What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?

In this new millennium, it seems that practically everybody we see, including more than few grandmothers who should know better, are walking around and sporting a tattoo – sometimes called “body art” – on one part of their body or another. Tattoos have always been with us, as a matter of fact. And there is evidence of painting of the skin by people going back thousands of years. But what are we, as good Christians, to make of the practice?

The Old Testament spoke of a prohibition against tattooing. Even though we are Christians – and not under Old Testament law – there is a timely and relevant injunction against the practice contained in Leviticus 19:28 (New International Version), in which God commanded the Israelites to avoid tattooing: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks upon yourselves. I am the LORD.”

The New Testament says nothing about tattooing, but there are general guidelines that are relevant. A good practice to follow if we are considering getting a tattoo is to ask ourselves if we could honestly ask God to bless and use such a thing for His own means. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians speaks to the matter of how everything we do should be done in a way that brings glory and honor to God. So, does a tattoo of a flaming skull on the deltoid muscle of the upper arm really serve to bring glory to our Father, and does it elevate us as good Christians?

As Christians, we are enjoined to treat our bodies as a sacred vessel, or temple. It is helpful to remember Paul’s advice in that same letter to the believers in the province of Corinth those many years ago about trying to honor our Lord with our bodies. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul gives us wise advice: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.”

We should make sure we have God’s permission before we mark or tattoo our bodies. Given the injunction from Paul, who spoke the divinely inspired words of God, about treating our bodies with dignity and respect – because the Holy Spirit resides within each of us – would it not make sense to keep in mind that our bodies aren’t completely our own, and are indeed not sovereign, separate islands apart from God and other men and women? Once we know that our bodies in fact belong to Him, and that He gave them to us for a specific purpose, wouldn’t it then make sense that what we do with them should always be pleasing to him?

Christians should always think carefully before doing anything with their bodies that could harm them. Though medical issues with tattooing today are rare, there is still a chance that a number of problems could arise. The procedure involves the piercing of the layers of the skin by sharp needles, and uses inks and dyes. Skin infections or certain serious diseases – such as hepatitis – can sometimes arise. We are asked by God, who loves us intensely, to avoid harm to ourselves if possible. In this regard (tattooing) then, why take the chance?