What does the Bible say about female genital mutilation?

Definition and Context

Female genital mutilation (FGM) generally refers to the practice of removing or altering external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is often tied to cultural or traditional beliefs in certain parts of the world. While Scripture describes a variety of cultural and religious practices in the ancient Near East, there is no record or precedent of FGM as a sanctioned or approved act among the people of God.

No Biblical Command or Precedent

Throughout both Old and New Testaments, there is no direct command or mention of female genital mutilation. Historical custom in Israel (from Genesis through Malachi) focused on male circumcision as a covenant sign (Genesis 17:9–14), never on any female practice. Archaeological and textual studies of biblical times do not reveal an analogous ritual performed on Israelite women or within the early church.

Distinction from Biblical Circumcision

Male circumcision was instituted as a covenantal sign given to Abraham (Genesis 17:10–11). Its purpose was to set apart the covenant community externally. In this practice, males underwent removal of the foreskin, a procedure explicitly described and commanded for male descendants only. No corresponding biblical instruction exists for any alteration to female anatomy.

Moreover, under the New Covenant, the focus shifted to the “circumcision of the heart” (Romans 2:28–29), which points to true faith and repentance rather than any physical sign. As such, the New Testament further distances salvation and divine favor from physical rites. FGM does not appear in either Old or New Testament contexts.

The Body as Sacred

Scripture consistently affirms the inherent worth of the human body. It describes all people—male and female—as created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Throughout the Bible, there is a strong emphasis on honoring this divine image and not deliberately harming or disfiguring the body. In 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, believers are reminded:

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.”

While Paul’s context involves moral purity, the principle of the body being God’s temple resonates with a broader ethical foundation against harmful physical practices. Female genital mutilation, which causes pain, health risks, and psychological trauma, runs contrary to the scriptural call to protect and reverence the body.

Protection of the Vulnerable

The Bible repeatedly calls for the protection of the weak and vulnerable, often highlighting commands to safeguard those who might be at social or physical risk (e.g., Psalm 82:3–4; James 1:27). Women, especially in patriarchal contexts, were to be protected and cherished (Ephesians 5:25–28). This ethic contradicts any harmful practice inflicted upon them without basis in biblical teaching.

Further support is found in Deuteronomy, where instructions against self-harm and body alteration in worship or mourning rituals underscore the importance of preserving bodily integrity (Deuteronomy 14:1). Although directed at specific pagan customs, these commandments illustrate a broader biblical concern for the bodily wellbeing of believers, and by extension, a condemnation of violent or needless mutilation.

Clinical and Cultural Observations

Modern medical research widely documents the detrimental impact of FGM on women’s health, including risks of infection, complications in childbirth, and psychological trauma. Contemporary Christian medical missions and relief organizations often advocate preven­tion or cessation of FGM in the regions where it occurs, citing biblical principles of compassion, justice, and care.

Anthropological data from countries where FGM is practiced show no evidence that this custom was derived from biblical roots. Instead, it persists as a cultural ritual passed down through social or traditional norms. Various historical and archaeological studies of the ancient Near East—from sites like Tell el-Amarna and Ugarit—provide insight into regional practices but do not confirm a link between biblical faith and FGM. Scripture’s silence is conspicuous: it neither prescribes nor defends any such procedure.

Biblical Vision of Wholeness

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently affirms the dignity and wholeness of all persons. In multiple instances, He heals women suffering from physical harm or social stigma (e.g., Luke 8:43–48). These examples highlight a biblical ideal that opposes any practice diminishing a person’s well-being and bodily integrity.

Likewise, the New Testament’s emphasis on the renewal of mind and heart (Romans 12:1–2) underlines that true faith and covenant standing are matters of spiritual transformation, not physical mutilation. The biblical trajectory moves inexorably toward relieving suffering rather than adding to it.

Summary and Conclusion

Scripture contains no mandate or endorsement of female genital mutilation. On the contrary, biblical teaching underscores the sanctity and protection of the human body, particularly of the vulnerable, along with the principle that neither salvation nor covenant identity is founded on physical mutilation. The consistent weight of biblical evidence points to caring for and preserving one’s body as an act of honoring God.

FGM stands entirely outside of these biblical frameworks and violates the principle of compassion and safeguarding life taught throughout the Bible. Therefore, from the standpoint of Scripture, the practice is not defensible, lacks any scriptural precedent, and conflicts with the overarching command to love, honor, and protect each individual created in God’s image.