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What does the Bible say about piercings?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible does not give a universal ban on piercings, but it warns God’s people against pagan practices, self-harm, idolatry, and using personal freedom without love and holiness. Leviticus 19:28 and 21:5 forbid cutting and marking the body in mourning for the dead, practices tied to surrounding pagan worship. Yet Ezekiel 16:12 describes jewelry, including a nose ring and earrings, as part of God’s pictured blessing, and Deuteronomy 15:17 mentions an ear piercing in the context of willing service. Christians should therefore consider whether a piercing honors Christ, reflects modesty and wisdom, and respects the body as the Lord’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Christian liberty must be guided by what is beneficial and edifying (1 Corinthians 10:23).

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Leviticus 19:28 10 votes

    “‘You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh.

  • Ezekiel 16:12 6 votes

    I put a ring on your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 5 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.

  • Leviticus 21:5 3 votes

    “‘They shall not shave their heads or shave off the corners of their beards or make any cuttings in their flesh.

  • Deuteronomy 15:17 2 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:23 2 votes

    “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are profitable. “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things build up.

  • Isaiah 3:18-23 2 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.

  • Romans 1:24 2 votes

    Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves;

  • Psalms 139:1-24 2 votes

    Yahweh, you have searched me, and you know me. You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, Yahweh, you know it altogether. You hem me in behind and before. You laid your hand on me. This knowledge is beyond me. It’s lofty. I can’t attain it. Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence? If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there! If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me. The light around me will be night,” even the darkness doesn’t hide from you, but the night shines as the day. The darkness is like light to you. For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well. My frame wasn’t hidden from you, when I was made in secret, woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my body. In your book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is their sum! If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand. When I wake up, I am still with you. If only you, God, would kill the wicked. Get away from me, you bloodthirsty men! For they speak against you wickedly. Your enemies take your name in vain. Yahweh, don’t I hate those who hate you? Am I not grieved with those who rise up against you? I hate them with perfect hatred. They have become my enemies. Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

  • Ezekiel 8:17 2 votes

    Then he said to me, “Have you seen this, son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence, and have turned again to provoke me to anger. Behold, they put the branch to their nose.

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