Why do men have nipples?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The most basic answer to the question, "Why do men have nipples?" is that in the womb, male and female fetuses have the same form for the first few weeks following conception. After the fourth week, the fetus begins to produce either male or female hormones. There is a generic human template, which is then modified by hormones. Nipples are a feature of the template—they are a genderless feature. That feature is then modified by the female hormones to include lactation. The male hormones block the development of the structures and ducts necessary for lactation, but there are still purposes for men having nipples, and there are similarities between men and women’s nipples. For example, both male and female nipples have lots of sensitive nerve endings that contribute to sensation, such as heat or cold sensitivity and sexual pleasure in both genders. Both are aesthetically pleasing. God created the human body good, and even aspects that may seem insignificant or without purpose are intentionally designed by God. Just as the Bible affirms that God created each person fearfully and wonderfully, we can take heart in knowing that nothing in our bodies is without meaning or value.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Genesis 1:26–27 states that God created humans in His image, signifying intentionality and value in our physical and spiritual design.
• Solomon poetically compares his wife's breasts to two fawns, grazing among the lilies—the nipples would be compared to the fawns' noses (Song of Solomon 4:5). His bride says that her husband's body is "polished ivory, bedecked with sapphires" (Song of Solomon 5:14), with the nipples in this case being compared to jewels in an ivory sculpture. This is an interesting comparison of the difference between female and male beauty; the one is beautiful for being soft and alluring, and the other is beautiful for being well-formed and solid.
• King David said, "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well" (Psalm 139:14). It is easy to see God's creative power and genius in the design of the human body.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• First Corinthians 6:19–20 teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Our bodies are meant to be used for the glory of God.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

When we consider that God created every part of the human body intentionally, even seemingly insignificant features like male nipples, we are reminded of His intricate design and purpose in all things. This understanding challenges us to see ourselves as fearfully and wonderfully made, reflecting God's wisdom and creativity (Psalm 139:14). Rather than dismissing certain aspects of our bodies as purposeless, we can recognize their value, whether for aesthetic beauty, sensory function, or symbolic meaning. This perspective encourages us to embrace our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), treating them with care and gratitude. We are also called to view others with the same respect and honor, knowing that every person reflects His divine purpose.

UNDERSTAND

• Nipples are part of the early generic human template and develop before sex differentiation.
• Male nipples have sensory functions and contribute to the body's aesthetic design.
• The Bible affirms that every part of the body, including men’s nipples, was created intentionally by God and has inherent value and purpose.

REFLECT

• How does understanding that every part of your body, including seemingly insignificant ones like nipples, is intentionally created by God affect your view of your own physical form?
• Reflect on a time when you felt something about your body was unnecessary or unimportant. How might recognizing God's purposeful design change your perspective on that aspect?
• How can the idea that all parts of our body have inherent value and purpose influence the way you care for and respect your own body and others' bodies?

ENGAGE

• Some people say men’s nipples are vestigial organs that had no evolutionary purpose, and therefore, they stopped developing. However, even if men’s nipples do not provide milk, they have functions. They are not meaningless parts of the human body. Just because they function differently on males and females does not mean they are functionless.
• How does the concept of intentionality in our physical design challenge or reinforce your understanding of how we should view and treat our bodies?
• What does God’s intentional design of the body reveal about His character and purposes for humanity?