In today’s world, piercings have become increasingly popular—for every part of the body. However, many believers are curious about what The Bible says about piercings, especially when it comes to nose piercings. Though jewellery adorned in the Bible is mentioned, there are no direct references to nose piercings specifically. What we can do is look at the main principles that The Bible talks about when it comes to outward appearances and body modification.
Ancient Israelites certainly pierced their ears, primarily to allow jewellery to be more durable and to denote a particular status within their culture. When it comes to nose piercings, there is really no consensus in today’s world but there is some evidence that, during the Sumerian Dynasty of about 3200BC, some forms of nose piercing were practiced. We can look to Leviticus 19:27 – 28 which says: “You shall not round off the corners of your heads nor mar the corners of your beard. You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you”. That being said, this doesn’t necessarily mean that nose piercings are prohibited in The Bible. This rule actually seems to be more geared towards practices that were performed out of mourning or idolatry in those days.
As far as modern day Christians are concerned, opinions are split. Some argue that single jewellery pieces adorned in the piercing don’t draw attention to themselves- and as such, should be permissible. Others however may argue that there is still a distinction between means of bodily adornment- and as such, it should be discouraged. In the end, it is really up to each person’s own interpretation in this matter.
Most of the time when it comes to modern day females, it is the husband or father that gets the most authority when it comes to decision making. According to 1 Peter 3:1-7, “Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.” Here we can take away that when it comes to difficult decisions, it should be discussed openly between the husband and wife before any action is taken. As always, honesty and open communication should come first.
In the end, opinions vary when it comes to what The Bible has to say about nose piercings. Though there are no specific rulings or prohibitions, people of faith should always look at the the two main principles of The Bible: obedience to God and Love.
Appearance
When it comes to outward appearance for Christians, we can look to 1 Peter 3:3-4 as a guide, which states: “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” From these verses, we can take away that God cares more about our inner beauty and character, than he does our physical looks. Thus, it can be argued that one should not feel the excessive need to get a nose piercing as a means of showing off or as a way to draw attention to oneself.
In The Bible, some jewellery was worn for reasons of distinction quickly and for an honourable purpose but only by certain people in certain cultures. There are varying opinions about nose piercings and other body piercings and each Christian should examine the topic for him or herself. Ultimately, it is the role of the parent or husband to provide guidance and appropriate boundaries on the matter.
Self Expression
Though there might not be an explicit Bible verse about nose piercings, for many people, it is a form of self-expression and an outward presence of their beliefs. It is argued that in some way or another, nose piercings reflect or celebrate what you believe. An example of this could be if you believe in caring for the environment, the choice of jewellery used would reflect that. This is why many Christian piercings are uniquely minimalist and small in comparison to those of non-believers.
When deciding on what adornments to wear or display, many believers ask themselves, “Is this something I can in good conscience put on my body?” For some, having a nose piercing can be a way of sharing their faith with others through personal expression. Others may feel more comfortable keeping piercings out of public view and not letting them detract from their inner character.
Societal Norms
At the same time, it should be acknowledged that nose piercings are not always seen favorably in society, especially in more conservative circles. As such, getting a nose piercing may not be the wisest decision for some people. It also depends heavily on the context, as certain jobs may not be compatible with nose piercings, especially when in a professional environment. Also, getting any kind of body modification can have a long-term psychological impact on the individual and it is important to consider this carefully beforehand.
When it comes to body modifications, most Christians take their cues from The Bible. Ultimately, it is just one’s personal decision whether or not to get a nose piercing. It is important for each individual to pray about the decision and use wisdom when making the final call.
Health Considerations
When it comes to health and safety, it is important to always follow the guidelines of the Piercing Industry Association to ensure safe and clean practices and materials. A poorly done piercing can have serious long-term health implications, so it is important to do research beforehand. Cleaning and proper aftercare should be taken into account, and any piercing should only be done by a professional in a clean and sterilised environment.
In general, the risk of infection and trauma are common, even though most issues can be avoided if the piercing is done correctly. It is not advisable to get a nose piercing if you have an existing infection or allergies, as this may exacerbate the condition. It is also important to first consult with a doctor to understand any risks associated with the procedure.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there is no clear biblical reference about piercings, and especially when it comes to nose piercings. Each person must use wisdom and seek out his or her own counsel when it comes to making any decision regarding their body. We should remember that The Bible emphasises our inner beauty and character rather than our physical appearance. If you decide to pursue a nose piercing, it is important to make sure the procedure is done by a licensed, reliable and experienced professional, and that you are fully aware of the hygiene risk involved.
