When considering piercings, it’s beneficial to remember their secondary nature compared to our inner walk with Christ.
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
This scripture emphasizes freedom in Christ and advises against indulging the flesh. While it may not directly mention piercings, the principle is relevant when considering our motivations and actions.
Evaluating our choices by asking if they serve God and others or merely indulge our desires is essential. This discerning approach guides decisions about tattoos, piercings, and other adornments.
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.”
Paul’s encouragement to do everything in the name of the Lord encompasses all aspects of life, including how we adorn ourselves. Actions, including piercings, should honor God and reflect gratitude for His blessings.
When contemplating piercings, this verse helps us question if it’s done to glorify God or to fulfill personal desires. It’s a guiding principle that keeps our focus on honoring Him in all areas.
Romans 14:23
“But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.”
Paul addresses living in faith in Romans, emphasizing that actions must stem from belief and conviction in God’s guidance. When considering piercings, this reminds us to assess our motives and ensure they’re rooted in faith.
I once faced this when contemplating a piercing. Ensuring my decision came from a place of faith and didn’t conflict with my beliefs brought clarity and peace. Faith should be our anchor in all choices.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Paul offers advice on focusing on virtues. Applying this to our choices, including piercings, this prompts reflection on whether our actions align with these virtues. Ensuring our adornments don’t detract from our pursuit of what’s noble and right is essential.
This perspective has often guided my decisions, ensuring they align with virtues that reflect Godly character rather than fleeting trends or personal desires.
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.”
Here, we see God’s adornment of Jerusalem using jewelry as a metaphor for His lavishing love and blessings. It signifies how God can use cultural symbols of beauty to express His devotion.
However, while these symbols are significant, it’s crucial to reflect on our motives and whether such adornments help convey our faith or distract from it. My grandmother cherished a cross necklace for this symbolic reason—it was a constant reminder of God’s love.
Revelation 21:18-21
“The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone.”
The New Jerusalem’s description, adorned with precious stones, conveys beauty and purity. This imagery shows that adornments themselves aren’t inherently bad but can symbolize something greater—God’s majesty and perfection.
This makes it pertinent to reflect on whether our adornments, like piercings, contribute to or detract from showcasing God’s excellence. It encourages us to align our choices with our faith principles.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
David praises God for the intricate creation of human beings. Recognizing that we are wonderfully made underpins respect and care toward our bodies. This acknowledgment can influence our decisions about piercings and other adornments.
A personal experience made me cautious—understanding this verse led to re-evaluating choices, ensuring they reflect self-respect and honoring God’s creation rather than impulsive trends.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
James reminds believers to seek God’s wisdom in all decisions. This practice applies well to discerning about piercings. Seeking divine guidance helps ensure that our choices align with His will for our lives.
I’ve found praying for wisdom essential when considering actions that affect personal appearance. It brings peace, knowing that decisions are grounded in seeking God’s direction rather than merely personal desire.
Proverbs 11:22
“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.”
Solomon uses a vivid analogy to highlight the importance of discretion over mere outward beauty. Even the most attractive adornments are wasted without wisdom and proper conduct.
This verse has grounded my perspective on beauty and adornment, emphasizing that discretion and wisdom should accompany all decisions, including whether to get piercings, ensuring they reflect good character rather than superficial allure.
Jeremiah 4:30
“What are you doing, you who dress yourself in scarlet, you who adorn yourself with golden jewelry, you who enlarge your eyes with paint? You adorn yourself in vain. Your lovers despise you; they seek your life.”
Jeremiah speaks to the futility of lavish adornment without a pure heart. The caution here is against relying on external beauty to find favor or identity. God seeks a heart aligned with Him over outward display.
This perspective helps balance personal adornment with the understanding that a heart devoted to God outweighs any external embellishment. It serves as a reminder to prioritize inner beauty reflecting godliness.
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.'”
This verse underscores the importance of what lies within over the superficial. God’s focus is on the heart, not mere external appearance. This principle can help guide our choices about appearances, including piercings.
Reflecting on this, I aim to ensure that my decisions about adornment align with fostering a pure and devoted heart, prioritizing my relationship with God above all else.