What does the Bible say about tattoos?

"Answer: The Old Testament law commanded the Israelites, â??Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORDâ?? (Leviticus 19:28). So, even though believers today are not under the Old Testament law (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23-25; Ephesians 2:15), the fact that there was a command against tattoos should cause us to question. The New Testament does not say anything about whether a believer should or should not get a tattoo.

In relation to tattoos and body piercings, a good test is to determine whether we can honestly, in good conscience, ask God to bless and use the particular activity for His own good purposes. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). The Bible does not command against tattoos or body piercings, but it also does not give us any reason to believe God would have us get tattoos or body piercings.

Another issue to consider is modesty. The Bible instructs us to dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:9). One aspect of dressing modestly is making sure everything that should be covered by clothing is adequately covered. However, the essential meaning of modesty is not drawing attention to yourself. People who dress modestly dress in such a way that they do not draw attention to themselves. Tattoos and body piercings most definitely draw attention. In this sense, tattoos and body piercings are not modest.

An important Scriptural principle on issues that the Bible does not specifically address is that if there is room for doubt as to whether it pleases God, then it is best to not engage in that activity. "For whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). We need to remember that our bodies, as well as our souls, have been redeemed and belong to God. Although 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 does not directly apply to tattoos or body piercings, it does give us a principle, "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." This great truth should have a real bearing on what we do and where we go with our bodies. If our bodies belong to God, we should make sure we have His clear "permission" before we "mark it up" with tattoos or body piercings.

Recommended Resource: God's Guide for Life Choices by Woodrow Kroll."

source:

http://www.gotquestions.org/tattoos-sin.html

Comments

Thank you for a helpful and useful answer. Keep it up.
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by Darryl61 on July 15th, 2006
Could you not say, though, that someone who wears clothes that have a bright color to it are trying to draw attention to themselves and, therefore, not being modest? A lot of things are done to draw attention to ones self besides tattoos.
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by sierra_ann on August 24th, 2006
Very good answer in my opinion!
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by Snooch on December 28th, 2006
I disagree in a way. I believe that God can use piercings and tattoos for his glory. How? Well by reaching out to a group of people who would most likely have pircings and tattoos. Not to mention, I've seen many tattoos of crosses, angels, and verses on people. I'm not saying go out and turn yourself into a biblical art gallery, but there are two sides to this arguement.
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by Anonymous on September 7th, 2008
I like tats but do not agree. That is thinking of this world. Not His. - Just my opinion
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by Snooch on September 8th, 2008
I personally don't see the difference between a tattoo and picking out a shirt to wear for the day. Not many people wake up every morning and say "I'm going to put on this shirt today to honor god, or these shoes, or put on this make up." I think we do a lot of things for ourselves and its not always for god. Doesn't make us sinful I don't think either though, just because we are making a choice for ourselves.
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by Anonymous on September 8th, 2008
The Word says to put Him first. There is no gray area in that if you ask me so it is sinful to live fleshy over His ways. I live for my fleshy side WAY more than for Him and I am not proud of this. Clothing is of man's law not His so it should be non offensive but whether it is a t-shirt or pullover is not even a comparison to flesh. I cannot speak for Him and can only hope He is ok with tats as many I know have them.
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by Snooch on September 8th, 2008

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