For many Christians, the decision to get a tattoo is more than just a fashion choice; it is a question of faith. You may have noticed a significant shift in the church over the last few decades. In many traditional circles, tattoos were once seen as a sign of rebellion or a “worldly” lifestyle. Today, it is not uncommon to see worship leaders, pastors, and devoted church members sporting sleeves of ink, often featuring crosses, Scripture verses, or intricate biblical scenes.
This shift has left many believers asking: what does the Bible say about tattoos? Is this a practice that honors God, or is it a violation of the body He created? Whether you are a long-time believer or someone exploring the faith, seeking biblical clarity on this topic is an excellent way to practice spiritual discernment. Our goal today is to look past personal opinions and cultural trends to see what the Word of God actually reveals about our bodies and our ink.
Table of Contents
- The Main Bible Verse Quoted About Tattoos
- Understanding Old Testament Law Today
- Does the New Testament Mention Tattoos?
- Is Getting a Tattoo a Sin?
- Stewardship: Honoring God with Your Body
- Common Questions for Christians
- Practical Guidance and Prayer
The Main Bible Verse Quoted About Tattoos
When discussing this topic, almost every conversation begins and ends with one specific verse from the Old Testament. To understand the root of the traditional Christian view, we must look at Leviticus 19:28:
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” (ESV)
At first glance, this seems like a closed case. However, biblical hermeneutics—the art of interpreting Scripture—requires us to look at the historical and cultural context. Why did God give this command to the Israelites?
The Historical and Cultural Background
The Israelites were a people set apart. They were surrounded by pagan nations, such as the Canaanites and Egyptians, who practiced ritualistic scarification and tattooing as part of their worship. These marks were often related to:
- Mourning rituals: Cutting the skin to appease or honor the dead.
- Idolatry: Marking the body to signify ownership by a pagan deity.
- Superstition: Using marks as “charms” for protection.
God’s command in Leviticus was not necessarily about the ink itself, but about the prohibition of pagan worship practices. He wanted His people to find their identity in Him alone, not in the ritualistic markings of the surrounding cultures.
Understanding Old Testament Laws
To answer what does the Bible say about tattoos for a modern Christian, we have to understand how we relate to the Law of Moses. Theologians generally divide Old Testament laws into three categories:
- Moral Law: Reflects the character of God (e.g., The Ten Commandments). These are timeless and still apply today.
- Ceremonial Law: Related to the Temple and sacrifices. These were fulfilled by Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice.
- Civil/Cultural Law: Specific rules for the ancient nation of Israel (e.g., dietary laws or not wearing clothing made of two different fabrics).
Most biblical scholars place the prohibition in Leviticus 19:28 under the ceremonial or cultural categories. Just as modern Christians are not forbidden from eating shellfish or wearing polyester blends (also mentioned in the Levitical law), many believe the restriction on marking the body was a specific cultural boundary for that time. In Christ, we are no longer under the “letter of the law” but under the “covenant of grace.”
Does the New Testament Mention Tattoos?
It is important to note that the New Testament is completely silent on the topic of tattoos. There is no verse in the Gospels or the Epistles that explicitly forbids or encourages the practice. Instead, the New Testament shifts the focus from external markings to internal transformation.
Principles Over Prohibitions
While there is no direct “thou shalt not” regarding ink, several New Testament principles help guide our Christian views on tattoos:
- 1 Corinthians 6:19–20: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (ESV)
- Romans 14: This chapter discusses “disputable matters.” Paul encourages believers to act according to their conscience and to avoid doing anything that would cause a fellow believer to stumble.
- Galatians 3:28: This verse reminds us that our primary identity is in Christ, which transcends any physical mark or cultural distinction.
Is Getting a Tattoo a Sin?
The short answer is that the Bible does not explicitly label tattooing as a sin for the New Testament believer. However, the Bible does have a lot to say about motives and the heart.
If you are asking, “is getting a tattoo a sin?” consider these three perspectives:
1. The Perspective of Conscience
If your conscience feels uneasy about it, Romans 14:23 says, “For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” If you feel that getting a tattoo would violate your personal relationship with God, then for you, it may be a sin.
2. The Perspective of Intention
Why do you want the tattoo? Is it an act of rebellion? Is it to find your identity in a subculture rather than in Christ? Or is it an expression of beauty and faith? The reason behind the action is often more significant to God than the action itself.
3. The Perspective of Legalism vs. Liberty
We must be careful not to create “laws” where God has not placed them. Judging another believer for their ink can be just as problematic as the ink itself. Conversely, we shouldn’t use our liberty in Christ as a way to flaunt rebellion.
Tattoos, the Body, and Honoring God
When we consider tattoos and Christianity, we must come back to the concept of stewardship. As believers, we are managers—stewards—of everything God has given us, including our physical bodies.
Honoring God with your body means considering:
- The Content: Does the imagery reflect the light of Christ, or does it celebrate darkness, profanity, or occultism?
- The Cost: Are you spending money on body art that should be going toward providing for your family or tithes and offerings?
- The Permanence: Our bodies change, but tattoos are permanent. We should consider if a message we want to display today is one we will be comfortable representing for decades to come.
Common Christian Questions About Tattoos
Can Christians get tattoos?
Yes, most modern theologians agree that Christians have the liberty to get tattoos, provided the content is not offensive and the heart behind it is right.
What about Christian tattoos with Bible verses?
Many people use tattoos as a conversation starter for the Gospel. A verse on your arm can be a “stone of remembrance,” reminding you of God’s faithfulness and opening doors to share your testimony with others.
Should pastors or church leaders have tattoos?
Scripture requires leaders to be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3). While having a tattoo doesn’t disqualify a leader, a pastor must consider their specific congregation. If a tattoo would be a massive stumbling block to the people they lead, a leader may choose to abstain out of love for their flock.
Practical Guidance for Christians Considering Tattoos
If you are currently praying about whether or not to get inked, here are a few questions to help you seek wisdom:
- What is my motive? Am I doing this to honor God, or to fit into a certain crowd?
- Is it helpful? 1 Corinthians 10:23 says, “‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful.” Will this tattoo help your walk with God?
- Will this cause a “stumbling block”? Consider your parents, your church community, and your professional environment.
- Have I prayed about it? Don’t rush into a permanent decision without seeking the Lord’s peace.
Conclusion: Grace, Discernment, and Love
So, what does the Bible say about tattoos? It warns against pagan ritualistic marking in the Old Testament, remains silent in the New Testament, and emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the Bible emphasizes the heart over the skin.
As Christians, we are called to a life of discernment. Whether you choose to have ink or to keep your skin clear, let that decision be made in faith and for the glory of God. Let us extend grace to one another, remembering that while man looks at the outward appearance, the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
A Takeaway Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for my body, which You have wonderfully made. Help me to use it as a vessel for Your glory. Give me wisdom and peace as I make decisions about how to represent You to the world. May my identity always be found in Jesus Christ and not in any outward mark. Amen.
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We’d love to hear from you! Do you have a tattoo that tells a story of faith? Or are you still deciding? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
