The question of whether Christians should get tattoos has sparked debates within the church for many years. Some view tattoos as a form of self-expression, while others consider them to be inconsistent with biblical principles of modesty, holiness, and respect for the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Bible does not directly address modern tattoos as we know them today, but it does provide clear principles and guidelines about how we should view our bodies and how we should adorn ourselves.
The practice of getting tattoos has become increasingly popular in modern society, but it’s essential for believers to look to Scripture to determine whether this practice aligns with God‘s Word. The Bible encourages us to carefully consider our actions and ensure they reflect our devotion to Christ. In this article, we will explore 25 Bible verses that provide insight into the principles of body care, self-expression, and holiness—principles that can help guide a Christian’s decision on whether or not to get a tattoo.
While tattoos themselves are not explicitly condemned in the Bible, certain scriptures can give us wisdom regarding how we should treat our bodies and whether tattoos align with God’s plan for us. These verses speak to concepts like holiness, being set apart for God, and honoring God with our bodies—important factors when making any decision that involves our physical appearance.
Let’s dive into these 25 verses and explore what the Bible says about our bodies, the way we present ourselves, and how we can honor God in everything we do, including decisions about tattoos.
1. Leviticus 19:28
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
This is the most frequently quoted verse regarding tattoos in the Bible. While it was specifically given to the Israelites in the Old Testament, this commandment forbids certain forms of body modification associated with pagan rituals and idol worship. The Israelites were instructed not to mark themselves in ways that were connected with mourning rituals for the dead or with pagan worship practices. Though this command was specific to Israel’s cultural context, it still raises questions about how body art aligns with biblical values today.
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or 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.”
This verse reminds believers that our bodies are not our own; they belong to God. We are called to honor God with our bodies because they are the temple of the Holy Spirit. The question then arises: does getting a tattoo glorify God or does it detract from the holiness of our bodies? For some, tattoos might be seen as a way to express their faith, but for others, it may be a practice that distracts from honoring God’s temple.
3. Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
This passage calls us to offer our bodies to God as living sacrifices, dedicated to Him. Tattoos may be viewed by some as a way of presenting oneself to God, but others might argue that adorning the body with ink is inconsistent with presenting a body that is holy and set apart for God’s purposes.
4. 1 Peter 3:3-4
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
Peter warns against focusing on external adornment and encourages believers to prioritize inner beauty. While getting a tattoo is a form of external adornment, this verse suggests that the true beauty of a Christian is found in their character, which is shaped by God’s Spirit rather than by outward appearances.
5. 1 Timothy 2:9-10
“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.”
Similar to 1 Peter 3:3-4, this passage speaks to the importance of modesty and the value of good works over outward displays of beauty. While tattoos may not be inherently wrong, they could be seen as a way of drawing attention to oneself, which runs counter to the idea of humility and modesty in these scriptures.
6. Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Our primary goal as believers is to shine the light of Christ through our actions, not necessarily through our outward appearance. Tattoos may or may not align with this principle, depending on whether they bring glory to God or distract from the good works we are called to do.
7. Deuteronomy 14:1-2
“You are the children of the Lord your God. You shall not cut yourselves or make any baldness on your foreheads for the dead. For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
In this passage, the Israelites are commanded not to engage in pagan mourning practices, including cutting or marking the body. While this is not a direct command against tattoos, it does emphasize that the people of God are set apart, and our appearance should reflect that special relationship.
8. Proverbs 4:23
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
This verse speaks to the importance of protecting our hearts and minds. What we choose to express through tattoos may reflect something about what is in our hearts. If tattoos are chosen impulsively or to seek validation from others, this could be a sign that the heart is not being guarded in a way that honors God.
9. Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
The fruit of the Spirit calls us to live lives that are marked by virtues that reflect God’s character. When considering tattoos, it’s important to ask whether the decision is motivated by these fruits of the Spirit or by selfish desires.
10. Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
This verse encourages believers to focus on things that align with God’s values. When considering a tattoo, we should reflect on whether it aligns with what is true, honorable, and pure. If the tattoo is meant to honor God and carry a positive, pure message, it could be aligned with this principle.
11. 1 Corinthians 9:27
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of disciplining the body, which includes what we do to it. A tattoo might be seen as a personal choice, but it’s important to consider whether it brings our body into submission to Christ or reflects a lack of discipline.
12. Romans 6:13
“Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”
This verse calls us to offer every part of our bodies to God for righteous purposes. If a tattoo is chosen for self-glorification or out of worldly motives, it may not honor God’s call to present our bodies for His use.
13. Isaiah 44:5
“One will say, ‘I am the Lord’s,’ another will call on the name of Jacob, and another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and name himself by the name of Israel.”
This verse speaks of individuals marking themselves in a way that signifies their belonging to the Lord. While this is not a direct reference to modern tattoos, it can be interpreted as a reflection of the concept of marking oneself as belonging to God.
14. Titus 2:9-10
“Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.”
This passage speaks to adorning the doctrine of God with good deeds. If tattoos are chosen to glorify God or promote Christian values, they could be seen as a way of adorning the doctrine of God.
15. 2 Corinthians 6:17
“Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you.”
The principle of being set apart from the world can also apply to how we adorn our bodies. If tattoos are chosen because they are popular in secular culture, it may be wise to consider if they truly reflect a life set apart for God.
16. James 4:4
“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
The Bible cautions us against conforming to worldly standards. If getting a tattoo is motivated by the desire to fit in with secular culture, it’s important to consider whether this desire conflicts with God’s call to be distinct from the world.
17. Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Our focus should be on eternal things rather than temporary pleasures. If getting a tattoo is solely motivated by earthly desires, it may be worth evaluating whether this choice aligns with God’s priorities.
18. Ephesians 5:8-10
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”
As children of light, we are called to live in a way that pleases God. When considering a tattoo, we should discern whether the decision reflects our new identity in Christ and brings honor to God.
19. Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Every action we take should be done as if for the Lord. If getting a tattoo is done with the intention of honoring God, it can align with this principle.
20. 1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
This verse reminds us that everything, including decisions about our appearance, should be done to glorify God. If a tattoo is for God’s glory, it may be permissible, but if it’s for selfish reasons, it may not align with this command.
21. Hebrews 12:14
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
We are called to pursue holiness. Tattoos, if chosen in alignment with God’s holiness, may be an acceptable expression, but they should not detract from our pursuit of holiness.
22. Revelation 3:5
“The one who conquers will be clothed thus, in white garments, and I will not blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.”
This verse speaks to the purity and righteousness that Christians are called to reflect. Any decision regarding tattoos should be made with this pursuit of righteousness in mind.
23. Proverbs 23:7
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Our external choices reflect our internal beliefs. If getting a tattoo is motivated by worldly values rather than God’s glory, it may be worth reconsidering.
24. Luke 6:45
“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of the evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
Tattoos, like other external choices, can reflect what is in our hearts. It’s important to consider whether our motivations for getting a tattoo align with God’s Word.
25. Matthew 15:18-19
“But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.”
The heart’s condition influences everything we do, including the choices we make about our bodies. Tattoos should be carefully considered to ensure they align with God’s values and not with worldly desires.
Conclusion
The Bible provides wisdom about how we should approach our bodies, adorn ourselves, and reflect God’s character. While the Bible does not explicitly prohibit tattoos, it offers principles regarding how we should care for and use our bodies. Believers should consider whether getting a tattoo aligns with the call to honor God, pursue holiness, and live as set-apart people. Each Christian must prayerfully consider these biblical principles and seek God’s guidance before making decisions about body modification.
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