What Does the Bible Say About Body Piercing?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Body piercing has been around for thousands of years.

Some people get piercings for fashion, cultural traditions, or personal expression.

Others avoid them because of religious beliefs or concerns about what the Bible says.

So, what does the Bible actually say about body piercing?

Is it sinful, or is it simply a personal choice?

To answer these questions, we need to look at what Scripture says about piercings, how they were viewed in biblical times, and what principles we can apply to our lives today.

Let’s dive into what the Bible really says about body piercing.

Body Piercing in the Bible

Some people might be surprised to learn that the Bible actually mentions body piercings.

In fact, in ancient times, piercings were common.

They were used as symbols of beauty, wealth, and even dedication to God.

One of the earliest mentions of body jewelry is in Genesis 24:22, when Abraham’s servant gave Rebekah a gold nose ring as a gift.

Later, in Ezekiel 16:11-12, God speaks about adorning Israel with jewelry:

I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck, and I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head.

These passages show that body piercings were not automatically seen as sinful.

In fact, they were sometimes seen as a sign of blessing or beauty.

But does this mean all piercings are acceptable?

Not necessarily.

The Bible also gives us important principles to consider.

The Controversial Verse: Leviticus 19:28

One of the most commonly quoted verses about body modification is Leviticus 19:28:

Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves.

I am the Lord.

Some believe this verse forbids all forms of body modification, including piercings.

However, it’s important to understand the historical context.

During that time, pagan religions practiced self-mutilation and tattooing as acts of worship to false gods.

God was calling His people to be different from the nations around them.

Many scholars believe this command was about avoiding pagan rituals, not banning all body art.

If piercings were truly sinful, it would be strange for God to later mention them as gifts in Ezekiel.

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This means that Leviticus 19:28 is not necessarily a direct command against modern piercings, but rather a warning against idolatrous practices.

Do Piercings Glorify God?

As Christians, one of the most important questions we should ask before making any decision is, “Does this glorify God?”

1 Corinthians 10:31 says:

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

This means that our choices—including whether to get a piercing—should be made with God in mind.

Does getting a piercing reflect your love for God?

Does it affect your ability to serve Him?

If a piercing is done out of rebellion, pride, or to follow worldly trends without thought, then it might not be honoring to God.

But if it’s done in a way that does not distract from your faith and does not lead others away from God, then it may not be a problem.

The Heart Matters More Than the Appearance

Throughout the Bible, God reminds us that He is more concerned with the condition of our hearts than with outward appearances.

1 Samuel 16:7 says:

The Lord does not look at the things people look at.

People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

This means that having a piercing doesn’t automatically make someone ungodly or worldly.

It is possible to have piercings and still love and serve God fully.

What matters most is why we do what we do.

If our motivation is to honor God and not to seek approval from the world, then our choices—including whether or not to get a piercing—will reflect that.

Are Piercings a Stumbling Block for Others?

While something may not be sinful, it can still become a problem if it causes someone else to struggle in their faith.

Romans 14:13 warns us:

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.

Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

If getting a piercing causes division in your family, church, or Christian community, it’s worth considering how your decision affects others.

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As Christians, we are called to live in a way that encourages others toward God, not away from Him.

This doesn’t mean we have to avoid everything that might offend someone, but it does mean we should be thoughtful about how our choices impact those around us.

Is Piercing the Same as Marking the Body for the World?

Some people believe that getting a piercing is no different from following worldly trends.

1 John 2:15 warns:

Do not love the world or anything in the world.

If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.

This verse reminds us not to seek after things just because the world says they are popular.

If getting a piercing is purely about following trends, seeking attention, or trying to fit in with a crowd that doesn’t honor God, then it’s worth rethinking the decision.

But if it’s done thoughtfully, without compromising your faith, it may not be an issue.

The key is to examine our hearts and make sure our choices reflect God’s will, not just the desires of the world.

What About Piercings as a Cultural or Personal Choice?

In many cultures, piercings are a normal part of tradition.

For example, in some parts of Africa, Asia, and South America, piercings hold deep cultural and spiritual significance.

Even in the Bible, earrings and nose rings were commonly worn by women as part of their culture.

The Bible doesn’t say that piercings themselves are sinful, but it does encourage us to think about our choices carefully.

Colossians 3:17 tells us:

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

This means that our choices—including cultural ones—should still reflect our faith in Christ.

Should Christians Avoid Piercings Altogether?

Some Christians believe it’s best to avoid piercings altogether, arguing that we should keep our bodies as God created them.

They refer to verses like 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?

You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

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Therefore honor God with your bodies.

This verse reminds us that our bodies belong to God, and we should take care of them.

But does this mean that piercings are automatically dishonoring to God?

Not necessarily.

It’s important to remember that this verse is primarily about avoiding sexual sin, not body modifications.

However, it does remind us that whatever we do to our bodies should be done with respect and reverence for God.

How to Decide If a Piercing Is Right for You

If you’re wondering whether getting a piercing is the right choice, here are some things to consider:

Pray about it.

Ask God for wisdom and guidance before making a decision.

Check your motivation.

Are you getting a piercing to honor God, or just to fit in?

Consider how it affects others.

Will this choice lead others closer to God or cause unnecessary division?

Think about your testimony.

Does this choice align with your faith and the way you want to represent Christ?

If, after prayer and reflection, you feel at peace with your decision, then it may be fine.

If you feel uncertain or convicted, it may be best to wait.

Final Thoughts

The Bible does not give a direct command about body piercing, which means it is an area where Christians must seek wisdom and guidance.

Piercings are not automatically sinful, but they should be considered carefully.

God is more concerned with our hearts than with our outward appearance.

Before making a decision, it’s important to pray, examine our motives, and consider how our choices reflect our faith.

Ultimately, whether or not to get a piercing is a personal decision.

As long as we seek to honor God in all that we do, we can move forward in confidence and peace.