The Bible does not say anything about tattoos as we know them today. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Yes, we must speak the truth in love, but let us make sure we are loving them and not condemning them. The Bible actually only explicitly mentions body modifications once and nothing about present day tattoos. ~ Colossians 3:14. Trying to run one’s life without God is like that first rebellion in the Garden, but while “many are the plans in the mind of a man, [...] it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21). Paul writes “let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31). Talking to a loved one, keeping a shrine to the deceased, making a shrine of one’s body by way of a tattoo: this is idolatry. Even seemingly innocuous marks represent worship. Not only do they have hope of reuniting with lost loved ones who believed in Christ for salvation, but they have been commanded to have no other Gods; to worship no idols. You shall not cut yourselves or make any baldness on your foreheads for the dead. Further, the word tattoo did not enter into the English language until the late 1700s. You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord. If the Bible says that tattoo is not good, then we should stay away from it. Well there is this other one in which Jesus is pictured with a tattoo… Revelation 19:16. Is it a sin? “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? For example although the Bible does not say, Thou shalt not smoke or Drug addiction is bad for you; we know that these things are destructive to the human body. Seek out the direction of the Holy Spirit in prayer, by reading the Word, and by asking wise friends. But what is important is that we always take the time to pray for guidance from the Lord. Is the image or message a reminder of past guilt, a way of inflicting emotional distress every time one sees it? Is Christ number one? Every time someone selects or designs a tattoo then spends an hour or more getting “inked,” he or she is connecting strongly to the subject in question and might be enslaved to a sin represented by that image. Since the word tattoo does appear in this verse in some popular English translations, this argument seems straightforward. Is the purpose to take control of one’s punishment and salvation? A popular reason to get a tattoo is in order to honor a loved one who has died. It does not mention it by name in either the Old or New Testaments. ~ Isaiah 41:10, Have I not commanded you? They are known by their gentleness (Philippians 4:5) and by the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). Many people wear a semicolon tattoo indicating they stand with survivors of suicide and people who suffer from mental health concerns. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. David was criticized for breaking his fast after his baby son died, but David replied, “Why should I fast? The short answer is nothing, at least nothing definitive. The worship of Baal has been dated to at least before the Exodus, making it contemporary with the time in which Moses was given the law. For more see: 7 Questions You Should Ask before Getting a Tattoo. 1. Once that mark has been made it cannot be removed easily. | (Photo: REUTERS/Jason Reed) Among the contested issues within churches today is what the Bible says and means as it pertains to tattoos, a topic that proves challenging given that they have become normalized in … The Bible does not say that it is against tattoos; it also doesn’t promote tattoos. If the mark is a reminder and testimony of the resurrection and security believers have in Jesus our Redeemer, that’s different. To begin to answer such thought-provoking questions, we need to dive into the Bible to see what it says about the issue. I am responsible for my own salvation.”. She lives in the mountains of BC, Canada with her family. Since the word tattoo does appear in this verse in some popular English translations, this argument seems straightforward. What Does The Bible Say About Tattoos and Piercings? In whatever we do, we must make sure that we include Him in our plans. You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord. Some people object to using Old Testament scripture as a reference to tattoos since the New Testament doesnt speak of these things. Their mark is the Holy Spirit. Their mark is the Holy Spirit. In the Ne… ~ 1 Corinthians 10:31, And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. God does not expect His children to be branded as slaves, but there is no express warning against obtaining a tattoo that identifies one as a lover of Christ. I am the Lord.” ~ 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. In Leviticus 19:28 it says no tattoos. ~ Psalm 27:1, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. Is obtaining a tattoo about self-punishment? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. Gifted experts have turned many scars into beautiful works of art, but Christians have to ask themselves whether those tattoos activate a sense of inner strength or remind them of God’s powerful grip on them during times of darkness and pain. Look around, and one might see body art idolizing celebrities, death, or even a religion. Some commentators say the statement forbidding tattoos only refers to pagan customs for the dead. If it is in rebellion to parents, it is clearly not acceptable … Motive for a Tattoo– Why get a tattoo? ~ John 3:16, Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. I know someone is going to say, “it’s in the Old Testament,” but the fact that it says, “no tattoos” should cause someone to think twice about getting a tattoo. Since the word tattoo does appear in this verse in some popular English translations, this argument seems straightforward. So if it’s good enough for Jesus… Back to Leviticus… “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. All rights reserved. Archeology, backed by biblical texts, indicates the Canaanites would customarily slash their bodies for ritualistic purposes (1 Kings 18:28), especially to mourn their dead and honor their gods. Question: "What does the Bible say about body piercings?" There have been people, Christians, that say having a tattoo is nothing but sin. Some cultures tattooed their slaves to identify them, others placed tattoos on military soldiers, and in some cultures prostitutes wore them. (excerpt from "7 Questions to Answer When Considering a Tattoo", Crosswalk.com.). What the Bible says about Tattoos. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. The New Testament does not specifically command against tattoos or body piercings, but it also does not give us any reason to believe God would have us get tattoos or body piercings. Obtaining a tattoo can spark gospel-centered conversation and act as a missional ice-breaker, but Christians without tattoos are identifiable without ink on their skin. In conversation with others who sport tattoos, they provide a natural avenue to discussing the gospel and demonstrating that the important change has taken place inwardly, where Christ has exquisitely and tenderly marked the inner person. The very first verse is from the Book of Leviticus back in the Old Testament. Over 40 Bible Verses About Tattoos Bible Verses For Tattoos… ~ Ephesians 5:10, “You are the sons of the Lord your God. Tattoos borne out of self-hatred are legacies of darkness rather than light. Tattoos in the Bible - What does Scripture say? Leviticus 21:5. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true) and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. ~ Hebrews 13:8, Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. A fruitful heart looks to Him rather than reliving one’s sorrow, guilt, and shame over and over in the form of a visual reminder and a worldly identifier. How Can I Identify Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament? Self-mutilation is dangerous and can lead to significant health problems. All rights reserved. Leviticus 19:28 seems to imply this when it says, “you will not make cuttings in your flesh, for the dead, nor print marks on you.” In light of this information from Egypt and Canaan, it would seem God was forbidding scarification, not tattooing as we know it. The word for marks, also used here alone, has an uncertain root, so we’re not really sure what the word means. A believer has the opportunity to use a tattoo to declare Christ’s name, but Christians without tattoos are identifiable without ink on their skin. The verse in the Bible that most Christians make reference to is Leviticus 19:28, which says,"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord." In either case, getting a tattoo is an act of unbelief. Proud member Salem Media Group. Frequently when discussing the subject of tattoos or body piercings, someone might argue, “The Bible specifically forbids them.” In fact, there is no passage in the Bible that says, “Thou shalt not get a tattoo.” Many times people will cite Leviticus 19:28, believing that it addresses our question. The following Bible verses that can apply to tattoos are guiding questions to help you think through your decision. Each person supporting or abolishing tattoo have his or her reasons which can be backed by some Biblical evidence. So glorify God in your body. However, in context, it is clear that 1 Corinthians 6:13-20 is about sexual immorality, not about tattoos. His people did not enjoy the advantages of 21st-century society: hospitals, doctors, and antibiotics. But it doesn’t mean that the controversy surrounding them has completely gone away. Recent archeology indicates that, while Egypt did tattoos, it was limited to women. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Ancient cultures used tattoos for various reasons. The subject of tattoos and piercings is highly debated within the Christian community. ~ 1 John 4:18, Of David. I am the Lord.”, Leviticus 19:28 literally translates, “And a cutting for the dead you will not make in your flesh, and writing marks you will not make on you; I am the Lord.” The word writing refers to inscribed or engraved symbols/words and is used only here. The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Study the Bible, pray and ask God for wisdom, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. ~ Psalm 34:4, There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. I’ve received a lot of questions from people asking what the Bible says about tattoos. ~ Joshua 1:9, For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. That’s it. What is the Lord talking about here? ~ 2 Corinthians 5:10, Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. So what does the Bible say about tattoos? There are some Christians who believe it is a sin. ~ Leviticus 19:28, Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? God did not want His people to hurt themselves gratuitously. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. This Canaanite religion involved many rituals including self-mutilation. The Bible makes no specific reference to tattoos as we understand them in modern times. Be strong and courageous. ~ 1 Peter 4:8, And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. The Bible says in Leviticus 19:28, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. Many people who are against tattoos say that their dislike for them has to do with their religious beliefs. For those whose bodies already bear the marks of a pre-Christian past, take comfort: they are still part of a personal testimony. Knives Gashing Bodies Mutilation I Am The Lord Altering The Body The Human Body The Body Self Image Respecting Your Body Tattoos. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. For example, the NIV reads, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. With this said, while there may be no clear passage in the Bible addressing tattoos, this is hardly a license for unrestrained tattooing. God directed His people to disassociate themselves from Canaanite traditions such as slashing their bodies as a way to “mourn their dead.” What about designing beautiful markings in honor of loved ones who have passed on? I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28). ~ 1 Corinthians 15:44, Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? We cannot leave the discussion of tattoos without looking at the Old Testament law that prohibited tattoos: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. However, the Bible does mention skin tags , and over time this phrase has been translated into several versions of the Bible as tattoos on the skin. (Genesis 3: 19) Cremation speeds up the process by reducing the body to ashes, or dust. ~ Deuteronomy 14:1, “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. Christians grieve for their dead, but they do not worship them. “You will not make cuttings in your flesh, for the dead, nor print marks on you” (Leviticus 19:28). https://www.learnreligions.com/is-it-a-sin-to-get-a-body-piercing-712256 When one’s body is marked by trials, God uses those scars to point out His Sovereign touch — His ultimate healing. The Bible does not say enough about tattoos to make a hard and fast rule. ~ 1 John 4:8, Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:18, It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. Is this God’s final word on tattoos? The Father wants His children to bear fruit, and a fruitful life is repentant. First, we have to be very careful about trying to use an Old Tes… Inflicting pain — physical or emotional — on one’s self or on someone else is an outpouring of hatred and an exercise in control. Global Impact International. ~ 1 Corinthians 16:14, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. The Hebrew for “imprint” is “qaaqa” which also means “tattoo” or “incision.” “In the Near East, tattoos were used to mark slaves.” If one wore a brand “on his hand or forehead,” he or she was quickly identified as someone’s property. I am the Lord." The Bible makes no specific reference to tattoos as we understand them in modern times. Candice Lucey loves Christ and writing about His promises brings her much pleasure. It depends on who you ask. The reason for the prohibition of tattoos in this passage is not stated, but it is likely that tattooing was a pagan practice connected with idolatry and superstition. what does the bible say about tattoos. There is just not enough evidence to make a case that tattoos are always sin, but there is enough evidence to make any sincere believer in Jesus stop and really think and pray about the reason and motivations why they want to get a tattoo. 7 Questions to Answer When Considering a Tattoo, Inspiring Bible Verse Tattoos - Top Scriptures for Tattoos, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Some Christians condemn all tattooing as immoral because God clearly forbids them in Leviticus 19:28. Misconception: In Bible times, only people in God’s disfavor were burned after death. ~ Romans 12:1, Flee from sexual immorality. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). It is very important to look at the various verses that talk about the issue of tattoo before deciding whether to get one or not. You are not your own ~ 1 Corinthians 6:19, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Consider the financial cost, the time commitment, and the pain one endures, not to mention the permanence of a tattoo: this is no minor undertaking. Posted 14 December 2020 14 December 2020 It is all about the heart that declares Christ's name. of “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Some Christians condemn all tattooing as immoral because God clearly forbids them in Leviticus 19:28. What Does the Bible Say? Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. The Bible makes no specific reference to tattoos as we understand them in modern times. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. Answer: Body modification, including piercing, tattooing, scarring, branding, cutting, and outright mutilation, has been an increasing trend in recent years. In Canaan, evidence indicates that instead of marking the body with ink, more extreme scarification measures, like branding, slashing, or gashing the skin were used. ~ Psalm 23:4, Let all that you do be done in love. Biblical Evidence When it comes to tattoos, many Christians who are against the practice use verses from the Bible to justify their conservative stance. Cutting and even some methods of tattooing are associated with punishment throughout the ages in many cultures, whether self-inflicted or as a means of torture by others. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Leviticus 19:28. Some Christians condemn all tattooing as immoral because God clearly forbids them in Leviticus 19:28. Usually in the New Testament God shows that some things are permissible such as eating pork. God was telling His chosen people what they could and could not do in their personal relationship and interaction with Him.As we all know, God gave them quite a bit of rules, regulations, and commandments that He wanted them to abide by. One ancient verse describes ritual masochism: “She cuts cheek and chin/She lacerates Her forearms/She plows lake a garden Her chest/Like a vale She lacerates the back.”. Like an image hung on one’s living room wall, body art sends a message about personal values. Here are some bible verses about tattoo. There is nothing wrong with being an art lover. Any publicly visible image makes that image and associated ideas famous. Obtaining a tattoo can spark gospel-centered conversation and act as a missional ice-breaker but is not as compelling as a heart changed by Jesus. Wise Christians weigh their motives. 7 Questions You Should Ask before Getting a Tattoo, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. If a Christian is considering getting a tattoo as a way of honoring one who has died, of glorifying that person posthumously and identifying with grief more than with Christ, he or she might want to think twice. Early in the history of Christianity as it spread from Rome into the rest of the world, “tattooing was severely frowned upon.” In fact, “Pope Hadrian banned tattooing, stating that God made man’s body in his image and to deface it in any way was to deface God’s gift.” In defense of tattoos, we now understand that the image of God is a spiritual one conveyed as “salt and light.” (Matthew 5:13-16) Marking one’s body is not necessarily vandalism. You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Evidence suggests that tattooing the body parts of women associated with fertility (breasts, thighs, and abdomen) was believed to be a good luck charm to protect the birthing process. When we remain close to the Lord and obey Him, He can direct us in things that are not good for us. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. He wants us to turn to Him in times of trial and say, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul” (Psalm 94:19). This is probably why the KJV, written in the early 1600s, is closer to the literal translation saying, “ye shall not...print marks upon you.”, The background of this law was that Israel, after being rescued from slavery, was between Egypt and Canaan. For example, the writers of the Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary believe that there is nothing “morally wrong” with tattooing, but that “these practices then, and also now in some places, were parts of heathen ritual” (vol. Here is a further look into what the Bible says about tattoos. As the popularity of tattoos continues to increase, many Christians wonder what the Bible has to say about tattoos. According to one advocacy site, 21,000 "tattoo parlors" currently exist in the United States alone. ~ Romans 6:13, Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. You still need to think before you ink, especially if you’re a Christian. Can Christians have tattoos and piercings? However, in the New Testament we are even called to a higher law. We talked about the process of injecting ink into the skin with a special machine as an artistic expression. If self-mutilation went wrong, one could die a painful death or at least create ugly scars, all to please the pagan gods. Does God See All Sins as Equal to One Another? Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Self-harm says “Christ’s sacrifice wasn’t enough. It states, “You shall not make any cuttings on your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD.” This is actually not a proper use of this passage. Conclusion An important scriptural principle on issues the Bible does not specifically address is if there is room for doubt whether it pleases God , then it is best not to engage in that activity. This begs the question: Why does the Bible prohibit tattoos? A tattoo artist from Virginia works on a man's leg with a Captain America design. People sometimes self-injure themselves for the same reasons they get tattoos: the pain is part of how they cope with difficulty or feel a sense of power for a short period of time. It’s important and biblical to support one another, but that support always begins in Christ; we have nothing to give without Him. Even the cross etched permanently into one’s chest can be an idol if one regards and describes it as a protective device, believing the cross is protective rather than Christ, imagining that salvation protects one from disease and muggers rather than protecting one for eternity with Jesus. It makes sense for someone who is religious to act wisely before they ink and consider what the Bible has to say about tattoos before making that permanent decision. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7, I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Fact: The Bible says that those who die return to the dust, which is what naturally happens to a corpse when it decomposes. A believer has the opportunity to use a tattoo to declare Christ’s name, but Christians without tattoos are identifiable without ink on their skin. The most common of these verses is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Leviticus. Yet, there are Bible scholars that have stated it that having a tattoo does not necessarily mean you have sinned or it is a sin. Can I bring him back again?” (2 Samuel 12:23). ~ 1 Corinthians 10:23, Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves ~ Romans 1:24, Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? They are known by their gentleness ( Philippians 4:5) and by the “fruit of the Spirit” ( Galatians 5:22-23 ). A good tattoo is a work of art, no different from a beautiful painting. “The Scriptures never ask Christians to deny the feeling of grief — it is a right and holy sadness.” Yet, some people think too much about those who are gone; they look backward and fail to move forward. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright © 2020, Christianity.com. ~ 1 Peter 3:3-4, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ~ 1 Corinthians 9:27, I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 1, 1994, p. 150). Bible Tattoos are becoming more and more popular with about 1 in 5 U.S. adults having at least one on their body. by Lex Meyer. Do people regret tattoos? In this article we will consider the three parts of God’s law in Leviticus 19:28 as it refers to tattoos: “cuttings in your flesh;” “for the dead;” and “print marks” to try and establish a biblical stance for Christians today. Verse Concepts. In Luke 9:60, Jesus said to “leave the dead to bury their own dead.” Paul wrote, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). We are to have Gods laws written in our hearts. The King James Bible, written in 1611, specifically describes a tattoo only in one place, Leviticus 19:28. “No matter the type of brokenness — physical or mental — Christian identity is found not in a diagnosis, but instead in our position as redeemed children of God" (Romans 8:16–17). ~ Revelation 19:16, So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. What does scripture say member of the Salem Web Network of sites:... Are still part of a pre-Christian past, take comfort: they are still part of pre-Christian... Abolishing tattoo have his or her reasons which can be backed by some evidence! 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