The Bible directly addresses tattoos in Leviticus 19:28, which prohibits cutting the body or marking the skin in connection with pagan mourning rituals and idol worship practiced by surrounding nations. This Old Testament directive aimed to distinguish Israel from Canaanite religious customs rather than addressing modern decorative tattoos. The New Testament contains no explicit prohibition, leaving the matter to Christian liberty and personal conscience. Scholars note that biblical acceptability depends on motivation, whether the practice honors God and respects the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. The context and historical background reveal important distinctions that clarify this ancient ordinance.
Key Takeaways
- Leviticus 19:28 prohibits tattoos, but the command addressed pagan religious rituals and mourning practices in ancient Israel.
- The original prohibition targeted markings honoring false gods, not modern decorative or personal expression tattoos.
- The New Testament doesn’t mention tattoos, making it a matter of Christian liberty and personal conscience.
- First Corinthians 6:19-20 teaches bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, guiding thoughtful choices about tattoos.
- Christians should consider heart motives and whether tattoos honor God when making personal decisions about body art.
The Old Testament Prohibition: Understanding Leviticus 19:28
The verse at the center of biblical discussion about tattoos appears in Leviticus 19:28, which states, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves.” Beginners are often advised to compare translations like the NIV to aid comprehension.
This command was part of the Mosaic covenant, which governed ancient Israel through ceremonial and purity laws. The prohibition addressed specific practices linked to Canaanite religious rituals, particularly mourning customs that involved inscribing symbols or names of pagan gods onto the skin. These tattoos were likely used to honor false gods or demonstrate allegiance to pagan deities rather than to the one true God.
Ancient Jewish scholar Abraham ibn Ezra interpreted these markings as mourning-related practices reflecting doubt in resurrection and the soul’s immortality.
The Hebrew word translated as “tattoo” appears only once in Scripture, and its precise meaning remains uncertain.
The verse concludes with “I am the LORD,” emphasizing divine authority and calling Israel to holiness distinct from surrounding nations. Scholar Gordon Wenham notes that such practices involved disfiguring the divine likeness that God had imprinted on humanity.
New Testament Principles and Christian Liberty Regarding Tattoos
While the Old Testament contains an explicit prohibition against tattoos in Leviticus 19:28, the New Testament remains silent on the subject, creating what many theologians classify as a matter of Christian liberty. The Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew, with select portions in Aramaic.
Romans 14:23 establishes that believers should follow their faith-led conscience in such gray areas.
The principle in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which describes the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, guides many Christians to reflect on whether their choices honor God.
Tattoos serving as faith reminders, such as Bible verses or Christian symbols, can express personal conviction when done thoughtfully.
The motivation behind the tattoo matters more than the marking itself.
Christians are encouraged to weigh whether their decision glorifies God and represents Christ well, while respecting that fellow believers may reach different conclusions on this issue.
According to 1 Corinthians 10:23, while certain rights are acknowledged, not all actions are beneficial, emphasizing the importance of discernment in exercising personal freedoms.
True biblical holiness depends on heart motives and reasons behind actions rather than merely following external rules.
