Surprisingly, the Bible speaks very little directly about tattoos. There is only one verse that explicitly mentions tattooing. However, there are broader biblical principles people sometimes use when thinking about this topic.
This article focuses on what the Bible itself says, nothing more.
1. The Only Direct Bible Verse About Tattoos
The single verse is Leviticus 19:28:
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the LORD.”
(ESV)
Other translations say the same: God told Israel not to make cuttings or tattoo marks on their bodies.
Context of Leviticus 19
Leviticus 19 is part of the holiness laws given specifically to Israel.
These laws:
- distinguished Israel from the nations around them
- protected them from idolatrous and pagan religious practices
- were part of the covenant between God and Israel
The surrounding verses (19:26–31) forbid other pagan practices such as divination, ritual hair cutting, and consulting the dead.
Therefore, it is biblically accurate to say:
→ The command in Leviticus 19:28 concerns pagan mourning rituals and idolatrous practices.
It does not address modern decorative tattoos.
2. Does This Law Still Apply to Christians?
The Bible itself answers how Christians should view Old Testament laws.
Laws for Israel vs. the New Covenant
Scripture teaches that Christians are not under the Law of Moses, but under the New Covenant:
- “We are released from the law” (Romans 7:6)
- “Christ is the end of the law” (Romans 10:4)
- “Let no one judge you regarding food, festivals… these were shadows” (Colossians 2:16–17)
This means:
→ Leviticus 19:28 was part of Israel’s covenant law.
→ The New Testament nowhere commands or forbids tattoos for Christians.
Biblically speaking:
There is no direct New Testament rule about tattoos.
3. Broader Biblical Principles (Not Tattoo-Specific)
(a) The body as a temple
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 says the body is a “temple of the Holy Spirit.”
Context: sexual immorality, not tattoos.
But it establishes that the body belongs to God.
(b) Doing all to God’s glory
1 Corinthians 10:31:
“Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
(c) Acting according to faith and conscience
Romans 14:23:
“Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”
These are general principles believers may apply to their decisions.
4. Biblically Based Arguments For and Against Tattoos
AGAINST Tattoos
- Leviticus 19:28 prohibits tattooing in a ritual context.
- The body as God’s temple (1 Cor. 6:19), applied broadly.
- Avoiding conformity to the world (Romans 12:2).
FOR Tattoos
- Leviticus 19:28 was for Israel; Christians are not under the Mosaic Law.
- The New Testament gives no prohibition.
- The original command was tied to pagan rituals, not modern tattoos.
- Revelation 19:16 mentions a name written on Christ’s thigh — showing bodily markings are not inherently condemned (though not necessarily a tattoo).
5. Biblical Conclusion
Based strictly on Scripture:
- Only one verse mentions tattoos, in the context of pagan rituals.
- The New Testament does not give a command about tattoos.
- Christians are not under Old Testament ceremonial law.
- General biblical principles still apply — honoring God, caring for the body, and acting with a clear conscience.
- Therefore, getting a tattoo is a matter of personal conscience, not a biblical command or prohibition.
Summary
The Bible only directly mentions tattoos once in Leviticus 19:28, where Israel is told not to make tattoo marks as part of pagan mourning practices. This law belonged to the Old Testament covenant with Israel and is not repeated in the New Testament. Scripture gives no direct rule for Christians about tattoos. Instead, believers are guided by general biblical principles such as honoring God, respecting the body, and acting according to conscience. Therefore, the choice to get a tattoo is a personal matter of Christian conscience, not a biblical command or ban.
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