What does the Bible say about Tattoos?
The Bible's teachings on tattoos aren’t as straightforward as some might assume. Sure, there’s a verse that gets quoted a lot—Leviticus 19:28: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” But if you really want to understand what this means for Christians today, you’ve got to dig into the cultural and historical setting of that verse. Once you do, you start to see that this isn’t just a hard "no" on tattoos, but more of a call for discernment.
The Historical Backdrop of Leviticus
Back in the ancient Near East, when Leviticus was written, tattoos weren’t just decoration. They were often linked to rituals for the dead or used as a sign of devotion to foreign gods. According to scholars like Gordon Wenham (in his NICOT commentary on Leviticus), pagan tribes surrounding Israel would cut their skin or mark it permanently during mourning rites or religious ceremonies.
So, when God tells the Israelites not to make cuts or mark themselves with tattoos, it’s in the context of separating them from these religious practices. The command shows up in a section filled with laws designed to make Israel distinct from its neighbors—think not eating pork, not wearing clothes made of mixed fabrics, and not planting two types of seeds in the same field. These laws weren’t random; they were symbolic boundaries.
Basically, the Bible's original concern wasn’t art or self-expression—it was about avoiding spiritual confusion. God didn’t want His people to blur the lines between worshipping Him and engaging in idol worship. So Leviticus 19:28 was less about the ink and more about the influence behind it.
What About the New Testament?
Fast-forward to the New Testament, and you’ll notice something surprising: there’s no direct mention of tattoos. Jesus never brings them up. Neither does Paul, Peter, or anyone else.
That absence doesn’t mean Christians should just ignore the topic, though. Instead, it forces us to lean on broader biblical principles.
One of the most quoted verses in this debate is 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you... Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This verse is often used to argue against tattoos, but in context, Paul is talking about sexual immorality. Still, the general idea that our bodies belong to God is solid—and it can apply to how we approach body art, too.
Another relevant passage is Romans 14:23, which deals with personal conviction and the idea that if you’re not fully convinced something is okay, and you do it anyway, it’s a sin for you. That applies to tattoos and a bunch of other lifestyle decisions not directly addressed in the Bible.
So while the New Testament doesn’t give a yes-or-no on tattoos, it does give tools for thinking through the issue: conscience, stewardship, and the impact on your relationship with God and others.
Ceremonial Law vs. Moral Law
Many Christians argue that the prohibition in Leviticus falls under what theologians call the ceremonial law. These are the rules meant specifically for Israel at that time—things like dietary restrictions, temple rituals, and, yes, the command against tattoos. They believe these were fulfilled in Christ and no longer apply directly to Christians.
In Galatians and Colossians, Paul makes it clear that believers are no longer under the law but under grace. Colossians 2:16-17, for instance, says: “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
By that logic, tattoos—like eating bacon or wearing cotton-poly blends—aren’t forbidden. They’re culturally and ceremonially outdated. What matters now is the heart behind the action.
Freedom in Christ, But Not a Free-For-All
Still, not everyone agrees that this gives us a green light. Some believers think the principle behind Leviticus 19:28 still has weight. They’ll ask: Why do you want a tattoo? Is it a way of honoring God? Is it for vanity? Rebellion? Peer pressure?
That kind of introspection is healthy. Even if tattoos aren’t sinful in themselves, they’re still a big deal. They’re permanent. They say something—whether you mean them to or not. That’s why some Christians choose to avoid them altogether, not out of legalism, but out of caution and a desire to reflect Christ well.
Others take a more open approach. They might get tattoos with Bible verses, Christian symbols, or personal reminders of their faith. For them, it’s a way of expressing their relationship with God outwardly.
There are even stories of missionaries using tattoos as conversation starters in parts of the world where body art is a cultural norm. They’ve found that their ink opens doors that would otherwise stay closed.
What About Our Witness?
One of the most practical things to think about is how your tattoos will be perceived by others—especially if you’re in ministry or leadership. Paul talks a lot about not causing others to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9-13). The idea is to love others enough to consider how your actions might affect their walk with God.
If a tattoo would be distracting or offensive to your church community or your family, maybe hold off. But if you’re in a place where it’s normal and well-understood, and your motives are solid, it might be totally fine.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the Bible's approach to tattoos comes down to more than just a rule. It’s about principles: honoring God with your body, examining your motives, considering your influence, and living in a way that points people to Christ.
Some Christians feel complete freedom to get tattoos. Others feel convicted not to. And that’s okay. Romans 14 reminds us that people will land in different places on disputable matters—and we’re called to respect one another’s convictions.
So if you're thinking about getting a tattoo, don’t just ask, “Is it allowed?” Ask better questions: Why do I want this? What message does it send? Will it help or hinder my walk with God—and my witness to others?
The Bible might not give a checklist, but it does give us the wisdom to make thoughtful, God-honoring decisions—even about something as modern as ink.
Verses about tattoos:
Leviticus 19:28, "You are not to make gashes on your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves; I am the Lord."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body."
Romans 12:1-2, "Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."
1 Samuel 16:7, "But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.’"
Revelation 19:16, "And he has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
