Tattoos are addressed explicitly in one verse of the Bible, Leviticus 19:28, and there is a broader conversation among Christians about how to understand and apply that verse today. Direct biblical reference
- Leviticus 19:28 (various translations): You shall not cut your bodies for the dead or tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord. This is the explicit, single verse that mentions tattooing in the Bible.
How to understand and apply it
- Context within the Old Testament law: The command sits within the Holiness Code given to Israel (Leviticus 17–26). Some readers see it as part of ceremonial and cultic practices specific to ancient Israel, rather than a universal timeless prohibition for all people and all times. Others take it as a general prohibition against tattooing, at least in its historical form.
- The broader biblical trajectory: In the New Testament, Christians are taught that Jesus fulfilled the Law and that believers are under grace rather than the ceremonial prescriptions of the Levitical system. This leads many to interpret Leviticus 19:28 as not directly binding in the same way for Christians today, though some still hold it as a personal or doctrinal conviction.
- Conscience and priority of love: Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8–10 discuss freedom and responsibility in matters not explicitly commanded or forbidden in Scripture. In these passages, believers are urged to consider how their choices affect others and to act in ways that honor God and show love.
- Cultural and historical considerations: Some Christian communities view tattooing as a non-issue today, focusing on motive, content (what is depicted or written), and the impact on one’s witness and health. Others avoid tattoos due to adherence to Leviticus 19:28 or concerns about pagan associations historically connected with body markings.
Practical guidance for individuals
- If you are considering getting a tattoo: Reflect on your motives, the design and meaning, possible occupational or community implications, and how it aligns with your understanding of biblical principles, particularly regarding honoring God with the body and loving others.
- If you are asking on behalf of someone else: Consider the diverse perspectives within Christian traditions. Encourage thoughtful prayer, study, and discussion with a trusted pastor or mature believers in your community.
- If you are seeking to apply this to a specific denomination or church: Check that community’s teaching on Old Testament law, cultural practices, and ethics in order to understand how they reconcile Leviticus 19:28 with New Testament teachings.
Summary
- The Bible explicitly mentions tattooing in Leviticus 19:28, but how that verse applies today varies among Christian traditions. Some view it as a timeless prohibition; others see it as a cultural command embedded in ancient Israelite worship. The dominant New Testament emphasis for many believers is to live by faith, guided by love for God and neighbor, while exercising personal conscience and wisdom in choices such as tattooing.
