What Does The Bible Say About Tattoos?

Tattoos are a popular and fashionable topic these days. Many people have them, and many people want them. There are even television shows that feature people getting tattooed. But what does the Bible say about tattoos? Are tattoos allowed? Are they a sin?

What The Bible Says About Tattoos

Tattoos are a way to express oneself, show one’s personality, and make a statement. Christians are passionate about their faith, so there are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to get a tattoo. First, what does the Bible say about our bodies? Second, how will a tattoo affect my witness for Christ? Third, is there anything in the Bible that would specifically forbid tattoos?

When it comes to our bodies, the Bible says that they are to be treated with respect and care, as they are temples of the Holy Spirit,

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

This means that we should do everything we can to keep our bodies healthy and free from harm. Getting a tattoo involves piercing the skin and injecting ink into the body, so there is a risk of infection and other health complications. Also, we are marking our bodies, our temples of the Holy Spirit, with a permanent reminder of something. It’s important to think about what that something is, and whether or not it is something that we want to be permanently identified with.

As for our witness for Christ, getting a tattoo may hinder our ability to share the gospel with others. In some cultures, tattoos are associated with gangs, violence, and other unsavory things. Obviously, this isn’t the case for everyone, but it’s something to consider. If our tattoos are visible, we may be inadvertently giving people the wrong impression about who we are and what we stand for.

“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

This verse reminds us that everything we do should be done for the glory of God. We want our lives to reflect Christ in every way, and our tattoos should be no different.

As Christians, we are called to be witnesses for Christ in everything we do,

“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

A tattoo may cause people to question our faith or make assumptions about us that are not true. It is important to be thoughtful about how our choices might affect our witness for Christ.

However, Jesus said that it is not what goes into our bodies that defiles us, but what comes out of our hearts,

Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”

“Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and his disciples asked him what he meant by the parable he had just used. “Don’t you understand either?” he asked. “Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.)

And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.” Mark 7:14-23 (NLT).

These verses teach us that it is what is in our hearts that matters to God, not what is on our bodies. So even if we choose to get a tattoo, we can still have a pure heart that is focused on God and his glory.

So, ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not a tattoo is something that they are comfortable with.

What Does God Say About Tattoos?

The first thing to know is that there is no explicit commandment in the Bible that says “Thou shalt not tattoo.” However, there are a few verses that some people interpret as being against tattoos. The Bible does say not to mark our bodies with pagan symbols,

“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:28 (KJV)

but this is likely referring to things like ceremonial scars or brands that were given to slaves. However, depending on the translation you read, tattoo is included in modern translations such as,

“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” (NIV).

So, again, it is up to each person to decide what they believe about this matter.

Are Tattoos A Sin In The Bible?

Some Christians believe that tattoos are a form of self-mutilation and oppose them on those grounds. Others believe that tattoos can be a way to express our faith or show our devotion to God. In Revelations 19:16, John sees a vision of Jesus Christ with writing on His thigh that says,

“And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.” Revelations 19:16 (KJV)

Many people have religious text or symbols tattooed on their bodies as a way to proclaim their faith. So, again, there is no right or wrong answer, but it is important to prayerfully consider what you believe about this matter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no explicit commandment in the Bible that says that tattoos are forbidden. However, there are a few verses that some people interpret as being against tattoos. Ultimately, whether or not to get a tattoo is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong answer, but there are things to consider that can help you make an informed choice. Pray for guidance and wisdom as you seek to honor God with your body.