What Does the Bible Say About Piercings?
The Bible does not give a single, comprehensive teaching on piercings. It mentions them in various contexts—sometimes as adornment, sometimes in ceremonial law, and sometimes in relation to idolatry—but without issuing a universal command for or against them. As with many personal decisions, the question of piercings is ultimately about the heart, the cultural meaning, and whether the choice brings glory to God.
1. How Are Piercings Described in the Bible?
In the Old Testament, piercings are mentioned in descriptive, not prescriptive, ways:
Adornment – Earrings and nose rings appear in accounts of bridal ornaments (Genesis 24:22, Ezekiel 16:12).
Ceremonial use – Ear piercing is mentioned in Exodus 21:6 as part of a covenant ceremony for a servant choosing lifelong service to his master, not as personal decoration.
Idolatry – Jewelry, including rings, was sometimes melted down to make idols, as in the golden calf incident (Exodus 32:2–4).
These references show that the Bible acknowledges piercings as part of cultural life but does not frame them as inherently sinful.
2. Are Piercings Forbidden in Scripture?
The Bible does not explicitly prohibit all body piercings. Some Old Testament laws, however, forbid cutting or marking the body for the dead (Leviticus 19:28), a practice tied to pagan mourning rituals. This warning is not specifically about piercings but about avoiding participation in idolatrous customs.
The New Testament is silent on piercings. Instead, it focuses on inner character over outward appearance (1 Peter 3:3–4). This means that piercings, like clothing or hairstyles, are morally neutral in themselves, but the motivation and context matter.
3. How Should Christians Think About Piercings?
The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). While this verse does not forbid piercings, it does call believers to honor God with their bodies. In deciding whether to get piercings, Christians should consider:
Cultural meaning – Does the piercing carry a message that contradicts your witness for Christ?
Personal motive – Is the choice rooted in vanity, rebellion, or a desire to glorify God?
Relational impact – Will it unnecessarily offend or create stumbling blocks for parents, church leaders, or fellow believers?
Historically, piercings have symbolized everything from social status to religious devotion. In the Gospel, our identity is rooted in Christ, not in cultural symbols or personal adornment.
4. How Does This Relate to the Gospel and the Kingdom of God?
In God’s kingdom, the focus is not on external appearance but on the transformed heart. The Bible’s treatment of piercings reminds us that outward things—whether jewelry, clothing, or style—are secondary to holiness, love, and faithfulness.
The Gospel frees believers from legalistic rules about adornment, but it also calls us to use that freedom to serve others and honor the King. In the new creation, beauty will be defined by the glory of God’s presence, not by cultural trends. Until then, Christians are called to live in a way that reflects their eternal hope.
Conclusion
The Bible neither commands nor universally forbids piercings. They appear in Scripture as cultural adornment, ceremonial symbols, and, at times, as part of idolatry. For Christians, the decision to have piercings should be guided by biblical principles: glorifying God, avoiding sin, and considering how choices affect relationships and witness. In all things, our identity in Christ is far more important than any external decoration.
Bible Verses About Piercings
Genesis 24:22, “When the camels had finished drinking, the man took a gold ring weighing a half shekel, and two bracelets for her arms weighing ten gold shekels.”
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.”
Exodus 32:2–4, “So Aaron said to them, ‘Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.’ So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf.”
Ezekiel 16:12, “And I put a ring on your nose and earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head.”
Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
1 Peter 3:3–4, “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
1 Corinthians 6:19–20, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
