What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Leviticus 19:28, sits inside Leviticus 19. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD."
Supporting Passages
"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."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does the Bible Say About Living Together Before Marriage?
Marriage & Family
1 Corinthians 10:31 Commentary
In-depth study • Living for God's Glory
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
Daily Living
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Daily Living
Practicing Generosity
Scriptures about giving, generosity, and the blessing of open-handed living.
Bible Verses About Clean Living
10 curated KJV verses
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.