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 12 votes
“‘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 7 votes
Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
- Deuteronomy 14:1 3 votes
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 3 votes
In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing,
- Exodus 21:6 3 votes
then his master shall bring him to God, and shall bring him to the door or to the doorpost, and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall serve him forever.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 2 votes
Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19 2 votes
Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
- Romans 14:23 2 votes
But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn’t of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin.
- 1 Kings 18:28 2 votes
They cried aloud, and cut themselves in their way with knives and lances until the blood gushed out on them.
- Leviticus 21:5 2 votes
“‘They shall not shave their heads or shave off the corners of their beards or make any cuttings in their flesh.
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