The question of whether tattoos are a sin is a common one, particularly within Christianity. The Bible verse most often cited in this discussion is Leviticus 19:28, which states, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.” However, understanding this verse in context and within the broader Christian faith requires a deeper look. Many people quickly point to Leviticus 19:28 as definitive proof that tattoos are forbidden, but this interpretation overlooks crucial aspects of biblical understanding and Christian freedom.
Examining Leviticus 19:28 and Old Testament Law
To simply say “Leviticus 19:28 says tattoos are wrong, case closed” is an oversimplification. The Old Testament, especially the Book of Leviticus, contains numerous laws and commands that Christians today do not observe. For instance, the verse preceding the one about tattoos, Leviticus 19:27, commands, “Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.” If we strictly adhere to Leviticus 19:28 to prohibit tattoos, consistency would demand we also enforce all other Old Testament prohibitions, which is not typically practiced in Christianity.
Furthermore, the context of Leviticus 19:28 is important. The prohibition against body cutting “for the dead” suggests the verse may be addressing pagan rituals of mourning common in ancient cultures, rather than tattoos in all forms. This indicates that the core issue might be participation in pagan practices, not necessarily the act of tattooing itself.
The crucial theological point is that Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection fulfilled the Old Testament Law. As Romans 10:4, Galatians 3:23-25, and Ephesians 2:15 explain, the Law’s requirements are no longer binding on Christians. Therefore, relying solely on Leviticus 19:28 to declAre Tattoos A Sin is not a sound theological argument for followers of Jesus.
The Silence of the New Testament and Christian Freedom
Conversely, some argue that because the New Testament doesn’t explicitly forbid tattoos, they must be permissible for Christians. This line of reasoning also has flaws. The Bible doesn’t explicitly address many modern activities, and silence doesn’t automatically equate to approval.
Another argument sometimes used to support tattoos is the mention of Jesus in Revelation 19:16 having “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” written “on His robe and on His thigh.” However, the text doesn’t specify that this writing is a tattoo. It could be symbolic, metaphorical, or even a temporary marking. Even if it were a literal tattoo, it wouldn’t automatically grant blanket permission for all Christians to get tattoos in every context.
Christian Freedom and Personal Conviction
The question of tattoos for Christians seems to fall more accurately into the realm of Christian freedom. Many Christians prefer clear-cut rules of “do’s and don’ts,” but Christian freedom requires a deeper examination of personal motives and convictions. This can be uncomfortable, leading some to lean towards legalism (strict rules) or antinomianism (unrestrained freedom).
Romans 14:23 offers valuable guidance: “For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” This verse suggests that if there is doubt about whether something is right or wrong, it might be wrong for that individual in that specific context. Christians should strive to act out of faith and conviction, not simply because someone else deems something acceptable.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to get a tattoo is a deeply personal one between an individual and God. As 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 10:23 state, “Everything is permissible for me—but not everything is beneficial,” and “Everything is permissible—but not everything is constructive.” While tattoos might be permissible under Christian freedom, the more important question becomes: are they beneficial, constructive, and honoring to God in your specific situation?
If you are genuinely convinced that getting a tattoo would be pleasing to God, enhance your witness, and be done in faith, then it is a matter between you and your conscience before God. However, if there is doubt or a lack of personal conviction that it aligns with your faith and purpose, then for you, it might not be an act that proceeds from faith, as Romans 14:23 describes. This perspective encourages personal reflection and reliance on faith rather than simply seeking permission or prohibition based on isolated verses.
