In the Old Testament, God commanded Israel: 'You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you' (Leviticus 19:28). This command sat within a specific context: neighboring nations marked their skin during pagan mourning rites to honor idols. By forbidding the practice, God was calling His people to be distinct from the surrounding cults and to belong fully to Him, body and soul.
The New Testament never repeats this Levitical prohibition explicitly, but it establishes a deeper principle: your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, you were bought at a price, and you are no longer your own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). God looks at the heart far more than outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). So the real question is less 'is it allowed?' and more 'why am I doing this, and does it glorify God in my body?' (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Scripture therefore leaves room for Christian liberty on this debated matter: what you eat, wear, or mark on your skin often falls under conscience before God, without judging a brother who sees it differently (Romans 14:5). Reject both the carelessness that ignores the heart's motive and the rigidity that adds a law God no longer imposes. Christ has set you free (Galatians 5:1) — let your body, tattooed or not, represent Him wisely and with love for others.
Bible verses about tattoos
« “ ‘You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh. »
« Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, »
« Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. »
« But Yahweh said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.” »
« One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind. »
« Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. »
Frequently asked questions about tattoos
Is it a sin to get a tattoo?
Scripture gives no blanket New Testament command against tattoos, so getting one is not automatically sinful. What matters most is your motive and whether it honors God with your body, since you were bought at a price and belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 10:31).
What does Leviticus 19:28 say about tattoos?
It forbids the ancient practice of cutting or marking the skin as part of pagan mourning rituals tied to idol worship. This was a specific command to Israel meant to set God's people apart from the surrounding nations' idolatrous customs (Leviticus 19:28).
Can a Christian have tattoos?
Since the New Testament gives no explicit prohibition, most evangelical theologians treat this as a matter of Christian conscience rather than a fixed rule. Each believer should prayerfully weigh the design, the motive, and how it affects their witness (Romans 14:5).
Is a tattoo of a Bible verse acceptable?
A tattoo meant to honor and remember God's Word is generally not seen as problematic, but the heart's motive still matters — is it for vanity or for genuine remembrance? The guiding principle is doing all things for God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Should I remove my tattoos after becoming a Christian?
The Bible does not require removing tattoos gotten before conversion. Salvation rests on new life in Christ, not on erasing your past appearance. Instead, focus on how you'll now use your body to glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).