Beth-El Baptist Church

07/22/2007

Greg Tomlinson


Are body piercings ok for a Christian?


There are many Christians who teach that it is ok for women to have pierced ears and that other body piercings or tattoos are a sign of an act of rebellion against God. There are also many that teach that any man that has body piercings or tattoos are rebelling against God.


  1. What about women and body piercings and tattoos?

Genesis 24:17-24, 29-31, 42-48; 35:1-4 – This could actually be a nose ring and not earrings

Ezekiel 16:3-14 Hosea 2:9-13

Isaiah 61:10 1 Timothy 2:8-10

1 Peter 3:1-6 Revelation 21:2

Proverbs 31:30-31 1 Peter 1:18-19


The most common word translated as earring is the Hebrew 'nexem' which often carries the meaning of 'nose ring' rather than 'earring' (Genesis 24:47; Proverbs 11:22; Isaiah 3:21; Ezekiel 16:12). The scriptures are essentially silent on body piercings for women with regards to whether or not it is a good or bad thing. The scriptures are clear that the adorning of a woman is not to be found in her earrings or other jewelry but in the condition and the state of her heart.


  1. What about men and body piercings and tattoos?

Judges 8:22-28 Psalm 22:14-18

Job 42:10-13 (Side note see Job 1:2 – would this imply even his living children were doubled?)

Isaiah 36:5-7 Zechariah 12:7-10 (John 19:31-37)


Golden earrings or nose rings were used as gifts to men and they were specifically identified as being associated with the Ishmaelites. The implication is that the Hebrew men did not wear earrings or nose rings but that they were only gathered by the men when in battle.


  1. What other uses for these piercing implements were there?

Exodus 32:1-4; 35:21-24 Numbers 31:48-54

Proverbs 25:11-12 Isaiah 3:18-24


It appears that a common use of earrings was to use them as gold offerings to God and for the making of golden artifacts, even idols.


Although Isaiah 3:20 uses the English word 'earring', it is most likely a poor choice of words. The Hebrew word 'lachash' is most often translated as a charm or charming instrument.


  1. What about non-gender specific tattoos and piercings?

Leviticus 19:28; 21:1-6


There is very little information on piercings and tattoos. The closest to identifying a prohibition is the prohibition of making cuttings or other marks in the skin. This was apparently identified with pagan religious practices.


  1. What should the Christian do then regarding body piercings and tattoos?

1 Samuel 16:7 John 7:24

2 Corinthians 12:14 Romans 14:19-23

1 Corinthians 6:12; 8:9-13; 10:23 Galatians 5:13-14


The Christian needs to understand that it is not the outward appearance, dress or jewelry, by which we are to evaluate the character of another but we are to seek to evaluate others as God does, by the condition of their heart. It does not matter whether another person has body piercings or tattoos, these are not the things that defile or indicate sin of of a man. What marks out sin of a person is the condition of their heart. We are also called to seek the benefit of another brother. If our body piercings or tattoos offend a brother we need to see what we can do to honor and encourage the brother. This means not taking a cavalier attitude about their being offended but take it seriously as a warning against God. If body piercings are sin to you, then they are sin and should not be used. At the same time, we are called to NOT judge our brother but to love him.


Summary:


While some Christians make huge deals about the size and number of body piercings and tattoos, we have been called into the liberty of Jesus Christ. We are not to judge one another but leave the judgment to God and Christ and to love our brothers as Christ loved us. The closest thing in regards to a prohibition or an exultation of body piercings is the priestly prohibition in Leviticus regarding cuttings of the flesh, but these may be when in relation to pagan practices dealing with the dead. The closest exultation is when God describes his saving of Israel and adorning her.

The conclusion then is to look at the heart of ourselves and others and to be used of God to be a blessing to others,