TATTOO?

Is getting a tattoo a sin? Many think that having one is a disobedience; other believers have a different opinion. What does the Bible say about the issue, and how should we handle it?

UNDERSTANDING THE INSTRUCTION

To say that getting tattoos are a sin, one must prove that there is a clear command against it and that such command still applies today. Those who are against tattoos usually cite Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”

Why was this prohibited? In ancient times, cutting the body was associated with pagan mourning rituals. Tattoos were also commonly used to show loyalty to pagan gods. We’re not entirely sure if the “tattoo” mentioned here is the same as the permanent body art we know today. Some say it might have referred to body painting done during mourning—which eventually faded away. But what we can be sure of is this: body cuts for the dead and tattoo markings were strongly associated with pagan practices. God did not want the Israelites to adopt these customs, because these could lead them into idolatry.

“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices…Do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them.” (Lev 18:2–3, 30). God wanted Israel to be distinct—holy, meaning “set apart” from the nations around them (19:2).

APPLYING THE INSTRUCTION AS BELIEVERS

Now that we understand what the verse says, the next question is: does this apply to us as Christians today? Here are some key points:

1. The exact command is not for us. The command was explicitly given to “the entire assembly of Israel” (19:2). It was tied to their life in the Promised Land, ensuring they would not imitate the pagan practices of Canaan. We are not Israelites, nor are we bound by the covenant God made with them through Moses. Believers today are no longer under the law (Rom 6:14) because Christ has fulfilled it for us (Matt 5:17; Rom 10:4; Gal 3:24).

2. The principle behind the command is for us. Since all Scripture is useful (2 Tim 3:16–17), we can still apply this verse—not in the exact same way, but in principle. The prohibition on tattoos had to do with idolatry. For us, the call is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength (Matt 22:37; Mk 12:30; Deut 6:5). Technically, even without tattoos, if we let something or someone takes God’s place as our highest devotion, we are already guilty of the same sin.

3. Not being prohibited does not mean it is commanded. For the record, the Bible does not prohibit tattoos today. But it also does not command us to get one. Jesus never mentioned it. Paul never addressed it. Also, it’s wrong to say that people with tattoos cannot go to heaven—that’s not biblical at all! The basis of salvation is faith in Jesus alone (Jn 3:16; Acts 16:31), not outward appearance or works (Eph 2:8–9). In short: if you don’t want one, don’t get one. If you do, that’s your decision.

4. Consider the benefits first. The Bible gives us guidelines for making wise choices. Paul says, “Everything is permissible for me—but not everything is beneficial” (1 Cor 6:12). Christians have freedom in Christ, but we must still consider whether something is beneficial. For some people, having a tattoo is senseless, but for others, it helps them cope with grief, reminds them of important things, improves their confidence, etc. If there’s no good reason, perhaps don’t do it.

5. Follow your conviction. Paul wrote about disputable matters (like food) in Romans 14:22–23: “So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” This principle applies to tattoos as well. If you believe it’s wrong and still do it, then you sin—not because tattoos are inherently sinful, but because you acted against your conscience.

6. Be considerate. We are called to glorify God in everything we do—even with our bodies (1 Cor 6:20; 10:31). Loving God includes loving others (1 Jn 4:20). Even if you are free to get a tattoo, consider how it will affect others around you. Will it help or hinder your witness? Will it cause others to stumble? Paul said, “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall” (Rom 14:21). If your tattoo won’t cause an issue, then you are free. Just make sure whatever you place on your body honors God.

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Some of you, brothers and sisters, may hold a different view—and that’s okay. Many conservative Christians stand firmly against tattoos. As I’ve said, follow your conviction. Since there’s no strong biblical basis to call it a sin, let’s not pass judgment on one another (Rom 14:13). And let’s stop attacking unbelievers over this issue—it’s unwise and unhelpful for the gospel. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom 12:18). Stay Curious.

Sources and Studies:

Walton, J., Keener, C., (2016). See footnotes for Lev 19:28. 𝘕𝘐𝘝 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. Zondervan.
Rhodes, R. (2010). Permissible But Not Necessarily Beneficial. 5-𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘈𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘛𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺. Harvest House Publisher
Houdmann, M. S. 𝘐𝘴 𝘐𝘵 𝘢 𝘚𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘎𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘛𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘰? GotQuestions Blog. Retrieved from https://www.gotquestions.blog/tattoos-sin.html
Raymond, E. (2007). 𝘘&𝘈 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘺: 𝘐𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘰? The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved from https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/.../qa-friday-is-it-a.../