Introduction
The Bible mentions tattoos in one verse. Leviticus 19:28 says, “You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.” No verse condones them. Christians differ on how that command applies today.
Definition of tattoos
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as the Bible does not specifically mention tattoos. However, some Christians believe that tattoos are a form of idolatry, and thus are not allowed in accordance with some religious beliefs. Others believe that tattoos are simply decorative, and do not have any negative effects on a person’s spiritual life. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they want to get tattoos, based on their own personal beliefs.
Overview of the Bible’s stance on tattoos
The Bible does address tattoos directly in one place. In Leviticus 19:28, it states, “You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.” This command was given to Israel alongside other mourning practices tied to pagan worship of the dead.
What the Bible Says
There is no clear answer when it comes to tattoos in the Bible. Some passages seem to condone them, while others seem to condemn them. However, there is no clear answer as to what the Bible actually says about tattoos.
Leviticus 19:
Leviticus 19:28 states, “You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.” This is the one verse in the Bible that names tattoos directly.
Deuteronomy 14:1
Deuteronomy 14:1 does not actually mention tattoos. It reads, “You are sons of the LORD your God; do not cut yourselves or shave your foreheads on behalf of the dead.” This verse forbids a related mourning practice—cutting the skin or shaving the head for the dead—but it does not use the word tattoo, so it should not be cited as a second tattoo prohibition.
1 Corinthians 6:19-
There is no clear answer when it comes to tattoos in the Bible. Some passages seem to condone them, while others seem to condemn them. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what they believe about tattoos.
What the Bible Doesn’t Say
Outside of Leviticus 19:28, the Bible does not mention tattoos again, positively or negatively. No verse condones the practice by name, and no verse besides Leviticus 19:28 condemns it by name.
No further prohibition against tattoos
Beyond Leviticus 19:28, quoted above, there is no second verse in Scripture that names tattoos. A verse is sometimes brought into this discussion—Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money”—but that verse is about money and devotion, not tattoos, and using it as a tattoo prohibition goes beyond what it actually says.
No explicit approval of tattoos
There is no explicit approval of tattoos in the Bible either. In 1 Corinthians 10:27, Paul tells believers that if an unbeliever invites them to a meal, they may eat anything set before them without raising questions of conscience—a passage about food offered to idols, not about tattoos.
Conclusion
There is no clear answer when it comes to the Bible’s stance on tattoos. Some passages seem to condone them, while others seem to condemn them. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what they believe about tattoos.
Summary of the Bible’s stance on tattoos
The clearest statement on tattoos in the Bible is Leviticus 19:28: “You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.” No other verse repeats this command using the word tattoo.
While there is no further prohibition against tattoos in the New Testament, many Christians apply the broader New Testament teaching that the body is “a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19) as a reason for caution and prayerful thought before getting a tattoo.
So, while the Old Testament command in Leviticus 19:28 is the one direct instruction on this topic, Christians hold a range of views on how it applies today, and it is worth thinking and praying it through rather than deciding casually.
Final thoughts on tattoos and the Bible
There is no one answer to this question as the Bible has a variety of opinions on tattoos. Some passages seem to condone them, while others seem to condemn them. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what they believe about tattoos.
However, there are a few final thoughts that can be shared about tattoos and the Bible. First, it is important to remember that the Bible is a book of guidance and instruction. It is not a book of rules or regulations. So, while there are certain things that are specifically mentioned about tattoos in the Bible, it is ultimately up to each individual to decide what to do with that information.
Second, it is important to remember that the Bible is not a static book. It is constantly evolving and changing as new information is discovered. So, while some of the opinions about tattoos in the Bible may be outdated, others may still be relevant today.
Finally, it is important to remember that the Bible is not the only source of guidance. There are other religious texts that also have opinions about tattoos. So, it is important to consult multiple sources of information when making decisions about tattoos.