Earrings have been worn over the ages for many different reasons, from cultural identification to personal adornment. Many want to know what the Bible has to say regarding earrings and if they should or should not wear them according to biblical teaching. The Bible doesn’t directly say earrings are to be used or avoided but has a lot to say regarding their cultural, historical, and religious significance.
Bible Earrings
1. Personal Adornment by Earrings
Both men and women used earrings in ancient times as a means of personal adornment. They were always made of gold and other valuable items and served to represent wealth or status. Some of the particular examples are:
- Genesis 24:22 – Rebekah was solicited as Isaac’s bride by Abraham’s servant and was asked to marry him with gifts that consisted of a nose ring and a bracelet, both of which were made of gold.
- Ezekiel 16:12 – God refers to placing ornaments, i.e., earrings, on Jerusalem, representing His people, as a sign of blessing.
2. Earrings and Idolatry
There are a few Bible verses where earrings are associated with idolatry or purification:
- Genesis 35:4 – Jacob told his household to remove their foreign gods and earrings when they were purified.
- Exodus 32:2-4 – The earrings were removed and utilized by the Israelites to create the golden calf, a god, in sinning against God.
These passages show us that, occasionally, jewelry such as earrings were associated with idolatry. But it wasn’t the earrings themselves that were sin, but what they were being used for otherwise.
3. Warnings Against Excessive Adornment
Although the Bible doesn’t specifically exclude earrings, it cautions against putting a premium on the exterior appearance:
- 1 Peter 3:3-4 – “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.”
- 1 Timothy 2:9 – “I also want the women to dress modestly, sensibly, and in a way that won’t draw attention to themselves, not with elaborate hairdos, gold or pearls or expensive clothing.”
These verses remind us that real beauty lies, not in the trappings. Earrings, and other jewellery, should never become a cause of pride, or pridefulness.
Should Christians Wear Earrings?
Earrings are not forbidden in the Bible, but a person should be wise and discerning about wearing them based on an examination of one’s own heart and motivations. Some of the things to remember are:
- Humility and Modesty – None should be worn with the purpose of bringing unnecessary attention or pride.
- Personal and Cultural Beliefs – Some cultures or Christendoms discourage wearing earrings. Differences should be approached cautiously, but respected in a different view.
- Spiritual Values – Inner essence always comes first before presentation.
Final Thoughts
Earrings, being any form of adornment, are a neutral part of the Bible. It’s less what earrings are, and more about who wears them. As long as earrings are understated and appropriately worn in a way that glories God, there is nothing against them according to the Bible. Christians still need to ever attempt to become Christ-like by what they are dressed in, and how they conduct themselves, and make certain that their embellishment is never anything that could make others abandon their faith.