Dive into this explorative piece detailing what the Bible says about tattoos and Christianity’s stance towards them, directly referencing various verses for context.
What does the Bible say about tattoos?
The Prohibition in Leviticus The pertinent passage is Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” Let’s look at this passage in context, both its immediate and broader context.
Do christianity allow tattoos?
Yes, Christians can get tattoos. In Leviticus 19, the Lord is clearly telling His people several different rules to make them look different from the surrounding nations, because the Israelites are to be a holy and set apart nation. In context, these laws do not apply to modern Christian.
Is tattoo a sin in the Bible?
The Bible mentions tattoos just once, at Leviticus 19:28, 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.
Can Christians have tattoos and piercings?
Ultimately, much of the Christian debate around body piercing, tattoos, and other modifications boils down to personal interpretation of scripture and concepts. Some see piercings as self-expression and not “marking your body,” whereas others see piercing as a sin that goes against the Bible’s teachings.
What does Jesus say about tattoos?
The short answer is nothing, at least nothing definitive. The Bible makes no specific reference to tattoos as we understand them in modern times. Some Christians condemn all tattooing as immoral because God clearly forbids them in Leviticus 19:28.
What does Christianity say about tattoos?
Per Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.” Historically, scholars have often understood this as a warning against pagan practices of mourning.