Did you know that there was a time when drawing tattoos was not acceptable in the Church? Today, if you were to walk into some church services, you're likely to find one or two where members, pastors, and worship leaders wear sleeves of ink on the body.
This change in Church culture and dynamics has left many Bible believers with honest questions. Some ask, "Is getting a tattoo a sin?" What does the Bible say about tattoos on the body?
In continuation of our series on What Does the Bible Say, we will share 12 Bible verses on tattoos and the body. We believe these verses will help us have a better understanding of the matter from the scriptures.
What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?
Is getting a tattoo a sin? The Bible does not explicitly forbid tattoos for believers under the New Covenant. But, in the Old Testament, the act was forbidden.
We will provide a summary of the difference between the Old and the New Testament on the matter below.
- The Old Testament Prohibition: In Leviticus 19:28, the Israelites were forbidden from cutting or marking the skin, but the prohibition was specifically to separate them from pagan mourning rituals of that time.
- The New Testament Standard: While the New Testament is silent on tattoos, Apostle Paul emphasized in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be kept holy.
Furthermore, most theologians agree that getting a tattoo is a matter of "Christian Liberty" (see Romans 14). The question is not just "Can I?" but "Why do I want to?" and "Does this glorify God?"
12 Key Bible Verses on Tattoos & The Body (WEB)
Below are 12 key Bible verses about tattoos and the body to help you navigate the balance between the Law and Grace as it regards this matter.
The Forbidding Verses
1. Leviticus 19:28
"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh."
2. Deuteronomy 14:1
"You are the children of Yahweh your God. You shall not cut yourselves, nor shave your forehead for the dead."
3. 1 Samuel 16:7
"But Yahweh said to Samuel, 'Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.'"
Your Body as a Temple
4. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."
5. 1 Corinthians 10:31
"Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
6. Romans 12:1
"Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service."
7. Psalm 139:14
"I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well."
Christian Liberty & Conscience
8. Romans 14:14
"I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean."
9. Romans 14:23
"But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn’t of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin."
10. 1 Corinthians 6:12
"‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are expedient. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be brought under the power of anything."
11. Isaiah 49:16
"Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Your walls are continually before me."
Notice: Isaiah 49:16 is a very poetic verse. It depicts God using the imagery of a tattoo to demonstrate His commitment to not forget His people.
12. Revelation 19:16
"He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, 'KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.'"
3 Questions to Ask Before Getting Ink
If you are considering a tattoo, pause and ask yourself these three questions:
1. Why?
Is it in rebellion to God, out of peer pressure, or a desire to fit in? Or is it a meaningful expression of your journey, faith, and love? The "Why" matters a lot.
2. What is the Message?
Does the image or text align with your faith? As an ambassador for Christ, would this tattoo confuse someone about what you believe, or could it open a door for a positive conversation about the Faith? You should count the cost.
3. Is My Conscience Clear?
Do you feel guilt or a check in your spirit? Wait. Romans 14 reminds us that if we act against our conscience, it becomes sin for us. There is no rush because ink is permanent, so your peace should be too.
Keep this in mind: you are amazing the way God made you. Be grateful to God for that.
Bible Questions About Tattoos
Will getting a tattoo keep me out of heaven?
No. Salvation is based on faith in Jesus Christ, not on whether or not you ink your skin. Ephesians 2:8-9 clarifies that we are saved by grace through faith, "not of works, lest any man should boast." While the Bible warns against defiling the body, an ink on the skin is not the unforgivable sin that separates you from God's love.
What if I already have tattoos that I regret?
Regret is a heavy burden, but God offers freedom. If you have tattoos from a past life that you are ashamed of (perhaps related to gangs, past relationships, or rebellion), remember that you are a "new creation" in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your past does not define you. Some believers choose to have them removed or covered, while others use them as a testimony of how far God has brought them.
Can I get a memorial tattoo for a loved one?
Leviticus 19:28 specifically mentions not marking the body "for the dead." In that historical context, this referred to pagan rituals of bloodletting and worshiping ancestors to appease spirits. Today, getting a portrait or name to honor a loved one is viewed by most theologians as an act of love and memory, not an act of pagan worship.
More from Faithful Today
Navigating the gray areas of life? Explore our guide on Faith or use our Mood-Based Scripture tool to help you stay strong and encouraged in the Lord.
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