What does the Bible say about nose piercings?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible treats nose piercings as an ordinary form of personal adornment, neither commanding nor universally forbidding them. In Genesis 24:47, Rebekah receives a nose ring in connection with her betrothal, and Genesis 24:30 notes its value. Ezekiel 16:12 uses a nose ring among images of God’s generous adornment of Jerusalem, though the chapter also warns against pride and unfaithfulness. Isaiah 3:18-23 rebukes Judah’s proud, self-indulgent display of jewelry, including nose rings, rather than the mere existence of such items. Proverbs 11:22 reminds us that outward beauty without discretion is empty. Christians should therefore exercise modesty, wisdom, and freedom under Christ, valuing godly character above appearance.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ezekiel 16:12 40 votes
I put a ring on your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.
- Genesis 24:47 28 votes
I asked her, and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her hands.
- Isaiah 3:18-23 12 votes
In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces, the earrings, the bracelets, the veils, the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume containers, the charms, the signet rings, the nose rings, the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses, the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 10 votes
But Yahweh said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.”
- Proverbs 11:22 5 votes
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout, is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
- Genesis 24:30 4 votes
When he saw the ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, “This is what the man said to me,” he came to the man. Behold, he was standing by the camels at the spring.
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