What Does the Bible Say About Men Wearing Earrings?
19. What Does the Bible Say About Men Wearing Earrings?
Question: I see so many men and boys wearing earrings anymore, it makes me wonder if there is anything in the Bible about this, pro or con?
Answer: Yes, there are several references in the Bible concerning earrings. One reference, where there appears to be nothing wrong with a woman wearing bracelets or earrings is found in Genesis 24:1-67. Abraham had sent his servants out to find a wife (Rebekah) for his son, Isaac. Upon finding her, they gave her an earring and bracelets for her hands. (Genesis 24:22; Genesis 24:30; Genesis 24:47). The references including men wearing earrings are almost universally associated with idolatry, heathen worship, immorality, homosexuality, etc. Here are some examples:
1. When Jacob was backslidden he went and dwelt in Shalem, a city in Canaan. (Genesis 33:18-19). This caused a lot of trouble, as his family got mixed up with the heathen. (Genesis 34:1-31). God met him and told him to go back to Bethel. (Genesis 35:1). Jacob's household and all that were with him were now worshipping false gods and dressing like the heathen. Here are Jacob's words:
"And Jacob said unto his household and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and CHANGE YOUR GARMENTS. (2) And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their (men and women) EARRINGS which were in their ears…" - Genesis 35:2; Genesis 35:4
2. In Exodus 32:1-35, earrings are also associated with wor- shipping false gods, being worn by the wives, daughters, and SONS. In Exodus 32:1-2 the people said,
"...Make us gods,...as for this Moses,... we wot not what is become of him. (1)" And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your SONS, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me(2)."
How many young men we see today who are wearing earrings, nose rings, and attaching ornaments to their pierced tongues, lips, eyelids, breast and navels. In Isaiah 3:20 the word "earrings" comes from a Hebrew word which is a prime root and means "to whisper, implying a spell as a magician; also a charmer or enchantment." This is nothing more than demonism. As you read in Isaiah from Isaiah 2:5 to Isaiah 3:26, you will find that the people of Israel had forsaken God (Isaiah 2:6); they were lofty and filled with pride (Isaiah 2:12). They were idol worshippers (Isaiah 2:18; Isaiah 2:20); and many were homosexuals and lesbians (Isaiah 3:9).
Today, this revived practice appears again in the "Hippie" movement of the 60's and 70's; with their godless hard rock music, liquor, sex, and drugs. A person's thinking is revealed by the way they present themselves in their talk, mannerisms, and the way they dress. God's instruction to the Christian is found in Romans 12:1-2,
"…that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."