The Bible Files.

"Investigating Biblical Truths"

Have you ever seen a Christian with a tattoo and wondered if that was “allowed?” You probably aren’t alone. I have heard many people quote Leviticus 19:28 in supporting the claim that tattoos are a sin. Leviticus 19:28 says, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” But what is the context of Leviticus 19? Let’s take a closer look.

Leviticus 19 is a chapter outlining moral and ceremonial law for the Israelites. This chapter warns the Israelites about taking part in pagan practices. Before verse 28, this chapter also warns against wearing clothing woven of two kinds of material, eating meat with the blood still in it, and men cutting the edges of their beards. Leviticus provided the Israelites with guidelines on how to live and conduct themselves. The purpose of these laws were to separate God’s people in consecration and holiness. It is important to understand how this is applicable to the church today.

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus speaks saying, “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.” Jesus did not come to do away with the law; he fulfilled the law. Romans 6:13-14 says, “¹³ Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.¹⁴ Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” As Christians, we are under the new covenant of grace. We are no longer bound to the law of Moses. When reading the Bible, you you do not want to add into it, but rather draw from it. This is a principle called Exegesis, which is a critical explanation or interpretation of scripture. In interpreting Leviticus 19:28, it can be concluded that it is not speaking in the context of tattoos today. So if we are no longer under the law, does that mean that all Christians should go out and get tattoos? Well, not necessarily.

As Christians, we are called to glorify God and point others to him. 1 Corinthians 10:31 states, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Again in Colossians 3:17, we read a similar command: “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” In all actions, Christians should consider how they are bringing glory to God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reads, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were brought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” If a Christian were to consider getting a tattoo, they should first ask themselves if it glorifies God and what purpose it serves. If the desire to get a tattoo comes from a place of vanity or conceit, this should be examined with careful consideration.

Additionally, Christians should consider the subject of a tattoo. From the previous verses outlined, we can conclude that if a Christian were contemplating a tattoo, the content should not contradict the moral elements of Christianity. The content should not point away from God’s word.

Lastly, Christians should consider their own personal convictions and relationship with the Lord, particularly in the context of tattoos. Petition the Lord in prayer and reflect on his word. For a Christian considering a tattoo, I would encourage them to ask themselves:

1. Why do I want this tattoo?

2. How does this honor God?

3. Does the content align with the word of God?

4. Do I feel a personal conviction against getting a tattoo?

Depending upon the answers to these questions, a Christian may get a tattoo that does not go against scripture. The book of Proverbs tells us not to let truth and mercy leave us. It goes on to say, “write them on the tablet of your heart.” I am convinced that God cares more about what is written on your heart than what is written on your arm. Christians are still called to holiness and consecration, but that doesn’t mean that tattoos fall outside of that. Men look at the outward, but God looks at the heart. I am not attempting to promote tattoos amongst all Christians, but rather eliminate the stigma that ALL tattoos are sinful or contradictory to the word of God, because that is not the case.

I pray that this encourages you to dig deeper into God’s word. My hope is to continue to investigate Biblical truths and to bring clarity to those questioning scripture. If you have questions about Jesus or the Bible, please message or comment on this post. Jesus loves you, and I do too – whether you are tattooed or not. Grace and peace ✌🏼