Lesson 52 Explore 2: What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos? | Bible Questions
The Bible’s answer
The Bible mentions tattoos just once, at which says: “You must not put tattoo marking upon yourselves.” God gave this command to the nation of Israel, thus setting them apart from the neighboring peoples who marked their skin with the names or symbols of their gods.
(Leviticus 19.28: “‘You must not make cuts in your flesh for a dead person, and you must not make tattoo markings on yourselves. I am Jehovah.)
(Deuteronomy 14.2: For you are a holy people to Jehovah your God, and Jehovah has chosen you to become his people, his special property, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.)
While the Law given to Israel is not binding on Christians, the principle underpinning this law is worth serious consideration.
Should a Christian get a tattoo or body art?
The following Bible verses can help you to reason on the matter:
• “Women should adorn themselves with... modesty.” New American Bible)
(1 Timothy 2.9: Likewise, the women should adorn themselves in appropriate dress, with modesty and soundness of mind, not with styles of hair braiding and gold or pearls or very expensive clothing,)
That principle applies to both women and men. We should respect the feelings of others and not draw undue attention to ourselves.
• Some want to establish their identity or independence, while others get a tattoo in order to assert ownership of their body. However, the Bible encourages Christians: “Present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason.”
(Romans 12.1: Therefore, I appeal to you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason.)
Use your “power of reason” to analyze why you want a tattoo. If it is because you want to follow a fad or to show membership in a certain group, remember that your feelings may prove to be less permanent than the tattoo. Examining your motives can help you to make a wise decision.-
(Proverbs 4.7: Wisdom is the most important thing, so acquire wisdom, And with all you acquire, acquire understanding.)
• “The plans of the diligent one surely make for advantage, but everyone that is hasty surely heads for want.”
(Proverbs 21.5: The plans of the diligent surely lead to success, But all who are hasty surely head for poverty.)
The decision to get a tattoo is often made in haste, yet it can have a long-term impact on relationships and employment. And tattoos can be costly and painful to remove. Research-as well as the booming business of tattoo removal-shows that a large number of those who get tattoos eventually wish that they hadn’t.
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