Piercings in the Bible

Compiled by The BibleStudyTools Staff on 02/25/2021
Piercings in the Bible

What Does the Bible Say about Piercings? - Piercings are somewhat debated as to the biblical interpretation of their sinfulness. Though the Bible does not specifically mention piercings as being a sin or unholy, it does condemn the practice of body mutilation such as cuts or tattoos.

There may also be a difference in interpreted sinfulness based upon which piercing you’re referencing. In Ezekiel 16:12, the Bible says “And I put a ring on your nose and earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head.” These piercings were common in biblical times and are employed quite commonly today. Different piercings may have a distinguished perception by God and the intent behind such could be just as important as location.

Nonetheless, we have assembled this collection of scripture quotes regarding piercings for you to console in determining their sinfulness or lack thereof.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Priscilla-Du-Preez

27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
1 You are the children of the LORD your God. Do not cut yourselves or shave the front of your heads for the dead,
17 then take an awl and push it through his earlobe into the door, and he will become your servant for life. Do the same for your female servant.
6 then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.
28 “ ‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.
18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.
4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Your Daily Verse - 1 Corinthians 3:16
16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 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;
20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.