What Does The Bible Say About Tattoos

If you are a Christian considering a tattoo, you may have wondered whether getting one is a sin. Perhaps you have heard someone quote Leviticus 19:28 and say, “The Bible says tattoos are forbidden.” Others may have told you that the verse has nothing to do with modern tattoos.

So which is it?

The Bible does speak directly about marking the body, but answering the question responsibly requires us to look at the verse in its context and then consider the broader biblical principles that guide Christians today.

Quick Answer: Are Tattoos a Sin?

The Bible mentions marking the body in Leviticus 19:28:

“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.”

Some Christians understand this verse as a continuing prohibition against tattoos. Others understand it in its Old Testament context, particularly in connection with mourning practices and the religious customs of surrounding nations, and therefore do not believe it forbids every modern tattoo.

The Bible does not specifically discuss the modern practice of getting a tattoo for artistic, personal or commemorative reasons.

Therefore, we should be careful not to claim that Scripture says more than it actually does.

At the same time, the fact that Christians disagree about the application of Leviticus 19:28 does not mean the Bible has nothing to say about the decision. Scripture gives us important principles concerning holiness, idolatry, our motives, our bodies, our conscience and our desire to glorify God.

If you already have tattoos, you do not need to believe that you are beyond God’s grace. If you are considering one, you should take time to pray, examine your motives and seek wisdom rather than making an impulsive decision.

What Bible Verse Talks About Tattoos?

The primary verse discussed when Christians ask about tattoos is Leviticus 19:28.

Leviticus 19:28 — Marks on the Body

“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.”

The wording is significant because the verse mentions both cutting the flesh “for the dead” and printing marks upon the body.

The first part is clearly associated with practices connected to the dead. The second phrase is broader, which is one reason Christians have differed over exactly how the command should be understood and applied.

We should therefore look at what was happening in the surrounding passage rather than pulling one sentence out of its historical setting.

What Was the Context of Leviticus 19:28?

Leviticus 19 is part of God’s instructions to Israel under the Old Covenant. Throughout the chapter, God calls His people to live differently from the nations around them.

Leviticus 19:1–2 — Be Holy

“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.”

The chapter addresses many areas of life, including worship, idolatry, sexual morality, justice, honesty, treatment of other people and religious practices.

The instruction about cutting and marking the body appears within this larger call for Israel to be holy.

God did not want Israel to simply adopt the religious practices of the surrounding nations.

Deuteronomy 18:9–12 — Do Not Follow Pagan Practices

“When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.

There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee.”

This broader biblical context matters when considering Leviticus 19:28.

The verse was given to Israel in a world where physical markings and other practices could be connected with mourning, pagan religion and surrounding cultural customs.

That does not automatically settle every question about modern tattoos, but it does show why we should not simply assume that the ancient practice and every modern tattoo are identical.

Does Leviticus 19:28 Forbid Every Modern Tattoo?

This is where sincere Christians reach different conclusions.

Some believe the words “nor print any marks upon you” mean that Christians should not get tattoos at all.

Others believe the command should be understood within its ancient context and was addressing practices associated with mourning and pagan customs rather than every possible form of modern body art.

The important thing is to distinguish between what Scripture explicitly says and how we apply that teaching today.

The Bible explicitly says:

“nor print any marks upon you.”

But the Bible does not contain a passage saying, “Christians must not get modern tattoos.”

That distinction matters.

We should neither ignore Leviticus 19:28 nor confidently claim that it answers every modern question in precisely the same way that it did for Israel under the Old Covenant.

Are Christians Under the Old Testament Law?

Understanding the New Covenant is important here.

Christians do not become righteous before God by keeping the Mosaic law. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:14 — Not Under the Law

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

This does not mean that Christians can ignore God’s holiness or live however they want.

It means that believers in Christ are not under the Old Covenant system as Israel was. We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ, not by keeping the Mosaic law.

Hebrews 8:6 — A Better Covenant

“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”

This is why Christians do not simply take every Old Testament command and apply it to themselves in exactly the same way.

The Old Testament remains God’s Word and is extremely important. It teaches us about God, sin, holiness, humanity and God’s redemptive plan. But Christians must understand Old Testament commands in light of the New Covenant established through Christ.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 — All Scripture Is Profitable

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

So the question is not whether Leviticus matters.

It does.

The question is how that particular command should be understood and applied to Christians living under the New Covenant.

What Does the New Testament Say About Our Bodies?

Although the New Testament does not specifically discuss tattoos, it gives Christians an important principle about the way we view our bodies.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 — Glorify God in Your Body

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Paul’s immediate subject in this passage is sexual immorality, not tattoos. Therefore, we should not say that Paul was specifically teaching about tattoos.

However, the principle still matters.

Our bodies belong to God.

That means a Christian should not approach decisions about their body simply by asking, “Do I want this?”

We should also ask whether our choices honour God.

Does God Care About What Is on the Outside?

The Bible repeatedly teaches that God looks deeper than outward appearance.

1 Samuel 16:7 — God Looks at the Heart

“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”

This does not mean that outward actions are irrelevant to God.

Our actions matter.

But God also sees the heart behind those actions.

Two people could have exactly the same tattoo while having completely different reasons for getting it.

One person might have a tattoo connected to an important memory. Another might get the same design because of pride, rebellion, pressure from others or a desire for attention.

The outward appearance may be identical, but the motives are not.

Why Do You Want a Tattoo?

If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, one of the most important questions to ask is why.

Take some time to examine your motives honestly.

Are you getting it because you have carefully considered the design and its meaning?

Is it connected to something meaningful?

Are you trying to commemorate someone or something important?

Are you simply following a trend?

Are you trying to fit in?

Are you looking for attention?

Are you acting impulsively?

Are you trying to rebel against someone?

Are you using the tattoo to build an identity around something other than Christ?

Our motives matter because God sees what is happening inside us.

Proverbs 16:2 — God Weighs the Motives

“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.”

Sometimes we can convince ourselves that our motives are pure when they are not.

That is why prayerful self-examination is valuable.

What Does the Tattoo Represent?

The design itself matters too.

Not every tattoo carries the same meaning.

A tattoo depicting occult practices, idolatry, hatred, sexual immorality or something that celebrates sin raises very different biblical concerns from a simple artistic design or a meaningful symbol.

Christians should not use “the Bible doesn’t specifically say tattoos are forbidden” as an excuse to put something on their body that clearly contradicts God’s Word.

Philippians 4:8 — Think on What Is Good

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

The principle here is broader than tattoos, but it is useful when considering anything we choose to display permanently.

Ask yourself what the tattoo communicates and whether its meaning is consistent with the kind of life you are seeking to live for Christ.

Is a Christian Tattoo Automatically Wrong?

No biblical passage says that a tattoo becomes sinful simply because it contains Christian imagery.

A cross, Bible verse or other Christian symbol may have deep personal meaning to someone.

But even a Christian-looking tattoo is not automatically a wise decision.

Our motives still matter.

Someone could get a cross tattoo because they genuinely want to remember Christ’s sacrifice. Someone else could get one primarily to make other people think they are more spiritual than they really are.

The symbol is the same.

The heart is different.

Colossians 3:17 — Do Everything in Jesus’ Name

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

A helpful question is:

Can I honestly make this decision while seeking to honour Jesus?

If you cannot answer that honestly, it is worth stopping and reconsidering.

What If I Already Have Tattoos?

If you already have tattoos, please do not believe that your tattoos make you unworthy of God.

A tattoo does not put you outside the reach of Jesus Christ.

Your salvation does not depend upon having perfect skin, a perfect past or a perfect record.

Ephesians 2:8–9 — Saved by Grace

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

If you came to Christ after getting tattoos, you do not need to spend the rest of your life believing that you are permanently disqualified from serving God.

Jesus saves sinners.

He changes people from the inside out.

Should I Remove My Tattoos If I Become a Christian?

The Bible does not command Christians to remove tattoos they already have.

Some people may personally choose to remove or cover a tattoo because of what it represents. For example, someone may have a tattoo connected with a former lifestyle that they no longer identify with.

That can be a personal decision.

But tattoo removal is not a requirement for salvation, forgiveness or becoming a faithful Christian.

2 Corinthians 5:17 — A New Creation

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

The transformation God wants is deeper than changing our skin.

He wants to transform our hearts and our lives.

What If My Tattoo Represents My Old Life?

This is something worth praying about.

Perhaps you have a tattoo connected with a relationship, lifestyle, belief or period of your life that you now know was contrary to God.

You may eventually decide that you no longer want to identify with what it represents.

But remember this:

Removing the tattoo does not remove sin.

And keeping the tattoo does not prevent God from forgiving you.

Titus 3:5 — Saved by God’s Mercy

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”

Your righteousness comes from Christ, not from the condition of your skin.

Should Christians Judge People Because They Have Tattoos?

Christians should be very careful about judging someone’s relationship with God based on appearance.

A tattoo cannot tell you someone’s whole story.

It cannot tell you whether someone loves Jesus, whether they have repented, whether they are seeking God or what has happened in their life.

James 2:1 — Do Not Show Partiality

“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.”

This does not mean Christians should never identify sin.

It means we should not assume someone’s spiritual condition simply because of how they look.

Someone with tattoos may genuinely love Jesus.

Someone without tattoos may have a heart far from God.

God sees what we cannot see.

What About Tattoos That Clearly Glorify Sin?

This is an important distinction.

The question is not simply whether ink placed into the skin is sinful.

We also need to consider what the tattoo represents.

A tattoo that celebrates occultism, idolatry, hatred, sexual immorality or rebellion against God presents a very different issue from a neutral design.

1 Corinthians 10:14 — Flee Idolatry

“Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”

Christian freedom is not permission to deliberately embrace something God has clearly condemned.

The fact that Scripture may not specifically mention a modern form of expression does not mean Christians are free to use it to celebrate sin.

What If I Am Unsure Whether I Should Get a Tattoo?

If you are genuinely unsure, you do not have to rush.

A tattoo is a permanent decision. There is no biblical command telling you that you must make the decision immediately.

Take your time.

Pray.

Read Scripture.

Examine your motives.

Think carefully about what the tattoo represents.

Speak with mature Christians you trust.

And ask God for wisdom.

James 1:5 — Ask God for Wisdom

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Sometimes the wisest thing you can do is wait until you have peace and clarity about the decision.

What If I Feel Guilty About Getting a Tattoo?

It is important to distinguish between biblical conviction and unnecessary condemnation.

If God’s Word clearly reveals that something is sinful, we should not ignore it simply because we want to do it.

But when Christians genuinely disagree about how a biblical principle applies to a particular situation, we should be careful about treating our personal interpretation as though it were an explicit command from God.

Romans 14 gives us principles for handling matters where believers have differences of conscience, although its immediate context concerns food and the observance of days rather than tattoos.

Romans 14:22–23 — Do Not Act Against Your Conscience

“Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

The principle is important.

If you cannot make the decision with a clear conscience before God, do not simply silence your conscience because you really want to do it.

Stop.

Pray.

Search the Scriptures.

Seek wisdom.

Should a Christian Get a Tattoo?

There is not one answer that can responsibly be applied to every Christian and every tattoo.

If you believe Leviticus 19:28 prohibits tattoos and, after studying Scripture, you choose not to get one, honour that conviction.

If you understand Leviticus 19:28 as referring to the practices of ancient Israel and do not believe it prohibits every modern tattoo, that does not mean you should stop thinking biblically about the decision.

You should still consider your motives, the meaning of the tattoo, whether it glorifies God and whether you can make the decision in good conscience.

Romans 14:5 — Be Fully Convinced

“One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”

Again, Paul is not specifically talking about tattoos here.

But the passage illustrates an important principle for matters of Christian conscience: do not treat an area of genuine disagreement as though Scripture were clearer than it actually is.

Where God’s Word is clear, we should obey.

Where application requires wisdom, we should seek God sincerely and humbly.

Questions to Ask Before Getting a Tattoo

If you are considering getting a tattoo, take some time to ask yourself these questions.

What Is My Motive?

Why do I really want this tattoo?

Am I trying to impress people, fit in, gain attention or rebel?

Or have I thoughtfully considered why I want it?

What Does It Represent?

What does the design, wording or symbol communicate?

Does it honour God?

Could its meaning contradict biblical values?

Can I Give Thanks to God for This Decision?

Could I honestly make this decision while thanking God and seeking to honour Him?

Am I Acting From Faith?

Am I comfortable bringing this decision before God, or am I trying to convince myself that something is acceptable because I have already decided that I want it?

If your conscience is troubled, do not simply ignore it.

The Most Important Question Is About Your Heart

It is easy for the tattoo question to become so focused on outward appearance that we miss the bigger issue.

God cares about the condition of your heart.

Proverbs 4:23 — Guard Your Heart

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

A tattoo cannot make an ungodly heart holy.

And not having a tattoo does not automatically make someone’s heart righteous.

What matters most is whether we are turning toward God, trusting Christ, repenting of sin and allowing Him to transform our lives.

Your Identity Is Not Your Appearance

If you have tattoos, your identity does not have to be found in your skin.

And if you do not have tattoos, your righteousness is not found in that either.

For those who belong to Christ, our deepest identity is found in Him.

Galatians 2:20 — Christ Lives in Me

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

You are not defined by your appearance.

You are not defined by your past.

You are not defined by other people’s opinions.

And your tattoos, whether you have them or not, are not what determine your standing before God.

Final Thoughts: What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?

So, what does the Bible say about tattoos?

The Bible does contain a direct reference to marking the body:

Leviticus 19:28 — The Biblical Command

“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.”

Christians have reached different conclusions about how this command should be applied to modern tattoos. Some understand it as a continuing prohibition, while others understand it within the Old Covenant context of mourning and pagan religious practices.

What we should not do is pretend that the disagreement does not exist.

At the same time, Christians should not use this disagreement as an excuse to ignore biblical principles.

Our bodies belong to God.

Our motives matter.

Holiness matters.

What we choose to represent matters.

And our desire to honour Christ should be greater than our desire to justify whatever we already want to do.

1 Corinthians 10:31 — Do Everything for God’s Glory

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

If you already have tattoos, do not believe that you are beyond God’s grace.

If you are considering getting one, do not rush the decision.

Pray.

Study God’s Word.

Examine your heart.

Consider what the tattoo represents.

Ask whether you can genuinely make the decision for God’s glory.

And if you are uncertain, it is okay to wait.

Ultimately, following Jesus is not about finding the smallest list of things we are allowed to do. It is about loving God, trusting Christ, walking in holiness and allowing Him to transform us from the inside out.

Your skin is not the most important thing God is working on.

Your heart is.

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