Topical Encyclopedia
Body piercing, the practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the human body to create an opening in which jewelry may be worn, is a topic that has garnered various interpretations within Christian circles. While the Bible does not explicitly mention body piercing as it is understood today, several passages provide insight into the cultural and spiritual considerations surrounding the practice.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, body modifications, including piercings, were not uncommon. For instance, in
Genesis 24:22, Abraham's servant gives Rebekah a nose ring as a gift: "When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels." This indicates that nose rings were culturally accepted and possibly seen as symbols of wealth or status.
Ezekiel 16:12 also references jewelry, including earrings, as adornments given by God to Jerusalem, symbolizing beauty and blessing: "And I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head." This metaphorical language suggests that such adornments were not inherently negative but could be seen as part of God's blessings.
Cultural and Religious SignificanceBody piercings in ancient times often held cultural or religious significance. In
Exodus 21:6, the practice of piercing a servant's ear is mentioned as a sign of lifelong servitude: "Then his master is to bring him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life." This indicates that piercings could symbolize commitment or belonging.
New Testament ConsiderationsThe New Testament does not directly address body piercing. However, principles regarding the body and personal adornment can be gleaned from various passages. In
1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes, "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. Therefore honor God with your bodies." This passage emphasizes the importance of treating the body with respect and dignity, as it is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 3:3-4 advises believers on the nature of true beauty: "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 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." While not a prohibition against adornment, this passage encourages believers to prioritize inner spiritual beauty over external appearances.
Christian PerspectivesWithin conservative Christian circles, opinions on body piercing vary. Some view it as a permissible form of self-expression, provided it does not contradict biblical principles of modesty and respect for the body. Others caution against it, citing concerns about conforming to worldly standards or altering the body, which is seen as God's creation.
Ultimately, the decision to engage in body piercing is often left to individual conviction, guided by prayer, scriptural study, and the counsel of mature believers. The emphasis remains on honoring God with one's body and ensuring that personal choices align with one's faith and testimony.
Topical Bible Verses
Leviticus 19:28You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks on you: I am the LORD.
Topicalbible.org1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
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Library
Like one of Us.
... Abody Thou hast prepared me." For our present purpose it is immaterial whether
one says with Junius: "The ear is a member of thebody; by thepiercing of the...
The Anvil of Experience.
... And "through" here means not as a spear is thrust through a man'sbody,piercing
it, but as fire goes through that which it takes hold of, permeating; as an...
Whether the GlorifiedBody, by Reason of Its Subtlety, Will be...
... Accordingly it is clear that abody is said to be palpable for two reasons, namely...
of its resisting that which touches it, so as to hinder it frompiercing it....
Of the Question Whether the Evangelists are all at one on the...
... thebody of Jesus." [1465] John, on the other hand, first narrates the breaking
of the legs of those who had been crucified with the Lord, and thepiercing of...
Relation iv. Of the Graces the Saint Received in Salamanca at the...
... me; and I understand more of thatpiercing which our Lady suffered; for until
to-day, as I have just said, I never knew what thatpiercing was. Mybody was so...
"And if Christ be in You, theBody is Dead Because of Sin: but the...
... And now as to thebody of a Christian under appointment to die for sin, that is... that
are in him, and so it is not now vested with thatpiercing and wounding...
Whether, if this Sacrament had Been Reserved in a Pyx, or...
... sacramental veils But cannot feel thepiercing of the thorns and nails.". Reply
to Objection 1: As was stated above, suffering belongs to abody that suffers in...
The Dead Christ
... What fascinated him was simply the fact that thepiercing of thebody of the Saviour
made it a fountain out of which sprang this double outflow....
Concerning Corruption and Destruction.
... For it signifies all the human sufferings, such as hunger, thirst, weariness, the
piercing with nails, death, that is, the separation of soul andbody, and so...
Whether There was Sensible Pain in Christ?
... deed the vehemence of the passion, but brought no pain; as a dartpiercing the water...
Now Christ'sbody was able to be hurt, since it was passible and mortal, as...
Resources
What does the Bible say about body piercings? | GotQuestions.orgHow is the church the Body of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about an out of body experience / astral projection? | GotQuestions.orgBody: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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