Tattoos

Over the past several years, Christians have started a new trend of getting tattoos to symbolize their relationship with Christ and their devotion to the religion they profess. But what does the Bible say about tattoos? Are tattoos okay or are they sinful? I'll discuss several verses, offer my advice, and then let you decide for yourself.

The word "tattoo" is only found one time in the Bible. Leviticus 19:28 goes as follows:

"Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourself. I am the Lord."

If this passage is taken at face value, there is no argument. Tattoos are sinful and it is a command from the Lord to abstain from the them. However, when we put this verse into context, we can delve a little deeper into the true meaning of the scripture.

"Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it. Do not practice divination or sorcery. Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord."

-Leviticus 19:26-28 (NIV)

The way this part of Leviticus is organized, different themes or groups are separated by a reminder that God is in charge, i.e. "I am the Lord." This particular group is a set of commands specifically directed towards pagan worship. Dr. Robert Jamieson does a phenomenal job of analyzing verse 28 in his commentary on the Old Testament:

"The practice of make deep gashes on the face and arms and legs, in time of bereavement, was universal among the heathen, and it was deemed a sort of propitiatory offering to the deities who presided over death and the grave. The Jews learned this custom in Egypt, and though weaned from it, relapsed in a later and degenerate age into this old superstition by tattooing, imprinting figures of flowers, leaves, stars, and other fanciful devices on various parts of their person. It is probable that a strong propensity to adopt such marks in honor of some idol gave occasion to the prohibition in this verse; and they were wisely forbidden."

The reason that God forbid the Israelites to have tattoos is because of what they represented. During this time, the only reason that someone would get a tattoo would be to pay honor to an idol or as a way of communicating with spirits. Experts on the history of tattoos almost unanimously agree that the origin of tattoos was indeed in order to worship/commune with pagan gods.

Why are you getting a tattoo? If it is in order to worship pagan gods then the Bible expressly forbids it. But what if you want to get a tattoo to show your commitment to God? Let's continue to dig into the scriptures.

Most modern Christians attend what is commonly known as a "New Testament church." This means that they teach the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ, and that they lean predominantly on the New Testament for their doctrine. 

"Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law."

-Galatians 3:23-25 (NIV)

This particular passage portrays that we are not under the law, but rather that we fall under the grace of Christ. Does this include tattoos? The idea of tattoos is not mentioned in the New Testament, but there are other ideas that are not mentioned in the New Testament and are generally accepted by New Testament doctrine. One example is bestiality. Bestiality is only mentioned in the Old Testament:

"Do not have sexual relations with an animal and defile yourself with it."

-Leviticus 18:23

So we cannot assume that getting a tattoo is okay for the sole reason that it is not specifically forbidden in the New Testament. But as we examine the what the Bible says about tattoos in Leviticus, it is reasonable to determine that the motive behind the tattoo is what is sinful, not the tattoo itself.

This opens a whole new can of worms. Why are you getting a tattoo? Is it so you can look cool and impress your friends? Is it so you can look "sexy"? Are you telling yourself that it's for God but really your driving motivation is the one of the first two? Your motivation for getting a tattoo is key to determining if it is sinful or not.

"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

-1 Samuel 16:7b (NIV)

Here's my take on this whole issue.

1. If you are getting a tattoo to glorify yourself, then it is sinful.

If you get a tattoo with the express desire of elevating your standing among men, then you are practicing self-worship (the idolization of yourself). This is definitely forbidden by the Bible (see Matthew 6:24).

2. If you are not fully convinced that getting a tattoo is okay, then for you it is sinful.

"Everything that does not come from faith is sin."

-Romans 14:23b (NIV)

If you are riding the fence, err on the side of caution and assume that it is a sin for you. If it is even a debatable issue for your conscience, don't get a tattoo.

3. If getting a tattoo will cause you to disobey your parents, don't get a tattoo.

"'Honor your father and mother'-which is the first commandment with a promise."

-Ephesians 6:2 (NIV)

If your parents say no, then you must respect their wishes for you. The Bible leaves no wiggle room for that one.

Ultimately, getting a tattoo is more than just a physical act, it is a heart issue. If you cannot justify getting a tattoo, then don't get one. If you decide not to, it's not the end of the world. My only advice would be that if you decide to get a tattoo, put it in a place that would not be a stumbling block to others (Romans 14:13), would not interfere with any jobs you could have in the future, and consider whether your spouse will want you to have it. Take a deep look at yourself before making this decision, and may the Holy Spirit guide your decision making.