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What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?

Name: GodlyScore Review: What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?
Item: Tattoos (biblical framework)
Rating: 2.8
Author: GodlyScore

What does the Bible say about tattoos? This question searches millions of times per year — from Christians considering their first tattoo to parents worried about their teenager. The biblical answer is more nuanced than most assume.

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Tattoos (biblical framework)

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★★★☆☆2.8/5 · GodlyScore 55/100

Tattoos are not explicitly forbidden for Christians. The Leviticus 19:28 prohibition applies to a specific pagan mourning practice in its original context and is not directly binding on New Testament Christians. The relevant Christian questions are about content (does the tattoo honor God?), motive (is it glorifying God or self?), and body stewardship (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). 55/100 Mixed — not sin in itself, but warrants serious thought about content and motive.

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The Leviticus 19:28 Question

"Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD." — Leviticus 19:28. This is the most commonly cited proof-text against tattoos, but its application to Christians requires careful thought.

The context of Leviticus 19:28 is pagan mourning practices in the ancient Near East — cutting bodies and marking skin were associated with mourning for the dead and pagan religious rituals. The prohibition was distinguishing Israel from surrounding pagan practices. The New Testament does not cite this prohibition or apply it to Christians. Christians are not under the Mosaic law as a covenant (Galatians 3:23-25, Colossians 2:16-17) — the food laws, civil laws, and ceremonial laws of the Mosaic code are not binding on New Testament believers as such.

The Body as Temple

The more relevant Christian framework for tattoos is 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 — "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." This text establishes Christian stewardship of the body — not a prohibition of modification but a framework for evaluating it.

Questions this text raises for Christians considering tattoos: Does this tattoo honor God? Does it reflect the lordship of Christ over this body? If Jesus were physically present, would I be comfortable with this mark on the body he purchased? The answers to these questions depend significantly on what the tattoo is and why you want it.

The Practical Framework

Christians can get tattoos with a clear conscience if: the content is consistent with Philippians 4:8 (true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable), the motive is not rebellion, attention-seeking, or conformity to the world (Romans 12:2), and the decision is made with prayer and wise counsel rather than impulsively. Content matters enormously — an occult symbol is categorically different from a Scripture verse or cross. Placement matters too — tattoos in locations designed to provoke or sexualize are different from those on arms or shoulders.

Many Christians have tattoos that honor God — Scripture references, symbols of faith, memorial marks for loved ones. Many also regret impulsive tattoos from before they followed Christ. The permanence of tattoos makes deliberation particularly important. See our Is It a Sin? hub and our guide on Are Tattoos a Sin? for additional assessment. The GotQuestions treatment of tattoos and the Gospel Coalition's article on tattoos provide additional depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about tattoos?

Leviticus 19:28 prohibits marking the skin in the context of pagan mourning practices — this is not directly binding on New Testament Christians. The relevant Christian framework: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (the body as temple of the Holy Spirit, honor God with your body). Tattoos are not explicitly forbidden; the questions are about content (does it honor God?), motive (is it glorifying God or self?), and stewardship (is this a wise permanent decision?). 55/100 Mixed — not sin in itself.

Does Leviticus 19:28 forbid tattoos for Christians?

Leviticus 19:28 prohibited specific pagan mourning practices in ancient Israel's context. New Testament Christians are not under the Mosaic law as a covenant (Galatians 3:23-25, Colossians 2:16-17). The text is relevant as background and wisdom but not as a direct prohibition binding on Christians. The more relevant texts are 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (body as temple) and Philippians 4:8 (think on what is true, noble, right, pure).

Can Christians get tattoos?

Yes, with discernment about content and motive. Questions to ask: Does this content honor God and reflect Philippians 4:8? Is my motive worship and expression of faith, or rebellion, attention-seeking, or conformity to the world (Romans 12:2)? Is this a deliberate decision made with prayer and counsel, not an impulsive one? The permanence of tattoos makes careful thought especially important. Content of occult, sexual, or worldly nature raises different concerns than a Scripture verse or cross.