What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?
Explore what the Bible says about tattoos and body markings in both the Old and New Testament.
What does the Bible say about tattoos? Discover key KJV scriptures about body markings, Leviticus 19:28, and how Christians interpret these verses today.
"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 topic of tattoos is one of the most frequently searched biblical questions today. While the Bible contains only one direct reference to body markings in Leviticus 19:28, the broader principles of honoring God with our bodies and understanding the context of Old Testament law provide a fuller picture. Let's explore what Scripture teaches.
Key Scriptures About Tattoos
Leviticus 19:28
"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD."Read in context
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"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."Read in context
1 Samuel 16:7
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."Read in context
Romans 14:23
"And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."Read in context
Galatians 5:1
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."Read in context
Colossians 3:17
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."Read in context
The Old Testament Context
The primary verse about tattoos, Leviticus 19:28, was part of the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites. This commandment was situated among laws forbidding pagan mourning practices. The 'cuttings' and 'marks' referenced were associated with idol worship and rituals for the dead common among neighboring nations like the Canaanites.
New Testament Principles
The New Testament doesn't directly address tattoos, but it does establish the principle that believers' bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Christians are called to honor God in everything they do, including decisions about their bodies. At the same time, Paul teaches in Romans and Galatians that believers are free from the ceremonial aspects of the Old Testament law.
A Prayer About Tattoos
Lord, help me to honor You in every decision I make about my body and my life. Give me wisdom to discern Your will, and let my choices reflect my love for You. Whether in matters of appearance or action, may I always glorify Your name. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoos
Quick answers to the most common questions about what the Bible says on tattoos.
Does the Bible forbid tattoos?
Leviticus 19:28 prohibits 'printing marks' on the body, but this was part of the Old Testament ceremonial law given to Israel. Christians differ on whether this applies today, as the New Testament emphasizes freedom from the ceremonial law while still calling believers to honor God with their bodies.
Is getting a tattoo a sin?
The Bible doesn't give a clear-cut answer for New Testament believers. Many Christians apply the principle of 1 Corinthians 10:31 — 'do all to the glory of God' — and Romans 14:23 — 'whatsoever is not of faith is sin' — meaning the answer may depend on your personal conviction and motives.
What is the main Bible verse about tattoos?
Leviticus 19:28 is one of the clearest scriptures on tattoos: "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD." (KJV). It anchors the broader biblical teaching summarized on this page.
How many Bible verses talk about tattoos?
Scripture addresses tattoos in dozens of passages across the Old and New Testaments. We've curated 6 of the most directly relevant KJV verses on this page, drawn from Leviticus, 1 Corinthians, 1 Samuel, Romans, Galatians and more.
Where does the Bible first mention tattoos?
The earliest passage on this list is Leviticus 19:28, in the book of Leviticus. Scripture's full teaching on tattoos unfolds across both testaments — see all 6 verses above for the broader picture.
Is tattoos a sin according to the Bible?
What does the Bible say about tattoos? Discover key KJV scriptures about body markings, Leviticus 19:28, and how Christians interpret these verses today. The verses above lay out exactly what the KJV teaches so you can weigh the question for yourself in light of Scripture.
Common Bible Questions About Tattoos
Specific questions Christians ask about tattoos — each answered with KJV scripture.
What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?
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