What does the Bible say about body piercings?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible does not give a universal command forbidding ordinary body piercings, but calls Christians to honor God with their bodies, avoid ungodly motives, and act with a clear conscience. Leviticus 19:28 and Deuteronomy 14:1 forbid cutting the body in pagan mourning practices, while 1 Kings 18:28 portrays self-cutting in idolatrous worship; these texts should not be casually applied to every modern piercing. Exodus 21:6 shows that ear piercing could have a recognized social use in Israel. Since believers belong to Christ, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and 10:31 direct us to consider modesty, stewardship, witness, and God’s glory. Romans 14:23 also warns against acting against conscience.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Leviticus 19:28
"'You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
[19] Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
- Deuteronomy 14:1
You are the children of Yahweh your God: you shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.
- 1 Timothy 2:9
In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing;
- Exodus 21:6
then his master shall bring him to God, and shall bring him to the door or to the door-post, and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall serve him for ever.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19
Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own,
- Romans 14:23
But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn't of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin. (14:24) Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages, (14:25) but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations; (14:26) to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.
- 1 Kings 18:28
They cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them.
- Leviticus 21:5
"'They shall not shave their heads, neither shall they shave off the corners of their beards, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about body piercings and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about body piercings