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What Does The Bible Say About Piercings?
The Bible does not directly address the issue of body piercings, which is why opinions on the matter are often so varied. Those that choose to interpret the Bible literally might assume that body piercings are prohibited because the Bible only mentions piercing in relation to certain religious rituals that were ordained by God and done to serve Him. On the other hand, some believe that the Bible’s silence on the matter allows for body piercings so long as they are symbolic and meaningful to the one receiving them.
The most common passages that are used in relation to body piercings is found in Leviticus 19:28, which states, “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.” This verse has been interpreted as a prohibition against tattoos and body piercings that would honor the dead, which was a popular practice in the cultures of the time. Many believe that this verse leaves room for body piercings done for any other purpose, such as adornment or personal expression, provided that those piercings are done in a way that honors God.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul instructs believers to honor God with their bodies. “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” This verse has been used to support the notion that body piercings, when done in a way that honors God, can actually be seen as a way to glorify Him with our bodies.
The Bible also speaks to modesty in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, which commands the church to dress modestly in “proper clothing, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness.” Generally speaking, modesty does not prohibit piercings in and of itself, but believers should take special care when choosing jewelry for piercings to make sure that the items do not conflict with God’s principles of modesty.
In conclusion, the Bible does not explicitly address body piercings, which leaves room for interpretation. Some view the passages in Leviticus and 1 Corinthians as prohibiting the practice, while others suggest that the passages can be interpreted to allow for body piercings that are done in a way that honors and glorifies God. Ultimately, this is an issue that each individual believer must decide for themselves, and whatever decision is made should be grounded in prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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