Tattoos. They’re a form of personal expression, a cultural phenomenon, and for some, a spiritual consideration. Like many, I ventured into the world of ink, getting my own tattoo during a rather unusual time. The reactions were varied – from curious nods to outright spiritual concerns. One memorable encounter was with a woman on a plane who believed tattoos trapped souls. While I politely kept my ink hidden at 30,000 feet, her comment sparked a deeper question: What does the Bible actually say about tattoos?
Working within a church environment, the question isn’t just theoretical. Is there a biblical basis for the common belief that tattoos are forbidden? Could my personal expression be misconstrued? This isn’t just about job security; it’s about understanding faith and scripture in a nuanced way.
Are tattoos a sin?
Whether tattoos are a sin or not doesn’t shake the foundations of my faith, and I doubt it does for many Christians. However, engaging with potentially confusing parts of the Bible can deepen our trust in God. So, let’s delve into what the scriptures actually say about tattoos and explore a balanced perspective.
Deciphering Leviticus: The Old Testament and Tattooing
The verse most often cited in discussions about biblical tattoos comes from the Old Testament:
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:28, ESV)
At first glance, this seems definitive. Case closed, right? But understanding scripture requires context. This verse is part of the Levitical law, and reading it in isolation can be misleading. Consider the verse immediately preceding it: “You shall not round the corners of your heads, nor shall you mutilate the edges of your beard.” (Leviticus 19:27, NKJV). If we take Leviticus 19:28 as an absolute, are we also sinning by getting a haircut or trimming our beards?
To gain clarity, we need to examine the broader biblical narrative, particularly the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament.
Jesus, the New Covenant, and Old Testament Law
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, describes Jesus as the “end of the law” (Romans 10:4). He explains that Jesus came to bring peace, breaking down the dividing walls through the abolishment of laws and commandments (Ephesians 2:14-15). This might suggest that Old Testament laws, including the one about tattoos, are no longer binding in the same way.
However, Jesus himself stated 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.” This adds complexity. It’s not about discarding the Old Testament, but understanding its fulfillment and interpretation through Jesus.
What does the Bible say about Tattoos?
Throughout Christian history, there has been a distinction between different types of Old Testament laws. The Ten Commandments, for example, are generally seen as universally applicable moral laws, affirmed by Jesus himself (Mark 10:19). However, other laws, like those concerning blended fabrics (Leviticus 19:19, Deuteronomy 22:11), are not typically followed by modern Christians. Most of us wear cotton-poly blends without a second thought.
Determining which Old Testament laws still directly apply requires deeper investigation into their historical context and God’s original intent. It involves wrestling with scripture, a process that is itself a part of developing a relationship with God. The very name “Israel” means “wrestles with God.”
Consistency and context are crucial when interpreting the Old Testament. Laws consistently reiterated throughout scripture or affirmed by Jesus are more likely to have enduring relevance. In the case of tattoos, direct reaffirmation is absent. Furthermore, understanding the historical context surrounding the prohibition of tattoos in Leviticus provides crucial insights.
Ancient Meanings: The Historical Context of Tattoos
To truly grasp the Levitical law against tattoos, we must step back into the ancient world. It’s unlikely that God was concerned about someone getting a small, decorative tattoo. The prohibition likely stemmed from the practices associated with tattooing in that era.
Historically, tattoos were often linked to pagan rituals, marking slaves, criminals, or devotees of false gods. Consider Ötzi the Iceman, a mummy dating back to 3350-3105 B.C. who had 61 tattoos. His tattoos, and many others from that period, were not for mere decoration. They often served purposes like marking social status, indicating tribal affiliation, or even for therapeutic or magical practices.
In the ancient Near East, tattooing was frequently associated with mourning rituals and pagan worship. People would cut themselves and tattoo their skin to honor the dead or to show devotion to deities other than the God of Israel. The tattoos mentioned in Leviticus 19:28 were likely related to these ceremonial practices, expressing allegiance to false gods. This historical context reveals a specific reason for God’s prohibition – to distance His people from idolatrous practices.
Are tattoos a sin?
Tattoos Today: Sin or Personal Choice?
The command against tattoos, along with prohibitions against certain haircuts and fabrics, seems rooted in God’s desire for His people to distinguish themselves from the idolatrous practices of the surrounding cultures (Exodus 19:5). God wanted to set Israel apart.
This principle of being set apart from worldly living is a consistent theme throughout the Old Testament. However, the specific ways in which God calls people to be set apart can change over time. What was necessary to differentiate God’s people in one era might not be relevant in another.
Tattoos fall into this category. They are not mentioned again in the Bible after Leviticus. The enduring principle is the call to worship God alone. This is the core message that transcends specific cultural practices.
Therefore, many Christians today believe that tattoos are not inherently forbidden by scripture. However, this is not a universally held view within Christianity, and faithful believers hold differing opinions. The key lies in discerning personal conviction within the framework of faith.
Navigating “Gray Areas”: Wisdom and Discernment
The Bible doesn’t explicitly address every modern issue (like social media, for example). However, biblical principles offer guidance for navigating these “gray areas,” including the decision to get a tattoo.
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 let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:4, NRSV)
“‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up.” (1 Corinthians 10:23, NRSV)
Why doesn’t God provide explicit rules for every situation? Perhaps because a relationship with God is meant to be more than just rule-following. It’s about growth, discernment, and relying on faith.
What does the Bible say about Tattoos?
These “gray areas” are opportunities for spiritual growth. Instead of simply asking “Are tattoos a sin?”, a more pertinent question might be “Is getting a tattoo the right thing for me in my walk with God?”
Making a Faith-Based Decision: To Ink or Not to Ink
God invites us to bring our desires and questions to Him in prayer (Philippians 4:6). When considering a tattoo, prayerful reflection is essential. Ask God for guidance. Seek His wisdom.
While Christians have freedom in Christ, scripture also reminds us that “whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23, ESV). This means that even if tattoos are not inherently sinful, getting a tattoo for the wrong reasons – out of vanity, rebellion, or peer pressure – might not be a faith-filled decision.
My own tattoo is a scripture verse that resonated deeply with me over years of prayer. It’s a constant reminder of a truth I hold dear. While not all tattoos need to be scripture verses, mine was a conscious decision rooted in faith and a desire to glorify God. However, I’ve also had tattoo ideas that I recognized were not aligned with godly intentions and chose not to pursue them.
The principle of acting in faith extends beyond tattoos to every area of life. God calls us to live intentionally (James 4:7), making decisions that reflect His will. The question isn’t just about tattoos; it’s about surrendering our lives fully to God’s leading.
If you are wrestling with the idea of getting a tattoo, consider it an opportunity to seek God’s guidance and examine your own heart. Are you seeking to honor Him in all you do, including how you adorn your body? That is the most important question to answer.
Disclaimer: This article is 100% human-generated.
1 Smithsonian, Ancient ink: Iceman Otzi has the world’s oldest tattoos
