Tattoos are a hot topic among Christians, and I’ve often wondered myself where they stand in terms of faith. Some people argue that getting a tattoo is an outright sin, pointing to certain verses in the Bible, while others believe it’s a personal choice that doesn’t affect one’s relationship with God. So, what does the Bible really say about tattoos, and are they considered sinful? In Leviticus 19:28, the Bible states, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord." Sounds pretty straightforward, right? But let’s take a closer look at what the Bible really says about tattoos and if that Scripture applies to us today. Let's dig into the scriptures, explore the context of commonly cited verses, and understand what it truly means for those of us who are trying to walk our faith with sincerity.
Tattoos in the Bible
Ah, tattoos and the Bible—a classic question that gets a lot of us thinking! Let’s take a closer look at what Leviticus actually says and what that might mean for us now.
First off, context is key. Leviticus is part of the Old Testament, specifically the Holiness Code given to the Israelites. In the Hebrew Bible, the practice of tattooing was explicitly forbidden. Leviticus 19:28 states, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.” This verse has often been interpreted by scholars as a caution against pagan rituals that were common in ancient times. These practices, which included cutting or marking the body, were typically associated with mourning rituals for the dead or acts of devotion to pagan gods.
God’s instruction in this passage was part of a broader call for His people, the Israelites, to live in a way that set them apart from the surrounding nations. By avoiding these customs, they were to reflect their identity as God’s holy and chosen people, dedicated to worshiping Him alone. While this command addressed a specific cultural and religious context, it invites modern readers to reflect on how we honor God with our bodies and how our choices reflect our faith.
Now, does that mean tattoos today are sinful? Opinions vary. Some Christians view this verse as a timeless rule against tattoos, while others believe it was specific to Israel’s cultural setting. For instance, Canaanite worship of Baal, a contemporary religion at the time, involved self-mutilation rituals that God wanted His people to avoid. Self-harm and mutilation are clearly unhealthy and contrary to God’s care for His people. So, applying Leviticus 19:28 to modern tattoos without considering this background might be missing the point.
What Does the New Testament Say About Tattoos?
Now that we've learned the reason God commanded the Israelites to not get tattoos, let's see what the Bible says about tattoos in the New Testament.
First off, you might be surprised to hear that the New Testament doesn’t actually mention tattoos at all. Yep, you read that right—there’s no direct reference to tattoos in the New Testament. This means we have to look at broader principles to understand how this might fit into our lives as Christians today.
One of the key themes in the New Testament is that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes, "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."
So, what does honoring God with our bodies mean? For some, this might mean avoiding tattoos, especially if they see it as altering the body in a way that doesn’t honor God. For others, tattoos can be a meaningful expression of their faith—a way to permanently remind themselves and others of God’s love, promises, or their personal faith journey.
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of our intentions and the state of our heart. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 15:11, "What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them." This suggests that our actions and intentions are more significant than outward appearances.
Ultimately, the New Testament guides us to live lives that reflect our commitment to Christ. This means making thoughtful decisions that align with our faith and values. If you’re considering a tattoo, it’s a good idea to pray about it, seek wisdom from scripture, and perhaps talk it over with a trusted spiritual advisor.
In the end, the New Testament doesn’t give a clear yes or no about tattoos. It’s more about the heart and the intention behind the decision. So, whether you choose to get a tattoo or not, the most important thing is that your actions reflect your love for God and your desire to honor Him in all that you do.
Should a Christian Get a Tattoo?
The Hebrew word for “imprint” is “qaaqa” which also means “tattoo” or “incision.” In the Near East, tattoos were used to mark slaves. If one wore a brand on his hand or forehead, he or she was quickly identified as someone’s property.
In addition to slave ownership, tattoos were also used for good luck and protection, particularly among women. In Egypt, for instance, women sometimes tattooed themselves with symbols of deities such as Hathor or Bes, believed to offer fertility, protection, or good fortune. Although the Bible does not explicitly mention Hebrew women engaging in these practices, it is possible that some Israelites adopted them after being influenced by the surrounding cultures.
Lastly, seemingly innocuous marks represent worship. As we saw reading Leviticus 19:28, God forbid the Israelites from putting tattoo marks on their bodies or cutting themselves for the dead, which was a common part of Canaanite mourning rituals.Consider the financial cost, the time commitment, and the pain one endures, not to mention the permanence of a tattoo: this is no minor undertaking. Every time someone selects or designs a tattoo and then spends an hour or more getting “inked,” he or she is connecting strongly to the subject in question and might be enslaved to a sin represented by that image.
Look around, and one might see body art idolizing celebrities, death, or even religion. Many people wear a semicolon tattoo indicating they stand with survivors of suicide and people who suffer from mental health concerns. “No matter the type of brokenness — physical or mental — Christian identity is found not in a diagnosis, but instead in our position as redeemed children of God" (Romans 8:16–17).
Any publicly visible image makes that image and associated ideas famous. It’s important and biblical to support one another, but that support always begins in Christ; we have nothing to give without Him. Even the cross etched permanently into one’s chest can be an idol if one regards and describes it as a protective device, believing the cross is protective rather than Christ, imagining that salvation protects one from disease and muggers rather than protecting one for eternity with Jesus.
A Christian has the opportunity to use a tattoo to declare Christ’s name. Obtaining a tattoo can spark gospel-centered conversation and act as a missional ice-breaker.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Tattoo
The topic of tattoos and their place within Christian life is complex and multifaceted. While Leviticus 19:28 offers a clear command within its historical and cultural context, the New Testament does not explicitly say getting a tattoo is a sin, leaving room for personal interpretation and conviction. The central theme throughout the New Testament is to honor God with our bodies and ensure that our actions reflect our faith and values.
For those whose bodies already bear the marks of a pre-Christian past, take comfort: they are still part of personal testimony. In conversation with others who sport tattoos, they provide a natural avenue to discussing the gospel and demonstrating that the important change has taken place inwardly, where Christ has exquisitely and tenderly marked the inner person.
In 1 Corinthians 8, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols, a contentious topic among early Christians. Paul explains that while some believers understand that "an idol is nothing at all in the world" (1 Corinthians 8:4) and thus feel free to eat such food, others, whose consciences are weaker, may see this as wrong. He emphasizes the importance of being mindful of one another's consciences and not causing another believer to stumble by exercising one's freedom. Applying this to the topic of tattoos, we see that while we may understand our freedom in Christ to get tattoos, we should act in love, considering the impact on others. Paul acknowledges that "we all possess knowledge," but he warns that "knowledge puffs up while love builds up" (1 Corinthians 8:1). Therefore, while getting a tattoo does not make us more or less acceptable to God, it is essential to consider how our actions might affect fellow believers who may view tattoos differently. Paul highlights the importance of respecting others’ consciences, advising against doing anything that might cause another believer to fall into sin. In the context of tattoos, if our decision to get a tattoo could lead another believer to violate their conscience or struggle in their faith, we should reconsider our actions.
Each person must honor God with their own conscience and act in love and respect toward others, ensuring that their freedoms do not cause another believer to stumble. While getting a tattoo is not inherently a sin, it falls into a "gray area" of Christian freedom. Let love guide your decisions, prioritize building up and encouraging fellow believers, and strive for unity and understanding within the Christian community.
Lastly, if a person chooses to get a tattoo, they should be convinced that God has led them to do so, because Romans 14:23 reminds us that “whatever is not done from faith is sin.”
What's most important is the intention behind the tattoo and how it aligns with one's faith journey. Whether you choose to get inked or not, let your choices reflect your commitment to honoring God in all aspects of your life. Remember, it’s not about the external marks on our skin, but the internal marks of grace, love, and faith that define our relationship with God. So, whether inked or uninked, let your life be a canvas that glorifies Him.
For more information, read 7 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting a Tattoo.
©iStock/Getty Images Plus/YakobchukOlena
