What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos – Scriptures About Tattoos

In recent years, tattoos have become an increasingly common form of self-expression. From inspirational quotes to artistic designs and religious symbols, tattoos are now widely accepted across many cultures and age groups. But for Christians or those curious about the Bible’s teachings, one pressing question often arises: what does the Bible say about tattoos?

For some, tattoos are a personal statement of faith. For others, they are viewed as potentially inappropriate or even sinful. The debate over whether Christians should get tattoos is ongoing and layered with personal conviction, theological interpretations, and cultural context. This blog post explores what the Bible says about tattoos, provides thoughtful insights, and lists 20 powerful Bible verses about tattoos to guide you in your spiritual journey.

What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?

When asking what does the Bible say about tattoos, the conversation almost always starts with Leviticus 19:28, which says:

• “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”

This verse is often cited as a direct command against tattoos. However, to fully understand this passage, we must consider its historical and cultural context.

In ancient Israel, God’s commandments to the Israelites were often designed to set them apart from the pagan nations surrounding them. Many of these nations practiced ritualistic body mutilation and tattooing as acts of worship to false gods or as part of mourning rituals. Therefore, this verse is widely interpreted by scholars as a prohibition against participating in idolatrous or superstitious practices.

Yet, some Christians argue that because the Old Testament contains many ceremonial laws that no longer apply under the New Covenant, this prohibition may not necessarily apply to modern believers. For instance, other nearby verses in Leviticus prohibit eating pork or wearing mixed fabrics—practices most Christians no longer follow.

At the heart of the matter is this: what does the Bible say about tattoos in terms of personal holiness, spiritual conviction, and how our bodies glorify God?

The New Testament doesn’t explicitly mention tattoos. However, it offers principles that can help guide a Christian’s decision:

• Does the tattoo honor God?
• What is the intention behind getting it?
• Will it cause another believer to stumble?
• Does it reflect the fruit of the Spirit?

Ultimately, deciding whether to get a tattoo is a personal matter that requires prayer, wisdom, and a clear conscience before God. Let’s now explore 20 Bible verses about tattoos, both directly and indirectly related, that can provide more insight into the matter.

20 Bible Verses About Tattoos

Here are key scriptures that address tattoos, body markings, and principles related to modesty, holiness, and Christian liberty:

1. Leviticus 19:28 (ESV) “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
3. Romans 14:13-14 (ESV) “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother… I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.”
4. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV) “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
5. 1 Timothy 4:4 (ESV) “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.”
6. Galatians 5:1 (NIV) “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
7. 1 Peter 3:3-4 (ESV) “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.”
8. Deuteronomy 14:1-2 (NIV) “You are the children of the Lord your God. Do not cut yourselves or shave the front of your heads for the dead, for you are a people holy to the Lord your God.”
9. Colossians 3:17 (ESV) “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.”
10. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
11. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
12. Isaiah 44:5 (NIV) “Some will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’; others will call themselves by the name of Jacob; still others will write on their hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and will take the name Israel.”
13. Ezekiel 9:4 (ESV) “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.’”
14. Revelation 19:16 (NIV) “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
15. Proverbs 16:2 (ESV) “All a man’s ways seem pure to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”
16. Matthew 5:17 (NIV) “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
17. 2 Corinthians 6:16-17 (ESV) “What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, ‘I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.’”
18. 1 John 2:15-16 (NIV) “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”
19. Philippians 4:8 (ESV) “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.”
20. James 4:17 (NIV) “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

Conclusion

So, what does the Bible say about tattoos? The Bible offers one direct mention and several guiding principles that help believers make wise, intentional choices. While Leviticus 19:28 may raise concern, its cultural and spiritual context is crucial. The New Testament’s emphasis on honoring God, seeking wisdom, and living out one’s faith should guide any decision about tattoos.

Tattoos are deeply personal. For some, they symbolize faith, healing, or testimony. For others, they may raise concerns rooted in Scripture or personal conviction. What’s most important is to seek God’s wisdom, examine your motives, and ensure your choices reflect your identity in Christ.

If you’ve been asking what does the Bible say about tattoos, the answer is: it depends on your heart, your purpose, and your desire to walk closely with God. Let Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel guide you.