What does the Bible say about ear piercing?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible does not give a universal command either requiring or forbidding ear piercing, but it calls God’s people to honor him in freedom, modesty, and separation from idolatry. Exodus 21:6 and Deuteronomy 15:17 describe a servant’s ear being pierced as a covenantal sign of willing lifelong service, not as a general rule about adornment. Genesis 35:4, Exodus 32:2-3, and Hosea 2:13 show earrings sometimes connected with idolatry, warning believers against any use that dishonors God. Ezekiel 16:12 and Proverbs 25:12 use jewelry positively in fitting contexts. Christians should therefore exercise wise conscience, avoiding vanity, rebellion, and worldly display, while remembering that godliness is chiefly shown in a heart devoted to Christ.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Exodus 21:6 12 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.
- Genesis 35:4 11 votes
They gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the rings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
- Deuteronomy 15:17 9 votes
then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also to your female servant you shall do likewise.
- Ezekiel 16:12 8 votes
I put a ring on your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.
- Hosea 2:13 8 votes
I will visit on her the days of the Baals, to which she burned incense when she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and went after her lovers and forgot me,” says Yahweh.
- Proverbs 25:12 8 votes
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
- 1 Timothy 2:9 6 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 32:2-3 5 votes
Aaron said to them, “Take off the golden rings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them to me.” All the people took off the golden rings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.
- Leviticus 19:28 4 votes
“‘You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh.
- Isaiah 3:20 3 votes
the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume containers, the charms,
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