Tattoos have become a widely accepted form of self-expression in many cultures today. From simple designs to intricate artwork, tattoos have become a significant part of contemporary identity. However, for many Christians, the question arises: What does the Bible say about tattoos? Should Christians get tattoos, or are they forbidden by scripture?
To explore this question, it is important to look at the Bible, both Old and New Testament, and consider what it says about body art, marking the body, and the larger concepts of holiness, the human body, and how we express ourselves. While the Bible does not explicitly address the practice of tattoos as we know them today, there are verses that touch on the themes of body markings, self-expression, and the sanctity of the human body.
In this article, we will explore 30 Bible verses that provide insight into the topic of tattoos and body art. These scriptures will help us understand how Christians might approach the decision to get a tattoo and how we should view body markings in light of Biblical teachings.
1. Leviticus 19:28
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
This verse is one of the most cited when discussing tattoos in the Bible. It appears in the context of prohibitions against pagan practices and rituals, which were commonly observed by other cultures at the time, particularly in mourning rites. God is telling the Israelites to avoid pagan customs, including body markings.
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.”
In this passage, Paul emphasizes the sanctity of the human body, urging believers to honor God with their bodies. This verse encourages Christians to think carefully about how they treat their bodies, whether through actions, words, or physical modifications.
3. 1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'”
This scripture serves as a reminder that God values the inner character of a person over outward appearances. While tattoos may be seen as a form of self-expression, the Bible emphasizes that our hearts and motivations are of greater importance to God than our external appearance.
4. Romans 12:1-2
“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. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Paul encourages believers to live in a way that honors God, presenting their bodies as a living sacrifice. This includes how we care for and modify our bodies, potentially influencing how Christians approach tattoos.
5. Matthew 23:25-26
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.”
This passage speaks to the Pharisees’ focus on external appearance without addressing their inner character. It serves as a cautionary reminder that physical modifications, like tattoos, should not take precedence over the condition of one’s heart and relationship with God.
6. 1 Timothy 4:8
“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
Here, Paul acknowledges the value of physical well-being but emphasizes that spiritual growth and godliness are far more important. This principle can be applied to how we approach body art; physical modifications, while not inherently wrong, should not overshadow our pursuit of spiritual maturity.
7. Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul lists various works of the flesh, warning believers to avoid such behaviors. Tattoos, depending on their designs and meanings, could fall into categories that glorify sin or selfish desires, and this passage challenges believers to ensure that their choices, including body art, do not promote sin.
8. Deuteronomy 14:1-2
“You are the sons 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.”
Similar to the Leviticus verse, this passage prohibits Israelite practices that were associated with mourning the dead and pagan rituals. Tattoos, as a form of marking the body, would fall under such prohibitions if they were part of such practices.
9. Ephesians 2:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
This verse emphasizes that we are God’s creation, made to do good works. Whether or not a tattoo is a good work depends on its purpose and whether it aligns with God’s will for our lives.
10. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10
“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Paul reminds us that we will give an account for what we do with our bodies. This includes any modifications we make, such as tattoos. Christians should consider how their actions reflect their faith and whether their body art is a reflection of their commitment to Christ.
11. Leviticus 21:5
“They shall not make bald patches on their heads, nor shave off the edges of their beards, nor make any cuts on their body.”
This verse, again found in the Levitical law, further emphasizes the prohibition against cutting the body as a form of marking or mutilation. Tattoos may be seen as a form of bodily modification that some would argue goes against this command.
12. 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 scripture provides guidance for Christians in choosing what to focus on and, by extension, what to express through outward symbols like tattoos. Christians should consider whether their tattoos reflect values that are honorable and pure.
13. Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Whether it’s speech, actions, or body art, everything a Christian does should be done in the name of the Lord. Tattoos, if chosen, should be in line with one’s faith and glorify God.
14. Isaiah 49:16
“Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.”
In this verse, God speaks of engraving His people on His hands, symbolizing His deep and permanent love for them. While tattoos are often thought of as permanent, this verse can serve as a reminder of God’s unending love, which should be the ultimate motivation for any decisions we make regarding body art.
15. Proverbs 4:23
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
This verse stresses the importance of guarding one’s heart, which should be a consideration when thinking about tattoos. The motives behind getting a tattoo should be pure, with a focus on glorifying God and not merely on external appearances.
16. Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
The Christian life is about community and encouraging one another. When deciding whether to get a tattoo, Christians should consider how their decisions may influence others, particularly those within their Christian community.
17. Galatians 6:7-8
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”
This passage warns against living for the flesh. Tattoos, like any other form of self-expression, should not be motivated by a desire for worldly approval or self-indulgence, but rather reflect a heart that seeks to honor God.
18. Ezekiel 9:4
“And the Lord said to him, ‘Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.'”
In this context, the “mark” is a symbolic seal of protection for those who mourn the sins of the city. It serves as an example of body markings, though not necessarily a direct endorsement of tattoos, but rather a symbol of something deeper.
19. Revelation 19:16
“On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
The imagery of Christ with a name written on His body points to the fact that markings can symbolize authority and identity. While this is not a direct comment on tattoos, it underscores the significance of body markings as identifiers.
20. Deuteronomy 30:6
“And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.”
Circumcision of the heart is a powerful metaphor for internal transformation. The heart, rather than outward signs like tattoos, is what truly matters in our relationship with God.
21. Exodus 28:36-37
“You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, ‘Holy to the Lord.'”
This engraving of holiness on the high priest’s garments serves as a reminder that outward symbols can signify something holy and dedicated to God. While this is not about tattoos, it demonstrates the power of physical symbols to represent a deeper spiritual reality.
22. 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 passage refers to people identifying themselves with God. Body markings, when chosen for spiritual reasons, could be seen as a form of identifying oneself with God, although the motivation must be pure and aligned with Biblical principles.
23. Jeremiah 31:33
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
This verse stresses the importance of the internal, spiritual transformation that God desires. While tattoos are external, true change happens within the heart.
24. Revelation 22:4
“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.”
In the heavenly city, God’s people will have His name written on their foreheads, symbolizing their identity as His. This reinforces the idea that body markings have deep spiritual significance, though not necessarily in the form of tattoos.
25. Matthew 6:1-4
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”
This passage serves as a caution against doing things to be seen or admired by others. Tattoos, like any other form of expression, should not be motivated by pride or the desire for external validation.
26. 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.”
This passage encourages Christians to focus on internal beauty rather than outward adornment. While tattoos are not forbidden, this verse suggests that outward modifications should not become a focus over internal spiritual growth.
27. Isaiah 3:16-17
“The Lord said: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with outstretched necks, glancing wantonly with their eyes, mincing along as they go, tinkling with their feet, therefore the Lord will strike with a scab the heads of the daughters of Zion.”
This passage critiques the vanity and pride of the women in Zion. It serves as a caution against making outward adornment a sign of pride, which can be applicable when considering body art.
28. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.”
Christians are called to live with self-control and honor, both of which should influence how they approach their bodies and any decisions regarding body art.
29. Mark 8:36
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”
This verse urges believers to consider the eternal impact of their decisions. Tattoos, like any other choice, should be made with consideration of one’s spiritual health and priorities.
30. Acts 17:24-25
“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.”
This verse reinforces the idea that God is the creator of everything, and we should honor Him with our bodies. The decision to get a tattoo should be made with a heart of worship and reverence for God.
Conclusion
While the Bible does not explicitly forbid tattoos, it encourages believers to honor God with their bodies and to live with self-control and integrity. Tattoos, if chosen, should be approached prayerfully and reflect a desire to glorify God rather than draw attention to oneself. Christians are reminded that external adornment is secondary to inner transformation and spiritual growth, which should always be the primary focus of the believer’s life. Ultimately, each individual must make the decision for themselves, guided by Scripture, prayer, and their personal relationship with God.
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