The question of tattoos and their place within Christianity is a long-debated topic. If you’ve considered getting inked, or already have tattoos, you’ve likely encountered a spectrum of opinions, especially from those with religious backgrounds. Some believe tattoos are explicitly forbidden by the Bible, while others see no conflict between faith and body art. But what does the Bible actually say? Does it offer any clear guidance on tattoos, or is this a matter of personal interpretation and modern context?
Are tattoos a sin?
For many, the go-to verse in this discussion is found in the Old Testament, specifically Leviticus 19:28. But understanding this verse, and its relevance today, requires a deeper look into biblical context, historical practices, and the overarching message of scripture. Let’s delve into what the Bible truly says about tattoos and how we can approach this topic with informed faith.
Leviticus 19:28: The Key Verse
The verse most frequently cited in discussions about tattoos and the Bible is Leviticus 19:28, which states: “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” Taken at face value, this verse seems to be a clear prohibition against tattoos. For those who believe in a literal interpretation of scripture, this verse can appear to be a definitive answer: the Bible says not to get tattoos, therefore Christians should abstain.
However, understanding this verse requires considering its context within the Old Testament law and its original audience. Leviticus is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain a vast set of laws and commandments given to the Israelites. Many of these laws were specific to the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel and were intended to set them apart as a distinct people of God.
Context is King: Old Testament Law
To understand Leviticus 19:28 properly, we need to recognize that the Old Testament law is multifaceted. It included moral laws (like the Ten Commandments), ceremonial laws (regarding worship and rituals), and civil laws (governing daily life in ancient Israel). Not all of these laws are applied in the same way by Christians today.
Consider the verse immediately preceding the one about tattoos, Leviticus 19:27: “Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.” Many modern individuals, including Christians, get haircuts and trim their beards without considering it a sin. Similarly, Leviticus 19:19 prohibits wearing clothing made of blended fabrics, yet most people wear cotton-poly blends without a second thought.
What does the Bible say about Tattoos?
The question then arises: why do some Old Testament laws seem to apply today, while others do not? The New Testament offers crucial insight. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 10:4 that “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” Furthermore, in Ephesians 2:14-15, Paul describes Jesus as “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…”
This suggests that Jesus, through his life, death, and resurrection, fulfilled the Old Testament law. However, Jesus himself also 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 seeming contradiction highlights the need to understand the purpose behind the Old Testament laws and how they relate to the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament.
Historical Context of Tattoos
To further understand Leviticus 19:28, it’s essential to consider the historical context of tattoos in the ancient world. Archaeological evidence, like the discovery of Ötzi the Iceman with his 61 tattoos dating back to 3350-3105 B.C., demonstrates that tattooing is an ancient practice. However, in the time of the Old Testament, tattoos were often associated with pagan religious practices and mourning rituals.
Many ancient cultures used tattoos to mark themselves in honor of deities or to express devotion to false gods. The prohibition in Leviticus 19:28 is directly linked to the phrase “for the dead,” suggesting a connection to pagan mourning rituals where people would cut themselves and tattoo their bodies as expressions of grief or to honor deceased gods. These practices were common among the nations surrounding Israel, and God commanded his people to be distinct from these idolatrous customs.
Are tattoos a sin?
Therefore, the prohibition in Leviticus 19:28 was likely not a blanket condemnation of all forms of body modification, but specifically a command against engaging in pagan practices that were prevalent at the time and directly contradicted the worship of the one true God. God desired his people to be set apart, and avoiding these culturally ingrained idolatrous practices, including specific types of markings, was part of that separation.
New Testament Perspective
The New Testament does not explicitly mention tattoos again. This silence is significant. The focus of the New Testament shifts from outward adherence to specific laws to inward transformation and faith in Jesus Christ. The emphasis is placed on the heart, motives, and living a life that glorifies God in all aspects.
While the Old Testament law served as a guide for ancient Israel, the New Testament emphasizes principles that transcend specific cultural contexts. The core message becomes about loving God and loving your neighbor, living by the Spirit, and focusing on things that are eternally significant. Ritualistic purity and adherence to specific dietary or clothing laws are no longer the central focus for believers in Jesus Christ.
Are Tattoos a Sin Today?
Considering the context of Leviticus 19:28, the historical practices of tattooing in the ancient world, and the overarching message of the New Testament, many Christians conclude that getting tattoos is not inherently sinful today. The original prohibition was likely directed against specific pagan practices, not against the act of tattooing itself in all contexts.
In modern times, tattoos are largely a form of personal expression, art, or commemoration, often devoid of pagan religious connotations. While some may still associate tattoos with rebellion or negativity, for many, they are a way to express individuality, honor loved ones, or display meaningful symbols and beliefs.
However, this freedom does not mean that Christians should approach tattoos without discernment. The Bible, even if it doesn’t explicitly forbid modern tattoos, offers principles that can guide our decisions in “gray areas”—topics not directly addressed in scripture.
Gray Areas and Personal Conviction
The Bible provides guidance for navigating areas not explicitly covered by direct commands. Verses like 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God,” encourage believers to consider God’s glory in every decision. Similarly, 1 Peter 3:3-4 emphasizes inner beauty over outward adornment, urging believers to focus on “the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.”
Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 states, “‘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. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” These verses highlight the importance of considering the impact of our choices on ourselves and others, and whether our actions are beneficial and edifying.
What does the Bible say about Tattoos?
When it comes to tattoos, Christians should consider their motives. Is the tattoo intended to glorify God, express a meaningful belief, or simply follow a fleeting trend? Is it done in a way that is honoring to God and considerate of others? Does it cause stumbling blocks for fellow believers or misrepresent Christian values? These are important questions to consider.
Ultimately, 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.” For a Christian, any decision should be made in faith, with a clear conscience before God. If someone feels convicted that getting a tattoo is wrong for them, then for that person, it would be against their conscience and therefore not an act of faith.
Making a Faith-Based Decision
The decision of whether or not to get a tattoo is ultimately a personal one for Christians to make in faith and with discernment. The Bible does not offer a simple “yes” or “no” answer for modern believers in all contexts. Instead, it provides principles and historical context to help guide our understanding.
It is wise to pray about the decision, seek God’s guidance, and consider personal convictions and motives. Talking with trusted Christian mentors or leaders can also provide valuable perspective. The focus should be on honoring God in all decisions, ensuring that our choices are made in faith and with a desire to live a life that reflects Christ.
For some Christians, getting a tattoo may be a meaningful expression of their faith or a way to commemorate a significant spiritual journey. For others, the idea of tattoos may still conflict with their personal convictions or cultural background. Both perspectives can be held with sincerity and faithfulness to God. The key is to approach the topic with humility, seeking to understand scripture in its proper context, and making personal decisions based on faith and a desire to glorify God in all things.
