People often ask if getting tattoos is sinful. While it is certainly a good thing to filter every decision that we make through the truths of Scripture, there is a lot of conflicting information out there about tattoos and if they are permissible according to the Bible. Before we make a decision about anything, it is good to approach the topic with both prayer and study. If the topic at hand is not clearly mentioned in the Bible, we can lean on the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct us in a way that ensures that we live our lives in a way that pleases God. Let’s take a look at the concept of tattoos and whether or not the Bible forbids believers from getting them.
The “Tattoo Verse”
Believers who say that tattoos are sinful typically point to one verse of scripture, found in the book of Leviticus:
Leviticus 19:28 (KJV)
Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.
One of the most important aspects of Bible study is being able to take a verse in its proper context. Biblical scholars often say that “to understand a text, you must look at its context.” That practice applies to all Scripture, including Leviticus 19:28. Before we proceed with the premise of looking at a text within its context, it’s important to note that doing so does not do anything to invalidate the fact that “all scripture is divinely inspired by God” (2nd Timothy 3:16). Every part of Scripture is beneficial and is inspired by the Holy Spirit to the writers who penned down His Word. But understanding the context of Leviticus 19:28 is an important first step in better understanding tattoos.
Why Did God Prohibit Tattos?
Biblical historians have pointed to two main purposes for tattoos in the Old Testament: branding and worship. A large portion of the God’s commands to Israel when they were delivered from bondage in Egypt revolved around making sure that they were perceived as different to the groups that they would come in contact with. The Book of Leviticus is filled with commandments that dictated every detail of the Jewish life, including what type of clothing they were allowed to wear. God’s people were called to stand out.
In the most ancient days of slavery, it was common practice for slave owners to brand their slaves. They would literally burn an image or a word into the flesh of the slaves that they owned to indicate who they belonged to. Once God had supernaturally delivered the Israelites from Egyptian captivity, they were no longer slaves. Instead, they were free people who were on their way to the Promised Land. The absence of any branding (or tattoos) on their flesh would indicate to any groups that they came in contact with that they were not slaves.
God was also very clear about His command for Israel to worship Him and only Him. In ancient times, with so many false gods to choose from, it wasn’t uncommon for people to put a marking on their body to establish which god they chose to worship. Since Jehovah was the only God that the Israelites were permitted to worship, it is entirely plausible that He commanded them to refrain from tattoos in order to make sure that they looked different.
The Fulness of the Law
In many cases, Christians who point to the prohibition of Leviticus 19:28 do so while ignoring other verses that are contained in the same chapter of Leviticus. For instance, let’s look at the verse that directly proceeds the “tattoo verse.”
Leviticus 19:27 (ESV)
You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard.
Did God ban haircuts and beard trimming? If you just look at Leviticus 19:27 on its surface, the answer is yes. Yet, it’s safe to assume that people who point to Leviticus 19:28 as a verse that declares tattoos are sinful probably get haircuts or trim their facial hair which would be disobedient according to Leviticus 19:27.
It is important to note that in most cases, people who point to Leviticus 19:28 as a prohibition of tattoos do not do so out of malice. In most cases, they are truly well-meaning Christians who want to point others to what they believe is the truth about a topic. In many cases, people simply repeat something that they have been told by believers that they have confidence in. It is important not to view believers who use Leviticus 19:28 as a verse to disagree with tattoos as an “enemy” or as a hypocrite. Instead, respond in love and have an honest conversation about why they feel that way in the light of the other commandments given in Leviticus.
Are Tattoos Encouraged in the Bible?
Conversely, proponents of tattoos often point to two verses, one in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament.
Isaiah 44:5 (AMPC)
One will say, I am the Lord’s; and another will call himself by the name of Jacob; and another will write [even brand or tattoo] upon his hand, I am the Lord’s and surname himself by the [honorable] name of Israel.
Again, it’s important to perform a full study on any verse, especially when we are trying to use it in order to make a point. Without going into the full study of the original language of the verse, we can still look at the word “write” in its original context to try to get a better understanding of what Isaiah was saying. In the original Hebrew, the word “write” comes from the Hebrew word “kathab.” “Kathab” can mean to engrave (or tattoo) something, but it can also mean “write, inscribe or mark.” Ultimately, there is no definitive proof that this verse mandates or even encourages believers to get tattoos.
Other tattoo proponents take a verse from Revelation to support their claim:
Revelation 19:16 (TPT)
On his robe and on his thigh he had inscribed a name: King of kings and Lord of lords.
It is not uncommon for Christians who believe in tattoos to point to this verse and claim that Jesus will have a tattoo during the events foretold in Revelation. However, that is an assumption that is not explicitly supported by Scripture. There is no clear determination as to whether or not “King of kings and Lord of lords” is tattooed on Jesus’ thigh. Claiming that the verse teaches that is a misuse of Scripture and should be avoided.
So, What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?
Ultimately, the Bible does very little to come out and say whether or not tattoos are sinful or permissible. In an ideal situation, every decision that we could possibly ever make would have a Bible verse associated with it that tells us whether or not God approves. However, that’s not the case, and tattoos are not explicitly outlawed or encouraged in Scripture.
The decision whether or not to get a tattoo is personal for every believer. Quite obviously, it would be wrong for a Christian to tattoo his or her body with some sort of profanity or another sinful message. However, that is more about the message that they are projecting more than the act of the tattoo itself. The best option for believers is to rely on the Holy Spirit to direct them accordingly.
John 16:13 (TPT)
But when the truth-giving Spirit comes, he will unveil the reality of every truth within you. He won’t speak on his own, but only what he hears from the Father, and he will reveal prophetically to you what is to come.
The Holy Spirit will reveal to each believer what is sinful. When a topic is left out of Scripture, it is wise for us to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to direct us into the truth.
A Closing Prayer:
God, help me to make all my decisions, whether they involve tattoos, or something deeper based on the truth of Your Word. If the decision that I’m making isn’t explicitly discussed in Scripture, help me to hear the Holy Spirit’s guidance on the matter. I want to live a life that pleases you in every aspect. In Christ’s name, Amen!