The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many to make bold decisions, and getting a tattoo was one of mine. Entering the world of ink brings a wave of opinions, from friends and family to even strangers – like the woman on a plane who warned me tattoos trap souls. While I politely kept my ink hidden mid-flight, these varied reactions sparked a deeper question: Beyond personal opinions, what does the Bible actually say about tattoos? As someone working within a church, the question isn’t just theological; it’s also a matter of personal faith and understanding.
Many believe the Bible strictly forbids tattoos, leading to concerns about whether getting inked contradicts Christian beliefs. Are tattoos a sin according to biblical teachings? Does God condemn those with body art, or is it a matter of personal choice?
Are tattoos a sin?
Whether tattoos are sinful or not doesn’t define my faith, and I believe it shouldn’t for any Christian. However, grappling with potentially confusing parts of the Bible can deepen our trust in God. Spoiler alert: I got my tattoo, concluding it was permissible for me, but others may reach a different conclusion, and that’s perfectly valid.
So, let’s delve into the scriptures.
What Does the Bible Actually Say About Tattoos?
The key verse often cited in discussions about tattoos and the Bible is Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:28, ESV). This seems straightforward, right? But context is crucial. This single line from the Old Testament needs deeper examination to understand its true application today.
Consider the verse preceding it: “You shall not round the corners of your heads or mar the edges of your beard.” (Leviticus 19:27, ESV). Many modern individuals, including myself, regularly trim their hair and beards. Are we in violation of biblical law? This comparison highlights the necessity for context when interpreting Old Testament scripture.
To gain further clarity, we turn to Jesus and the New Testament. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 10:4, describes Jesus as the “end of the law” (Romans 10:4, NIV), and in Ephesians 2:14-15, he states that Jesus “has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing the law of commandments and decrees.” (Ephesians 2:14-15, NIV). This might suggest the Old Testament law, including prohibitions against tattoos, is no longer binding.
However, 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.” (Matthew 5:17, NIV). This adds complexity. The relationship between the Old and New Testaments requires careful consideration.
What does the Bible say about Tattoos?
Christian tradition generally distinguishes between different types of Old Testament laws. Some, like the Ten Commandments, are seen as universally applicable and timeless moral principles, affirmed by Jesus himself (Mark 10:19). Others, particularly ceremonial and dietary laws, are understood to be specific to ancient Israel and not directly applicable to contemporary Christians. For instance, most Christians today don’t refrain from wearing blended fabrics, despite Leviticus 19:19 and Deuteronomy 22:11 prohibiting them.
Determining which Old Testament laws remain relevant requires delving into their original context and understanding God’s intended purpose behind them. This process of interpretation can be complex and sometimes lead to differing viewpoints, but engaging with God’s word through careful study and wrestling with its meaning is a vital part of developing a deeper relationship with Him. In fact, the name “Israel” itself translates to “wrestles with God,” highlighting this very dynamic.
When interpreting the Old Testament, consistency and context are key. Laws consistently repeated across scripture and affirmed by Jesus often carry a timeless significance. However, the context of specific laws is equally important. Some prohibitions in the Old Testament Law were responses to specific historical and cultural circumstances, and their literal application might not directly translate to modern contexts, even if the underlying principles remain relevant.
The Historical Context of Tattooing
To understand the prohibition against tattoos in Leviticus 19:28, we must consider the historical context of that time. The Bible doesn’t explicitly state the reason for this prohibition, but it’s unlikely God was concerned about someone getting a small, decorative tattoo.
Historically, tattoos in the ancient world served various purposes, many far removed from modern recreational tattooing. Ötzi the Iceman, Europe’s oldest mummy dating back to 3350-3105 B.C., had 61 tattoos, likely for therapeutic purposes rather than aesthetic ones. In many ancient cultures, tattoos were associated with marking criminals, slaves, or prostitutes. Furthermore, tattooing was deeply intertwined with pagan religious practices, often used in rituals to honor false gods or express superstitious beliefs. The tattoos mentioned in Leviticus 19:28 were likely related to these ceremonial practices associated with idolatry and mourning rituals common in surrounding cultures. Therefore, God’s prohibition was likely aimed at distancing His people from these pagan practices.
Are tattoos a sin?
So, Are Tattoos a Sin in Christianity Today?
The commands against tattoos, beard trimming, and mixed fabrics in the Old Testament appear to stem from God’s desire for His people to reject idolatry and distinguish themselves from the surrounding cultures with their often ungodly practices. This principle of separation from worldly living was central to many Old Testament laws (Exodus 19:5).
God’s desire to set His people apart from the world remains constant, but the specific ways this separation manifests can change across cultures and time periods. Practices that distinguished God’s people in ancient times might not have the same effect today.
Tattoos fall into this category. The Bible doesn’t mention tattoos again after Leviticus. The enduring principle is our exclusive worship of God, which should guide our decisions.
Therefore, many Christians, including myself, believe that scripture does not explicitly forbid tattoos in our modern context. However, this is a matter of ongoing discussion and differing interpretations within the Christian faith, and respectful disagreement is common.
Does this mean anything goes, and Christians should get tattooed without reservation? Not necessarily.
Reading Beyond the Letter of the Law
The Bible doesn’t offer explicit guidance on every modern issue (like social media platforms, for example). However, biblical principles can guide us in navigating these “gray areas” and living lives that honor God.
Several New Testament passages offer wisdom for such decisions:
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV)
“Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:4, NIV)
““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, NIV)
What does the Bible say about Tattoos?
Why doesn’t God provide explicit rules for every situation? Perhaps these “gray areas” are integral to a deeper, more mature relationship with God. If God dictated every aspect of life with rigid rules, our relationship with Him might remain superficial and childlike. The need for prayer, faith, and discernment in these ambiguous areas fosters growth and intimacy with God.
Perhaps the question shouldn’t be “Are tattoos inherently sinful?” but rather “Is getting a tattoo the right decision for me in my walk with God?”
To Tattoo or Not to Tattoo: A Personal Decision
God encourages us to bring our desires and concerns to Him in prayer (Philippians 4:6). When considering a tattoo, prayerful reflection is essential. Ask God for guidance and wisdom.
While Christians have the freedom to get tattoos, the principle in Romans 14:23 reminds us, “But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23, NIV). This means that even if tattoos are not inherently sinful, getting a tattoo without faith or with a doubtful conscience could be. Personal conviction and faith-based decision-making are paramount.
My own tattoo is a scripture verse that resonated deeply with my faith journey. It was a decision made prayerfully and with the intention of glorifying God and deepening my understanding of His word. While not all tattoos need to be Bible verses, the motivation behind getting inked should be considered.
Ultimately, the question surrounding tattoos is part of a larger question: Are we willing to fully submit our lives to God’s will? If the answer is yes, then seeking God’s guidance on personal decisions, including whether to get a tattoo, becomes a natural outflow of that commitment.
Disclaimer: This article is 100% human-generated.
1Smithsonian, Ancient ink: Iceman Otzi has the world’s oldest tattoos
