Body piercings have been a subject of personal expression, cultural significance, and religious debate for centuries. The Bible provides insight into how piercings were viewed in biblical times, their symbolism, and their appropriateness for believers. In this post, we’ll explore 30 Bible Verses About Piercings, along with subtopics discussing what the Bible says about piercings and their relevance for men.
What Does the Bible Say About Piercings?
The Bible does not explicitly forbid or command piercings, but it does offer insights into how piercings were used and understood in biblical culture. In ancient times, piercings often symbolized wealth, servitude, or identity. For instance:
1. Ezekiel 16:12:
- “And I put a ring on your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.”
This verse highlights how piercings could symbolize beauty and adornment, showing God’s blessings on His people.
2. Exodus 21:6:
- “Then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever.”
Ear piercings in this context symbolized a bond of lifelong service.
3. Genesis 24:22:
- “So it was, when the camels had finished drinking, that the man took a golden nose ring weighing half a shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists.”
Nose rings and other piercings were often used as gifts to signify betrothal or wealth.
While these examples suggest that piercings were culturally accepted, they also imply that their significance was tied to intent and context.
What Does the Bible Say About Piercings for Men?
In biblical times, piercings for men were less common but still carried specific meanings, often related to servitude or tribal identity. For instance:
- Exodus 21:5-6 describes a male servant choosing to stay with his master, marked by an ear piercing as a sign of loyalty.
- Judges 8:24-26 mentions earrings worn by the Ishmaelites, suggesting a cultural distinction rather than a religious statement.
Modern interpretations vary. Some view piercings as a neutral choice, while others see them as contrary to the principle of modesty outlined in scriptures like 1 Peter 3:3-4, which advises believers to focus on inner beauty rather than outward adornment.
50 Bible Verses About Piercings
1. Genesis 24:22
- When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels.
2. Genesis 24:47
- Then I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms.
3. Genesis 35:4
- So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak at Shechem.
4. Exodus 21:6
- Then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall be his slave forever.
5. Exodus 32:2
- Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.”
6. Exodus 32:3
- So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron.
7. Exodus 35:22
- All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings, and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.
8. Judges 8:24
- And Gideon said to them, ‘Let me make a request of you: every one of you give me the earrings from his spoil.’ (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.)
9. Judges 8:25-26
- They answered, “We will willingly give them.” And they spread a cloak, and every man threw in the earrings of his spoil.
10. Proverbs 11:22
- Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
11. Ezekiel 16:11
- I adorned you with ornaments and put bracelets on your arms and a chain on your neck.
12. Ezekiel 16:12
- And I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.
13. Hosea 2:13
- I will punish her for the days she burned incense to the Baals; she decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers, but me she forgot, declares the Lord.
14. Isaiah 3:18
- In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces.
15. Isaiah 3:20-21
- The earrings, the bracelets, and the veils; the headdresses, the anklets, the sashes, the perfume bottles, and charms.
16. Numbers 31:50
- We have brought as an offering to the Lord the gold articles each of us acquired—armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the Lord.
17. Job 42:11
- Each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring.
18. Ezekiel 23:40
- They even sent messengers for men who came from far away, and when they arrived, you bathed yourself for them, painted your eyes, and put on your jewelry.
19. Song of Solomon 1:10-11
- Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels. We will make you earrings of gold, studded with silver.
20. 1 Peter 3:3
- Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.
21. Leviticus 19:28
- Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.
22. Isaiah 61:10
- I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness.
23. Jeremiah 4:30
- What are you doing, you who are devastated? Why dress yourself in scarlet and put on jewels of gold?
24. Ezekiel 28:13
- You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you.
25. Exodus 12:35-36
- The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing.
26. Isaiah 3:16
- The Lord says, “The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, strutting along with swaying hips.”
27. Isaiah 3:23-24
- The mirrors, the linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls. Instead of fragrance, there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well-dressed hair, baldness.
28. Proverbs 25:12
- Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
29. Isaiah 49:18
- Lift up your eyes and look around; all your children gather and come to you. As surely as I live,” declares the Lord, “you will wear them all as ornaments; you will put them on, like a bride.
30. Psalm 45:13-14
- All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments, she is led to the king.
Are Piercings Permissible for Christians?
The decision to wear piercings often comes down to personal conviction. Key considerations include:
- Intent: Are piercings being used to glorify God or to conform to societal standards?
- Cultural Context: How are piercings viewed in your community or religious tradition?
- Modesty: Does the piercing align with the biblical principle of modesty?
Verses like Romans 14:23 remind us, “But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” This underscores the importance of acting in faith when making personal choices.
Piercings and Identity in the Bible
Piercings were often tied to identity in the Bible, representing:
- Servitude: As in Exodus 21:6, ear piercings marked lifelong servitude.
- Wealth: Jewelry and piercings were symbols of affluence, as seen in Genesis 24:22.
- Covenant Relationships: Gifts of jewelry, including piercings, signified commitment or covenant.
Conclusion
These 30 Bible Verses About Piercings reflect the cultural, spiritual, and symbolic meanings of jewelry and piercings throughout biblical history. The Bible provides context for how believers should approach adornment, reminding us to prioritize inner character and spiritual devotion.
If you are considering getting a piercing or seeking clarity on the topic, let the Bible guide your decision, ensuring it aligns with your faith and convictions.
