What Does the Bible Say about Tattoos?
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Tattoos are increasingly common among Christians and in our culture. There are some Christians who believe tattoos are forbidden, some believe the Bible does not prohibit them, and still others hold the view that the answer to this question depends on the tattoo’s meaning, motivation, and message.
Leviticus 19:28 states: "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord." This verse invites us to pause and consider carefully how we mark up our bodies. This command from Leviticus was applied in Old Testament culture along with many other strict Jewish laws on how to live.
In the New Testament, Matthew 5:17, Jesus states: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." Jesus fulfilled the law and created a new way of following him, one in which our hearts are called to live in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
He teaches that our bodies are vessels that are to be used to honor God. Scripture does not give Christians a simple modern command saying, "You shall not get a tattoo," but it does give us important principles for examining our motives, our message, our bodies, and our freedom in Christ.
How Do We Apply Leviticus 19:28?
Leviticus 19:28 instructs us not to cut or tattoo ourselves. This is one of the primary passages opponents references to argue that tattoos are sinful.
In ancient times, when these instructions were being given, cultures practiced ritual cutting and body markings as part of their mourning, pagan worship, and religious customs. The Jewish people were instructed not to participate in these practices so they would be set apart from the pagans and would not stray away from serving the one true God. The Scripture's prohibition is specifically connected to practices involving mourning the dead and pagan religion.
Galatians 3:24-25 states, “Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.” Christ fulfilled the law. Now, as New Testament Christians, we look to the Old Testament Scripture for God’s character, wisdom, and moral principles.
We can evaluate the purpose of this Old Testament rule and apply the intention it held to our modern culture. Cutting or mutilating our bodies as a way to express our pain or loss is not a healthy or biblical practice. Tattoos or markings that celebrate evil, pagan, or other religions go against the principle highlighted in Leviticus 19.
When we look at Old Testament principles, we can ask the following questions to guide us in interpreting these Scriptures:
What was the original purpose of the commands?
What can we learn from the instructions given in the Old Testament?
Is this command repeated or reinforced in the New Testament?
What is the biblical principle, and how does it apply to Christians today?
The New Testament Does Not Specifically Prohibit Tattoos
Jesus and the New Testament writers do not directly speak about modern tattooing. Since the New Testament writers don’t address tattoos, we should be cautious about declaring that every tattoo is automatically sinful.
In the New Testament text, the writers directly address behaviors such as sexual immorality, drunkenness, hatred, idolatry, and greed, noting that these are not pleasing to the Lord. We need Christian discernment for other decisions we make about how to live and treat our bodies.
1 Corinthians 10:23 states, “You say, “I am allowed to do anything ' — but not everything is good for you. You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’ — but not everything is beneficial.” We can rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance to help us determine what is beneficial for us. Our question is not. “Can I?” but “Should I?” Each of us lives in submission to the conviction we feel in our hearts from God about what is best for our lives.
Consider What the Tattoo Communicates
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Everything we do should be for God’s glory. When considering adding a permanent tattoo to your body, you must take into account what that tattoo is intended to communicate to others.
Philippians 4:8 instructs, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”
This verse offers us a framework for considering what we should dwell on and try to embody as believers. Consider whether your tattoo reflects these values. This doesn’t mean you can only choose Christian symbols as tattoos, but these verses can help you determine if the words or image you choose are appropriate.
Your Body Belongs to the Lord
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 encourages, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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 honor God with your bodies.”
As believers, we are free in Christ, but we also are called to Christian stewardship. Our bodies are gifts from God, not just our personal property to do whatever we want with. When considering how to use, decorate, dress, or care for our bodies, we have to make thoughtful decisions that honor the Lord.
We always need to consider our health and safety. Is there a health or safety concern around how or when you are getting a tattoo? We have to consider how this permanent mark will change how we appear to others. Our decision should be a thoughtful and careful one. Honoring God with our bodies involves much more than just the presence or absence of tattoos, but as believers, we should make careful choices around how we use our bodies.
Tattoos aren’t a measure of someone's faith. We have to be careful not to judge others based on how they appear. Romans 14:4 reminds us, “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”
Let’s not let our “Christian rules” get in the way of loving others, especially when there is no clear command in the New Testament against tattoos. Each of us may reach different conclusions on how to seek and honor God. It’s important that we embrace humility as the body of Christ and avoid condemnation.
7 Questions to Ask before Getting a Tattoo
1. What is my motivation for getting this tattoo?
2. Does the design honor God?
3. Am I making this decision impulsively?
4. Would I want this tattoo years from now?
5. Could this damage my Christian witness?
6. Have I prayed about this decision?
7. Do I feel any pause from the Holy Spirit about moving forward with the tattoo?
Does the Bible say tattoos are sin? Scripture offers no New Testament prohibition against all tattoos. We can use Christian discernment for these matters. We must consider if our choices honor God and honor the body he has given us. Christians may disagree about tattoos, but we can agree that Jesus is what defines us!
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Aaron Amat
