What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?
The subject of tattoos often sparks strong opinions among Christians. Some see them as harmless expressions of individuality, while others view them as incompatible with a life devoted to God. To answer the question clearly, it’s essential to understand what the Bible actually says about tattoos and how its teachings apply today.
The Bible’s primary reference to tattoos comes from Leviticus 19:28, which commands, “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” This verse sits within a larger section of laws given to Israel, many of which address practices tied to pagan rituals and idolatry. Understanding the historical and theological context of this verse is key to applying it faithfully today.
This article will explore:
The original context of the Bible’s prohibition on tattoos.
How ancient practices inform our understanding of this command.
How New Testament teaching shapes a Christian approach to tattoos today.
By examining the relevant passages and biblical principles, we can see how this topic connects to the broader message of the Gospel and what it means to live as God’s holy people.
1. The Old Testament Prohibition on Tattoos
The most direct biblical statement about tattoos appears in Leviticus 19:28. God commands Israel: “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” This instruction is found in a section where God is calling His people to be holy, set apart from the nations around them.
In the ancient Near East, tattoos and body markings were often part of pagan mourning rites, fertility worship, or magical practices. Cutting or marking the skin was sometimes seen as a way to invoke spirits, honor the dead, or gain favor from false gods. By forbidding these practices, God was protecting Israel from falling into the idolatrous customs of surrounding nations.
This prohibition was also tied to the biblical truth that the human body is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27). To disfigure the body in pagan ritual was to distort something God had made good. In this way, tattoos in ancient Israel were not merely aesthetic—they were tied to worship and identity.
2. Tattoos in the Context of Pagan Rituals
Understanding the culture in which the Bible’s commands were given helps prevent misapplication. Archaeological and historical evidence shows that tattooing in the ancient world was often religious in nature. In Egypt, for example, tattoos could be symbols of devotion to specific deities. Among the Canaanites, markings on the skin were sometimes used in ancestor worship or as talismans for spiritual protection.
Leviticus 19:28 pairs the prohibition of tattoos with the ban on making cuts “for the dead,” suggesting that both practices were connected to mourning rituals for deceased relatives or venerated figures. God’s people were called to grieve and honor the dead in ways that reflected trust in Him, not in superstition or idolatry.
While modern tattoos are rarely tied to pagan worship, this background is important. It shows that the Bible’s concern was not simply about “ink in the skin,” but about adopting practices that carried false religious meaning.
3. The Bible’s Broader Teaching on the Body
Even though the Old Testament prohibition on tattoos was tied to ancient religious customs, the principle behind it remains relevant. Scripture consistently teaches that the body belongs to God and should be used to honor Him. Paul writes, “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” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
This means that any decision affecting the body—including tattoos—should be weighed with careful consideration of whether it brings glory to God. This isn’t only about avoiding sin; it’s about positively aiming our actions toward worship and holiness.
In the New Testament, the focus shifts from external ritual purity to internal transformation (Mark 7:15). However, this does not erase the call to live distinctly as God’s people. Christians are free in Christ, but that freedom should be used to serve God and love others, not to indulge every personal preference (Galatians 5:13).
4. Tattoos, Christian Witness, and the Gospel
For Christians, the question of tattoos is not only “Can I?” but also “Should I?” The Gospel teaches that believers are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). This means our bodies, words, and actions all communicate something about the One we serve.
A tattoo may not be sinful in itself, but it can affect how others perceive our faith. In some cultures or communities, tattoos carry negative associations that could hinder Gospel conversations. In others, tattoos may open doors for discussion or express testimonies of faith. This is where wisdom, discernment, and love for others come into play.
In a bigger Gospel perspective, our identity is found in Christ, not in physical markings. Whether or not a Christian chooses to get a tattoo should be guided by the question: “Does this action help me represent Christ and advance His kingdom?”
5. Modern Application and Christian Freedom
The New Testament does not repeat the Old Testament ban on tattoos, which means it is not binding for Christians in the same way it was for ancient Israel. However, the principles of holiness, worship, and love for others still apply.
When deciding whether to get a tattoo, a believer should:
Pray for wisdom and examine their motives.
Consider the potential impact on their Christian witness.
Choose designs that do not glorify sin or contradict biblical truth.
Remember that permanence means the decision will carry long-term consequences.
The Bible’s call is not primarily about regulating outward appearance but about shaping the heart to love God and neighbor. Tattoos may be permissible, but they should never take the place of the true mark of belonging to God—the transforming work of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14).
Conclusion: Living Set Apart in Christ
The Bible’s teaching on tattoos centers on holiness, identity, and worship. In Leviticus, tattoos were forbidden because they were tied to pagan rituals that undermined Israel’s covenant relationship with God. Today, while most tattoos are not connected to idolatry, the biblical principles of honoring God with our bodies and living distinctly as His people remain.
Ultimately, the question is not just about tattoos but about what it means to live as those redeemed by Christ. Our lives—body, soul, and spirit—are to reflect His glory. In Christ, we are already marked, not with ink, but with the seal of the Holy Spirit, a sign of belonging to God forever.
Bible Verses About Tattoos
Leviticus 19:28 – “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 – “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you…?”
Genesis 1:26–27 – “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”
Galatians 5:13 – “You were called to freedom… only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh.”
Romans 12:1 – “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.”
Ephesians 1:13–14 – “…you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”
1 Samuel 16:7 – “…man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Philippians 1:20 – “…Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Colossians 3:17 – “Whatever you do… do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
2 Corinthians 5:20 – “We are ambassadors for Christ…”
