What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos? Understanding Scripture, Context, and Christian Freedom
Explore biblical teachings on tattoos, historical context, and Christian identity to understand if getting inked is truly prohibited.
What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?
As tattoos have become mainstream, many Christians wonder, what does the Bible really say about tattoos? The answer is often sought in a single Old Testament verse—Leviticus 19:28—but understanding its original context and significance is essential for applying its message to the present day.
Framing the Question
The Bible doesn’t address every question modern readers might have, especially on practices and technologies unknown in antiquity. Some issues are left unmentioned, while others, like tattoos, are referenced in cultural and historical contexts that differ widely from our own. Even when a clear biblical statement exists, it’s crucial to ask whether it speaks to all believers or was intended for a specific people, place, or circumstance.
- Example: Nazarites under the old covenant were restricted from cutting their hair, but this law is not generally applied to Christians today.
- Similarly, dietary laws about pork no longer apply to Christian practice, as the New Testament redefines standards for ritual purity.
The Biblical Prohibition: Leviticus 19:28
The primary verse cited in discussions of tattoos is found in Leviticus 19:28:
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
This instruction is part of a longer list of laws given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. But what did these words mean for the original hearers, and do they apply to contemporary Christians?
Immediate and Broader Context
Leviticus 19:28 is part of the so-called “Holiness Code” (Leviticus 17–26), a series of commandments intending to set the people of Israel apart from surrounding nations. These laws governed all areas of life, including worship, diet, dress, and mourning rituals.
- The preceding verse (19:27): prohibits shaving the sides of the head or trimming the ends of the beard, practices also associated with pagan rites.
- Such laws sought to distance Israel from neighboring cultures and their religious customs, emphasizing a unique identity as God’s covenant people.
The Hebrew Behind “Tattoo”
The passage uses two rare Hebrew words associated with tattoos:
- Ketovet (כְּתֹבֶת): Deriving from the root “k-t-b,” it refers to something written, engraved, or marked.
- Qaqa (קַעֲקַע): A unique term, rendered as “tattoo” in most modern translations, though its exact meaning is uncertain. Some scholars suggest it could be more broadly a mark or incision, not necessarily a permanent inked tattoo as known today.
Both words appear only here in the Old Testament, making absolute certainty about their meaning elusive. Some linguistic studies propose that the command may target marks made by incision or scarring rather than inked tattoos per se.
Historical and Cultural Backdrop of the Levitical Law
Understanding why this command was given depends on grasping the rituals and beliefs of the ancient Near East:
- Funerary Practices: Many ancient cultures, including Israel’s neighbors, engaged in cutting the flesh or permanently marking the body as expressions of mourning or devotion to the dead.
- Pagan Worship: Marks could signify allegiance to foreign deities. Branding, for instance, was used in Egypt to identify slaves of the priests or pharaohs.
- Together, these practices were explicitly tied to beliefs and rituals at odds with Israel’s faith in the one God.
Scholarly debate continues over whether the “tattoo” here was primarily about cutting the body for the dead, about ritualistic pagan practices, or simply any form of deliberate body marking. Some scholars argue these prohibitions served as a means of distinguishing Israel as a holy people, separate from the superstitions, idol worship, and mourning customs prevalent in surrounding nations.
Are Modern Tattoos the Same?
Modern tattooing is typically an artistic, cultural, or personal statement rather than a religious ritual tied to death or pagan rites. This significant difference complicates a literal, one-size-fits-all application of Leviticus 19:28 to contemporary practice.
Does Leviticus 19:28 Apply to Christians?
The Old Testament law governed the Israelites under the old covenant. With the coming of Christ, Christians understand themselves to be under a new covenant. The New Testament reiterates that Christ’s life, death, and resurrection fulfill the law’s ultimate purpose. For instance, Paul says in Romans 10:4, “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”
- Acts 15: At the Jerusalem Council, early Christian leaders determined that Gentile converts were not required to obey the full Mosaic code, focusing instead on a small set of prohibitions (mainly related to idolatry and immorality).
- Colossians 2:16–17: Paul emphasizes that Christians are not to let themselves be judged by others over ceremonial laws regarding food, drink, or observance of holy days, because “these are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”
Therefore, most orthodox Christian interpretations conclude that Leviticus 19:28 is not binding on Christians in the same way it was for ancient Israel.
Principles for Christian Decision-Making
Even though the ceremonial law—including the tattoo prohibition—is not mandatory for Christians, biblical principles may still inform personal choices about tattoos. These include:
- Honor God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:19–20): Paul teaches that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Decisions about body modification should reflect reverence and a desire to glorify God.
- Consider motives and conscience: Tattoos that celebrate sinful behavior or rebel against parents or societal norms may warrant introspection. Paul’s advice in Romans 14:23, “whatever does not proceed from faith is sin,” can guide believers in situations not explicitly addressed by Scripture.
- Love and neighborly consideration: Actions should not cause others to stumble or be needlessly offended (see 1 Corinthians 8:9, Romans 14:13).
- Obey civil authority and family: Ephesians 6:1–2 directs children to obey their parents. If a tattoo is contrary to a child’s parents’ wishes, waiting and dialoguing may be wise.
Common Objections and Alternative Views
| Viewpoint | Key Arguments | Biblical or Cultural Roots |
|---|---|---|
| Strict Prohibition | Leviticus 19:28 is clear, and tattoos dishonor the body as God’s creation. | Literal reading of Old Testament law. Body as a temple (1 Cor. 6:19–20). |
| Cultural Contextualization | The original law targeted pagan ritual practices, not modern tattoos. | Scholarly analysis of Hebrew words and ancient customs. |
| Christian Freedom | Old Testament ritual laws are fulfilled in Christ; tattoos are a matter of conscience. | Romans 10:4, Colossians 2, Acts 15 council ruling. |
How Should Christians Decide?
With no direct New Testament teaching on tattoos, faithful Christians may reach different convictions. Here’s a practical framework for discernment:
- Pray and seek wisdom, asking: “Will this honor God? Will it help or hinder my witness?”
- Consider cultural and professional implications, as well as family relationships.
- Make the decision with a clear conscience, seeking not to judge others for different conclusions.
Many Christian communities embrace diverse perspectives, respecting both liberty of conscience and the wisdom of historical Christian teachings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tattoos and Christianity
Q: Does the Bible explicitly forbid tattoos for Christians today?
A: The only direct biblical command about tattoos appears in Leviticus 19:28, given under the Old Covenant to ancient Israel. Most Christian scholars and denominations understand this law as part of a larger holiness code that is fulfilled and superseded by Christ, so it is not binding on Christians today.
Q: Was tattooing always considered sinful or rebellious in biblical history?
A: Ancient tattooing often signified pagan ritual, mourning for the dead, or identification with false gods. Modern tattoos are typically associated with self-expression or art rather than religious defiance, making the historical association less applicable today.
Q: Are there potential spiritual or ethical risks in getting a tattoo?
A: The act itself is not inherently sinful but could become problematic if done from motives of rebellion, disrespect, or to promote ungodly messages. Consideration for how a tattoo reflects one’s faith and impact on personal witness is encouraged.
Q: How do Christian denominations differ on tattoos?
A: Views vary widely; some conservative traditions discourage tattoos as incompatible with biblical values, while others see them as a matter of individual freedom, provided actions are undertaken in good conscience and with wisdom.
Q: Can tattoos be used for good in Christian witness?
A: Some Christians use tattoos with biblical themes as a testament to faith or as ministry conversation starters. The key is ensuring that any body art is consistent with a believer’s testimony and conduct.
Key Takeaways for Christians Considering Tattoos
- The Bible mentions tattoos directly only once, and the meaning of the original Hebrew is not entirely clear.
- The Old Testament prohibition was most likely connected to pagan mourning or religious rituals, not personal or artistic expression.
- New Testament teachings shift the focus from external conformity to inward transformation and Christ-centered living.
- Principles of honoring God, loving others, and making decisions from a position of faith and conscience should guide Christian choices regarding tattoos.
Further Study and Reflection
- Explore Leviticus 19:27–28 and its surrounding chapters to see how these commands relate contextually to other laws no longer observed by Christians.
- Examine New Testament passages on Christian liberty, conscience, and cultural engagement—for example, Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 10, and Colossians 2.
- Seek pastoral counsel when in doubt, as well as open dialogue within your faith community.
Conclusion: Freedom, Wisdom, and Stumbling Blocks
While the Old Testament contains a command against tattoos, the church recognizes that not all ancient laws apply universally. The heart of the matter for Christians is motivation and meaning: making decisions in freedom, guided by wisdom and love, while avoiding unnecessary offense or stumbling blocks for others. Thus, the question is not simply, “Can Christians get tattoos?” but rather, “How can Christians live to honor Christ in every decision, marked outwardly or inwardly, by the grace of God?”
References
- https://www.1517.org/articles/what-does-the-bible-say-about-tattoos
- https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-tattoos/
- https://thelivingtruthfellowship.org/faq/what-does-the-bible-say-about-tattoos-and-body-piercings/
- https://www.crossroads.net/media/articles/what-does-the-bible-say-about-tattoos
- https://daily.jstor.org/why-does-the-bible-forbid-tattoos/
- https://www.gotquestions.org/tattoos-sin.html
- https://www.openbible.info/topics/tattoos_and_body_piercings
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