What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?
What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos? The Old Testament forbids marking the body (Leviticus 19:28), but Christians disagree on whether this applies today under the New Covenant.
Key verse: Leviticus 19:28 (KJV)
The Old Testament forbids marking the body (Leviticus 19:28), but Christians disagree on whether this applies today under the New Covenant.
The Old Testament forbids marking the body (Leviticus 19:28), but Christians disagree on whether this applies today under the New Covenant.
"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)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Leviticus 19:28 states, 'Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.' This is the only direct reference to tattoos in the Bible. The context suggests this prohibition was connected to pagan mourning rituals and idol worship practices common in surrounding nations. Christians are divided on its application today. Those who oppose tattoos cite this verse and the principle that our bodies are 'the temple of the Holy Ghost' (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Those who see tattoos as permissible note that this verse is part of the Levitical holiness code (which also prohibited mixed fabrics and certain haircuts), and that Christians are not under the Old Testament law (Galatians 3:25, Romans 6:14). They point to the principle of Christian liberty in Romans 14. Most theologians agree that the key questions are: What is your motive? Does it glorify God? Does it cause others to stumble? A tattoo of a Bible verse may honor God, while one that glorifies sin would not. Each believer should prayerfully consider their conscience and convictions.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?
Explore what the Bible says about tattoos and body markings in both the Old and New Testament.
Key Scripture References
"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD."
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
"And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
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Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Leviticus. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Leviticus on day 34 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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