Like many others during the pandemic, I made a bold decision – I got a tattoo. This sparked a whirlwind of opinions, from curious friends to concerned family, and even a stranger on a plane who warned me tattoos could trap my soul. I kept quiet about my ink that time, picturing a mid-air laser removal intervention.
Whether you’re in the tattoo community or not, everyone seems to have an opinion. But beyond societal views, what does the Bible actually say? Working in a church, the question of biblical permissibility is more than academic – it feels like a potential job security issue! Many believe the Bible explicitly forbids tattoos. So, are Bible Tattoos a step too far?
Are tattoos a sin?
Does God condemn those with ink, or is it a matter of indifference? For me, and I suspect for many Christians, the answer won’t shatter my faith. However, grappling with potentially confusing biblical passages can deepen our trust in God, regardless of the outcome.
Spoiler alert: I got the tattoo, so I landed on the “it’s okay” side. But your conclusion might differ, and that’s perfectly valid.
Let’s delve into what the Bible really says about tattoos.
Unpacking the Biblical Stance on Tattoos
The verse most often cited in the tattoo debate comes from Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” Case closed, right? Not so fast. Context is crucial, and this verse might not apply to us as directly as it seems.
Consider the verse immediately preceding it, Leviticus 19:27: “Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.” Like many, I get regular haircuts and trim my beard. Am I in violation of biblical law?
To understand, we need broader context, and looking at Jesus and the New Testament provides essential clarity.
In Romans 10:4, the Apostle Paul describes Jesus as the “culmination” of the Old Testament law. Further, in Ephesians 2:14-15, Paul states Jesus “is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace…”
This suggests Jesus abolished the Old Testament law. Tattoo green light? Hold on. Jesus himself states in Matthew 5:17, “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.” Confusion reigns!
What does the Bible say about Tattoos?
Throughout history, Christian interpretation of Old Testament laws has varied. Some are seen as timeless guidelines, like the Ten Commandments (affirmed by Jesus in Mark 10:19). However, we often disregard others, like the prohibition against blended fabrics in Leviticus 19:19 and Deuteronomy 22:11, despite my comfortable cotton-poly blend shirt.
Discerning which Old Testament laws remain relevant requires deeper investigation into their ancient context and God’s original intent.
Navigating these complexities can feel challenging. The selective application of Old Testament laws might seem open to misinterpretation. Yet, God invites us to wrestle with His word, fostering a deeper relationship. The very name “Israel,” meaning “Wrestles with God,” embodies this concept.
Interpreting the Old Testament demands consistency and contextual understanding. Laws consistently repeated throughout scripture and affirmed by Jesus likely hold timeless relevance. However, the tattoo prohibition doesn’t fit this pattern.
Secondly, context is paramount. Some Old Testament prohibitions were specific responses to historical circumstances, with reasons that might not directly translate to today. To understand the tattoo verse, we need to explore its historical backdrop.
Delving into the History of Inking
To truly understand Leviticus 19:28, we need to step back into the ancient world. It’s unlikely God’s concern was over a small heart tattoo or barbed wire biceps.
Historically, tattoos served purposes far beyond mere decoration. Consider Ötzi the Iceman, Europe’s oldest mummy (3350-3105 B.C.), bearing 61 tattoos. [^1] His inks likely weren’t for social display. In ancient times, tattoos often marked criminals, prostitutes, or were used for pain relief. Crucially, many cultures used tattoos in ceremonies honoring false gods and superstitions. The Levitical prohibition likely targeted these ritualistic tattoos associated with pagan worship. God had a specific reason for this stance.
Are tattoos a sin?
So, Are Bible Tattoos a Sin Today?
The commands against tattoos, beard trimming, and certain fabrics seem rooted in God’s desire for His people to reject idol worship and distinguish themselves from surrounding cultures with ungodly practices.
This desire to set His people apart from worldly living is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament law (Exodus 19:5).
The specific applications of these laws evolved as the world changed. Practices necessary for cultural distinction in one era might become irrelevant in another.
Tattoos fall into this category. They are not mentioned again in the Bible after Leviticus. The enduring principle is our exclusive worship of God – that remains the core directive.
Therefore, many faithful Christians, myself included, believe tattoos are not inherently forbidden today by scripture, although respectful disagreement exists within the Christian community. And that’s perfectly acceptable.
Does this mean we should all rush to get fully inked without a second thought? Not quite.
Reading Beyond the Lines: Wisdom for Gray Areas
The Bible doesn’t explicitly address every modern issue (TikTok, for example). However, biblical wisdom provides guidance for navigating these “gray areas,” including tattoos.
Consider these verses for direction:
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
“…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.” 1 Peter 3:4
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
Why doesn’t God provide explicit rules for every situation? Perhaps a better question is: why doesn’t He, if He is all-knowing?
These gray areas, while sometimes frustrating, are where the true joy of following Jesus emerges.
Imagine a faith defined by a rulebook for every life scenario. Would that foster a joyful relationship with God? If parents dictated every action of their child, would that child ever mature?
Navigating decisions requiring prayer, faith, and trust, even without explicit scriptural answers, deepens our relationship and intimacy with God immeasurably.
Perhaps the question shouldn’t be “Are bible tattoos a sin?”, but rather “Are bible tattoos a sin for me?”.
To Get Inked or Not: A Personal Decision
God encourages us to bring our desires and needs to Him in prayer (Philippians 4:6). When considering a tattoo, prayerful reflection is essential. Ask God for His guidance.
While I believe Christians have the freedom to get tattoos, Romans 14:23 reminds us that “everything that does not come from faith is sin.” A cool design doesn’t automatically make a tattoo a good or sin-free decision. (Many regret impulsive tattoos, like sports team logos!).
My tattoo is a scripture verse I meditated on for years, deeply integrated into my life. I felt confident in my decision, guided by faith. While not all tattoos need to be scripture-based, this one felt personally meaningful and glorifying to God.
My decision stemmed from a desire to glorify God and deepen my understanding of Him. However, I’ve also dismissed tattoo ideas that weren’t aligned with godly intentions.
This principle of acting in faith extends beyond tattoos. God calls us to intentional living (James 4:7) and intentional decisions. The wisdom and freedom God offers should guide not just our ink choices, but our entire lives.
The tattoo you’re considering isn’t the ultimate question. The deeper question is: “Am I willing to fully submit to God’s will for my life?”
If the answer is yes, you’re on the right path, tattoo or no tattoo.
[^1]: Smithsonian, Ancient ink: Iceman Otzi has the world’s oldest tattoos
