What does the Bible say about physical appearance?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that outward appearance has limited value, while God lovingly regards the heart and calls his people to reflect his character. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord contrasts human attention to appearance with his own sight of the heart. Because every person bears God's image, as Genesis 1:26-27 declares, physical bodies deserve dignity and care, but they must not become idols or measures of worth. Romans 12:1-2 urges believers to offer their bodies to God and resist worldly patterns. Christians are to clothe themselves especially with compassion, humility, gentleness, patience, and love, according to Colossians 3:12-14, remembering that gaining outward approval cannot compare with possessing one's soul in Christ.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about physical appearance and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about physical appearance