Tattoos have recently been very popular ways to express one’s self, and an increasingly large number of men, women, and children are getting one. “What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos” In all of that, however, though Christians are concerned with whether the word says yes or no on this subject.
1. The Most Quoted Verse on Tattoos
In regard to the question of what the Bible says about tattoos, the most oft-quoted verse is Leviticus 19:28, which states:
“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” (NIV)
This is apparently a fairly clear proscription against tattoos. To really get this commandment, though, it helps to place it in the context that it was written:. The book of Leviticus belongs to the Old Testament Law, which was given to the Israelites as they were building a new society in the land after their exodus from Egypt. Most of the laws within Leviticus, such as dietary laws and ritual purity, were specifically formulated in order to keep the Israelites distinct and separate from their surrounding pagan neighboring cultures.
This would include mourning of the dead or giving oneself over to false gods. The prohibition in Leviticus 19:28 seems to be orienting itself to such religious practice. So one could say that this law is not necessarily prohibiting tattoos per se but is actually prohibiting the act of engaging in pagan rituals.
Thus, when we ask what the Bible says of tattoos based on Leviticus 19:28, we have to realize it might have been culturally bound to be stated, not necessarily as a law against body art.
2. The New Covenant and Freedom in Christ
One significant comparison between the Old and the New Testament is in the regard of the difference from Old Covenant law to New Covenant grace through Jesus Christ. In the New Covenant, it is not possible for believers to achieve righteousness based on their ability to adhere to the law but their ability believes that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
For instance, “Blessed is he who has no need to depend on man but on the Lord alone; the blessed man does not place all hopes, so as to boast of personal strength by carrying out actions dictated and impressed upon him,” says Paul in Romans 6:14
“Because sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law but under grace.” NIV
This has led many to believe that the ceremonial and civil laws that appeared in the Old Testament, including Leviticus 19:28, no longer have any hold on modern Christians.
So, what does the Bible say about tattoos in light of the New Covenant? Many Christians feel that the decision to get a tattoo is a matter of conscience.
3. Body as a Temple
God Another oft-quoted one in the discussion on tattoos is from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 where Paul wrote:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?
This verse emphasizes how we need to be careful about how we treat our bodies because they are temples of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, people use this as a means of promoting the idea that one should never get tattoos or scar themselves because marking or altering any part of the body is disrespectful of the temple of God. Others interpret it more as a broadened, concerning instead, lifestyle issue: one may still have tattoos yet live out life according to the call to glorify God with their lifestyle.
The decision to get a tattoo must seek its place in the light of honoring God, both in the will to get one as well as the type of tattoo selected.
4. Tattoos as a Means of Self-Expression and Witness
To some Christians, tattoos seem the method of expressing faith and identity in Christ. Quite many believers opt to get tattoos of Bible verses, crosses, or any other Christian symbol as a declaration of faith. In such a case, the tattoo becomes personal witness, sharing the gospel or opening up discussions about one’s faith.
Proponents of this view argue that the Bible does not prohibit any form of tattoos outside the context in Leviticus; besides, one may express faith creatively as exercises in creative freedom and their bodies. For them, the query is not: What does the Bible say about tattoos? But how can I glorify God through it?
5. What About Personal Conviction?
A believer must acknowledge their reliance on conviction in life, even though there is no clear new Testament law against tattoos. Romans 14:23 says,
If someone has doubts and eats, they are condemned because their eating is not from faith, and anything that does not come from faith is sin. (NIV
This verse describes a need to act based on one’s faith and conscience. So if a Christian feels convicted that getting a tattoo would dishonor God, then for that person it could be sinful. However, if a person has peace in his heart and believes his tattoo will honor God, then that may not be an issue.
To get an answer to what the Bible has to say concerning tattoos, it’s very important to consider that each individual finds his or her conviction. One should try his best to pray and seek counsel so as to make the necessary decision he feels is correct and if indeed, goes on well with God.
