Have you ever wondered, “Where does it say in the Bible about tattoos?” It’s a question that surfaces whenever the topic of body ink arises, especially within faith-based communities. Like many, I’ve personally navigated this intersection of faith and personal expression, particularly when I decided to get a tattoo. The reactions were varied, from curious inquiries to outright pronouncements, including one memorable encounter on a flight where a fellow passenger warned me that tattoos could trap my soul. Such diverse opinions highlight the ongoing conversation around tattoos, and naturally, many turn to the Bible for guidance.
Working within a church environment, I’ve often heard the assertion that the Bible explicitly forbids tattoos. This raises a crucial question not just for me, but for many: Does the Bible actually condemn tattoos? And if so, what is the basis for this belief?
Are tattoos a sin?
Understanding what the Bible truly says about tattoos is important, not just for those considering getting inked, but for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of scripture. Whether tattoos are a sin or not may not be the cornerstone of faith, but exploring these questions can strengthen our trust in God and His word. While I ultimately concluded that getting a tattoo aligned with my faith, others may reach different conclusions, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Let’s delve into what the Bible actually says.
Leviticus 19:28: The Key Verse on Tattoos
When we ask, “Where does it say in the Bible about tattoos?”, Leviticus 19:28 is almost always the verse cited. It states: “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:28, ESV). At first glance, this seems like a clear prohibition. However, understanding the context of this verse is crucial.
Interestingly, the verse immediately preceding this one in Leviticus 19:27 commands, “You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard.” Many modern individuals, including Christians, routinely style their hair and beards, seemingly disregarding this command. This raises a critical point: Are we misinterpreting or misapplying Leviticus 19:28 regarding tattoos when we don’t strictly adhere to the surrounding verses?
To gain clarity, we need to consider the broader biblical narrative, especially the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament.
Jesus, the Law, and the Old Testament
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, describes Jesus as the “end of the law” (Romans 10:4). He further explains in Ephesians 2:14-15 that Jesus “is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, so making peace…” This suggests that Jesus has indeed brought about a significant shift in how we relate to the Old Testament law.
However, Jesus himself stated in Matthew 5:17, “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.” This adds complexity. It appears Jesus fulfilled the law, not abolished it, leading to further questions about which Old Testament laws still apply to Christians today.
What does the Bible say about Tattoos?
Throughout Christian history, there has been a general understanding that some Old Testament laws were specific to ancient Israel, while others offer timeless principles. The Ten Commandments, for example, are widely accepted as enduring moral laws, affirmed by Jesus in Mark 10:19 and other passages.
Conversely, many Old Testament laws are not strictly observed by modern Christians. For instance, Leviticus 19:19 and Deuteronomy 22:11 prohibit mixing fabrics, yet the majority of people wear blended fabrics without concern. This selective application of Old Testament law necessitates a deeper examination of context and God’s original intent behind these commands.
Understanding God’s intent requires wrestling with scripture, a process that is inherent to faith. The very name “Israel” translates to “wrestles with God,” highlighting the importance of engaging deeply with God’s word to understand His will.
Therefore, when interpreting the Old Testament, consistency and context are paramount. Laws consistently repeated across ages and affirmed by Jesus are more likely to hold timeless relevance. However, in the case of tattoos, such consistent reaffirmation is absent. Furthermore, understanding the historical context of these laws is essential.
Unpacking the Historical Context of Tattoo Prohibition
To truly answer “Where does it say in the Bible about tattoos and why?”, we must consider the historical context of Leviticus 19:28. While the verse itself doesn’t explicitly state the reason for the prohibition, it’s unlikely God was simply against all forms of body art, such as someone getting a small, personal symbol.
Looking at the ancient world during the time of the Old Testament, tattoos were often associated with practices very different from modern motivations. Consider Ötzi the Iceman, dating back to 3350-3105 B.C., who had 61 tattoos. Historical evidence suggests that tattoos in that era were frequently linked to marking criminals, prostitutes, or for therapeutic purposes, not for aesthetic or personal expression as often seen today.
More importantly, in the ancient Near East, tattooing was deeply intertwined with pagan religious rituals. Cuts and tattoos were commonly made as mourning rituals for the dead and as expressions of devotion to false gods. The tattoos mentioned in Leviticus 19:28 were likely ceremonial markings associated with idolatrous worship. Therefore, God’s prohibition against tattoos in this verse had a specific rationale rooted in preventing His people from adopting pagan practices and idolatry.
Are tattoos a sin?
Are Tattoos a Sin Today? Reconsidering Leviticus 19:28
Considering the historical context, the commands in Leviticus against tattoos, cutting hair in a specific style, and mixing fabrics appear to stem from God’s desire for His people to differentiate themselves from the surrounding cultures and their idolatrous practices (Exodus 19:5). God’s intention was to set Israel apart, not just through laws, but in their very way of life, directing their worship solely towards Him.
This principle of being set apart from worldly living remains a central theme throughout the Bible. However, the specific methods of separation outlined in the Old Testament were often context-dependent. Practices that distinguished God’s people in one era might not serve the same purpose in another.
Tattoos fall into this category. After Leviticus 19:28, the Bible offers no further direct mentions of tattoos. The core principle—to worship God alone—remains constant, but the application to specific practices like tattooing requires discernment in our contemporary context.
Therefore, many Christians believe that tattoos are not inherently forbidden today by scripture. While some devout Christians disagree, it’s crucial to approach this issue with grace and understanding. The question isn’t simply “Where does it say in the Bible about tattoos being wrong?”, but rather understanding the scripture in its full context and applying biblical principles to modern life.
However, this freedom does not imply a complete absence of guidance.
Navigating Gray Areas: Biblical Principles for Tattoos Today
While the Bible doesn’t explicitly address modern tattoos beyond Leviticus 19:28, it provides broader principles for navigating “gray areas”—topics not directly commanded or forbidden. Think of contemporary issues like social media usage; while not mentioned directly, biblical wisdom can guide our choices.
Relevant verses for such gray areas include:
- 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” This verse encourages us to evaluate our actions based on whether they honor God.
- 1 Peter 3:3-4: “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear, but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” This highlights the importance of inner beauty and character over outward appearances.
- 1 Corinthians 10:23-24: “‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” This verse encourages us to consider the impact of our choices on ourselves and others.
These verses suggest that when considering a tattoo, the question isn’t just “Is it allowed?”, but rather: “Will this glorify God?”, “Does it reflect inner beauty?”, and “Is it beneficial and edifying?”.
Perhaps the reason the Bible doesn’t provide explicit “yes” or “no” answers for every modern scenario is intentional. A faith that relies solely on a rulebook for every situation might hinder deeper spiritual growth. Instead, navigating these gray areas through prayer, faith, and trust in God fosters a more intimate relationship with Him.
What does the Bible say about Tattoos?
Ultimately, the question shifts from “Are tattoos a sin in general?” to “Is getting this tattoo a sin for me?”.
Personal Discernment: Tattooing and Your Faith
The freedom Christians have in Christ includes the responsibility of personal discernment. Philippians 4:6 encourages us to bring our requests to God in prayer. Therefore, when considering a tattoo, prayerful reflection is essential. Ask God for guidance and wisdom.
While Christians are generally free to get tattoos, Romans 14:23 reminds us, “But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” This means that even if tattoos aren’t inherently sinful, if you feel conviction or doubt about getting one, proceeding against your conscience could be considered sin for you.
My personal decision to get a tattoo involved years of prayer and contemplation. My tattoo is a scripture verse that deeply resonated with my faith journey. For me, it serves as a daily reminder of a core spiritual truth and a way to glorify God. However, not every tattoo idea is necessarily God-honoring or beneficial.
The key is intentionality and faith. God calls us to live intentionally in all areas of life (James 4:17), including our decisions about body art. The deeper question is not just about tattoos, but about our willingness to submit fully to God’s will in every aspect of our lives. If you approach the decision of getting a tattoo with this heart of submission and seek God’s guidance, you are on the right path, regardless of your ultimate decision.
Disclaimer: This article is 100% human-generated.
Reference:
1 Smithsonian, Ancient ink: Iceman Otzi has the world’s oldest tattoos
