If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. The following Bible verses that can apply to tattoos are guiding questions to help you think through your decision. Do people regret tattoos? Does God See All Sins as Equal to One Another? Study the Bible, pray and ask God for wisdom, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. Posted 14 December 2020 14 December 2020 Here is a further look into what the Bible says about tattoos. ~ John 3:16, Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. ~ Ephesians 5:10, “You are the sons of the Lord your God. For example although the Bible does not say, Thou shalt not smoke or Drug addiction is bad for you; we know that these things are destructive to the human body. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:10, Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? Candice Lucey loves Christ and writing about His promises brings her much pleasure. Salem Media Group. Early in the history of Christianity as it spread from Rome into the rest of the world, “tattooing was severely frowned upon.” In fact, “Pope Hadrian banned tattooing, stating that God made man’s body in his image and to deface it in any way was to deface God’s gift.” In defense of tattoos, we now understand that the image of God is a spiritual one conveyed as “salt and light.” (Matthew 5:13-16) Marking one’s body is not necessarily vandalism. Fact: The Bible says that those who die return to the dust, which is what naturally happens to a corpse when it decomposes. There is just not enough evidence to make a case that tattoos are always sin, but there is enough evidence to make any sincere believer in Jesus stop and really think and pray about the reason and motivations why they want to get a tattoo. You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord. For those whose bodies already bear the marks of a pre-Christian past, take comfort: they are still part of a personal testimony. Yet, there are Bible scholars that have stated it that having a tattoo does not necessarily mean you have sinned or it is a sin. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Since the word tattoo does appear in this verse in some popular English translations, this argument seems straightforward. According to one advocacy site, 21,000 "tattoo parlors" currently exist in the United States alone. ~ Psalm 27:1, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Each person supporting or abolishing tattoo have his or her reasons which can be backed by some Biblical evidence. There are some Christians who believe it is a sin. It is all about the heart that declares Christ's name. If a Christian is considering getting a tattoo as a way of honoring one who has died, of glorifying that person posthumously and identifying with grief more than with Christ, he or she might want to think twice. of It does not mention it by name in either the Old or New Testaments. A fruitful heart looks to Him rather than reliving one’s sorrow, guilt, and shame over and over in the form of a visual reminder and a worldly identifier. “The Scriptures never ask Christians to deny the feeling of grief — it is a right and holy sadness.” Yet, some people think too much about those who are gone; they look backward and fail to move forward. Misconception: In Bible times, only people in God’s disfavor were burned after death. The reason for the prohibition of tattoos in this passage is not stated, but it is likely that tattooing was a pagan practice connected with idolatry and superstition. It’s important and biblical to support one another, but that support always begins in Christ; we have nothing to give without Him. If it is in rebellion to parents, it is clearly not acceptable … That’s it. First, we have to be very careful about trying to use an Old Tes… How Can I Identify Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament? ~ 1 Corinthians 16:14, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. So glorify God in your body. Bible Tattoos are becoming more and more popular with about 1 in 5 U.S. adults having at least one on their body. However, in the New Testament we are even called to a higher law. God did not want His people to hurt themselves gratuitously. All rights reserved. Can Christians have tattoos and piercings? Self-mutilation is dangerous and can lead to significant health problems. ~ Colossians 3:14. The Bible says in Leviticus 19:28, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. So if it’s good enough for Jesus… Back to Leviticus… “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. ~ Deuteronomy 14:1, “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. Ancient cultures used tattoos for various reasons. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:44, Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? The King James Bible, written in 1611, specifically describes a tattoo only in one place, Leviticus 19:28. A believer has the opportunity to use a tattoo to declare Christ’s name, but Christians without tattoos are identifiable without ink on their skin. I am the Lord." Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright © 2020, Christianity.com. Christians grieve for their dead, but they do not worship them. Since the word tattoo does appear in this verse in some popular English translations, this argument seems straightforward. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. Their mark is the Holy Spirit. Many people wear a semicolon tattoo indicating they stand with survivors of suicide and people who suffer from mental health concerns. Knives Gashing Bodies Mutilation I Am The Lord Altering The Body The Human Body The Body Self Image Respecting Your Body Tattoos. Conclusion An important scriptural principle on issues the Bible does not specifically address is if there is room for doubt whether it pleases God , then it is best not to engage in that activity. Is it a sin? I am the Lord.” So what does the Bible say about tattoos? It makes sense for someone who is religious to act wisely before they ink and consider what the Bible has to say about tattoos before making that permanent decision. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:23, Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves ~ Romans 1:24, Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If the Bible says that tattoo is not good, then we should stay away from it. 1. A good tattoo is a work of art, no different from a beautiful painting. All rights reserved. Global Impact International. Biblical Evidence When it comes to tattoos, many Christians who are against the practice use verses from the Bible to justify their conservative stance. When we remain close to the Lord and obey Him, He can direct us in things that are not good for us. She lives in the mountains of BC, Canada with her family. Many people who are against tattoos say that their dislike for them has to do with their religious beliefs. Well there is this other one in which Jesus is pictured with a tattoo… Revelation 19:16. ~ Joshua 1:9, For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. You are not your own; you were bought at a price. It states, “You shall not make any cuttings on your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD.” This is actually not a proper use of this passage. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ~ Isaiah 41:10, Have I not commanded you? ~ 1 Corinthians 6:18, It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Bible does not say that it is against tattoos; it also doesn’t promote tattoos. Obtaining a tattoo can spark gospel-centered conversation and act as a missional ice-breaker but is not as compelling as a heart changed by Jesus. He wants us to turn to Him in times of trial and say, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul” (Psalm 94:19). 7 Questions You Should Ask before Getting a Tattoo, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Frequently when discussing the subject of tattoos or body piercings, someone might argue, “The Bible specifically forbids them.” In fact, there is no passage in the Bible that says, “Thou shalt not get a tattoo.” Many times people will cite Leviticus 19:28, believing that it addresses our question. Wise Christians weigh their motives. Paul writes “let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31). ~ 1 Corinthians 10:31, And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. This is probably why the KJV, written in the early 1600s, is closer to the literal translation saying, “ye shall not...print marks upon you.”, The background of this law was that Israel, after being rescued from slavery, was between Egypt and Canaan. Gifted experts have turned many scars into beautiful works of art, but Christians have to ask themselves whether those tattoos activate a sense of inner strength or remind them of God’s powerful grip on them during times of darkness and pain. In whatever we do, we must make sure that we include Him in our plans. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true) and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. We are to have Gods laws written in our hearts. Leviticus 19:28 seems to imply this when it says, “you will not make cuttings in your flesh, for the dead, nor print marks on you.” In light of this information from Egypt and Canaan, it would seem God was forbidding scarification, not tattooing as we know it. ~ Romans 12:1, Flee from sexual immorality. You shall not cut yourselves or make any baldness on your foreheads for the dead. The Bible makes no specific reference to tattoos as we understand them in modern times. Usually in the New Testament God shows that some things are permissible such as eating pork. They are known by their gentleness ( Philippians 4:5) and by the “fruit of the Spirit” ( Galatians 5:22-23 ). In the Ne… Seek out the direction of the Holy Spirit in prayer, by reading the Word, and by asking wise friends. We cannot leave the discussion of tattoos without looking at the Old Testament law that prohibited tattoos: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. For more see: 7 Questions You Should Ask before Getting a Tattoo. Tattoos borne out of self-hatred are legacies of darkness rather than light. I am responsible for my own salvation.”. Leviticus 21:5. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. What the Bible says about Tattoos. However, the Bible does mention skin tags , and over time this phrase has been translated into several versions of the Bible as tattoos on the skin. | (Photo: REUTERS/Jason Reed) Among the contested issues within churches today is what the Bible says and means as it pertains to tattoos, a topic that proves challenging given that they have become normalized in … Proud member Like an image hung on one’s living room wall, body art sends a message about personal values. ~ 1 Corinthians 9:27, I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. It is very important to look at the various verses that talk about the issue of tattoo before deciding whether to get one or not. A popular reason to get a tattoo is in order to honor a loved one who has died. Even seemingly innocuous marks represent worship. If self-mutilation went wrong, one could die a painful death or at least create ugly scars, all to please the pagan gods. 7 Questions to Answer When Considering a Tattoo, Inspiring Bible Verse Tattoos - Top Scriptures for Tattoos, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. They are known by their gentleness (Philippians 4:5) and by the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). Tattoos in the Bible - What does Scripture say? Yes, we must speak the truth in love, but let us make sure we are loving them and not condemning them. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. Is the image or message a reminder of past guilt, a way of inflicting emotional distress every time one sees it? ~ 1 John 4:18, Of David. Leviticus 19:28. ~ 1 Peter 3:3-4, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Answer: Body modification, including piercing, tattooing, scarring, branding, cutting, and outright mutilation, has been an increasing trend in recent years. God directed His people to disassociate themselves from Canaanite traditions such as slashing their bodies as a way to “mourn their dead.” What about designing beautiful markings in honor of loved ones who have passed on? Not only do they have hope of reuniting with lost loved ones who believed in Christ for salvation, but they have been commanded to have no other Gods; to worship no idols. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. The Bible does not say enough about tattoos to make a hard and fast rule. ~ Revelation 19:16, So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. “No matter the type of brokenness — physical or mental — Christian identity is found not in a diagnosis, but instead in our position as redeemed children of God" (Romans 8:16–17). But it doesn’t mean that the controversy surrounding them has completely gone away. Over 40 Bible Verses About Tattoos Bible Verses For Tattoos… (Genesis 3: 19) Cremation speeds up the process by reducing the body to ashes, or dust. In Canaan, evidence indicates that instead of marking the body with ink, more extreme scarification measures, like branding, slashing, or gashing the skin were used. People sometimes self-injure themselves for the same reasons they get tattoos: the pain is part of how they cope with difficulty or feel a sense of power for a short period of time. Be strong and courageous. The word for marks, also used here alone, has an uncertain root, so we’re not really sure what the word means. In either case, getting a tattoo is an act of unbelief. In this article we will consider the three parts of God’s law in Leviticus 19:28 as it refers to tattoos: “cuttings in your flesh;” “for the dead;” and “print marks” to try and establish a biblical stance for Christians today. Archeology, backed by biblical texts, indicates the Canaanites would customarily slash their bodies for ritualistic purposes (1 Kings 18:28), especially to mourn their dead and honor their gods. You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7, I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. To begin to answer such thought-provoking questions, we need to dive into the Bible to see what it says about the issue. As the popularity of tattoos continues to increase, many Christians wonder what the Bible has to say about tattoos. David was criticized for breaking his fast after his baby son died, but David replied, “Why should I fast? The most common of these verses is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Leviticus. ~ Psalm 23:4, Let all that you do be done in love. The very first verse is from the Book of Leviticus back in the Old Testament. This begs the question: Why does the Bible prohibit tattoos? ~ 1 Peter 4:8, And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. This Canaanite religion involved many rituals including self-mutilation. Cutting and even some methods of tattooing are associated with punishment throughout the ages in many cultures, whether self-inflicted or as a means of torture by others. ~ Romans 6:13, Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Self-harm says “Christ’s sacrifice wasn’t enough. Some commentators say the statement forbidding tattoos only refers to pagan customs for the dead. One ancient verse describes ritual masochism: “She cuts cheek and chin/She lacerates Her forearms/She plows lake a garden Her chest/Like a vale She lacerates the back.”. Any publicly visible image makes that image and associated ideas famous. Talking to a loved one, keeping a shrine to the deceased, making a shrine of one’s body by way of a tattoo: this is idolatry. You still need to think before you ink, especially if you’re a Christian. Every time someone selects or designs a tattoo then spends an hour or more getting “inked,” he or she is connecting strongly to the subject in question and might be enslaved to a sin represented by that image. Evidence suggests that tattooing the body parts of women associated with fertility (breasts, thighs, and abdomen) was believed to be a good luck charm to protect the birthing process. However, in context, it is clear that 1 Corinthians 6:13-20 is about sexual immorality, not about tattoos. ~ Leviticus 19:28, Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? In Leviticus 19:28 it says no tattoos. The verse in the Bible that most Christians make reference to is Leviticus 19:28, which says,"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord." ~ Psalm 34:4, There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 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. In conversation with others who sport tattoos, they provide a natural avenue to discussing the gospel and demonstrating that the important change has taken place inwardly, where Christ has exquisitely and tenderly marked the inner person. Look around, and one might see body art idolizing celebrities, death, or even a religion. Motive for a Tattoo– Why get a tattoo? Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). by Lex Meyer. There is nothing wrong with being an art lover. (excerpt from "7 Questions to Answer When Considering a Tattoo", Crosswalk.com.). Consider the financial cost, the time commitment, and the pain one endures, not to mention the permanence of a tattoo: this is no minor undertaking. Obtaining a tattoo can spark gospel-centered conversation and act as a missional ice-breaker, but Christians without tattoos are identifiable without ink on their skin. For example, the NIV reads, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. God was telling His chosen people what they could and could not do in their personal relationship and interaction with Him.As we all know, God gave them quite a bit of rules, regulations, and commandments that He wanted them to abide by. Inflicting pain — physical or emotional — on one’s self or on someone else is an outpouring of hatred and an exercise in control. “You will not make cuttings in your flesh, for the dead, nor print marks on you” (Leviticus 19:28). Once that mark has been made it cannot be removed easily. The New Testament does not specifically 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. The subject of tattoos and piercings is highly debated within the Christian community. We talked about the process of injecting ink into the skin with a special machine as an artistic expression. ~ Hebrews 13:8, Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. If the mark is a reminder and testimony of the resurrection and security believers have in Jesus our Redeemer, that’s different. I’ve received a lot of questions from people asking what the Bible says about tattoos. It depends on who you ask. What Does the Bible Say? ~ 1 John 4:8, Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. The Father wants His children to bear fruit, and a fruitful life is repentant. Verse Concepts. Trying to run one’s life without God is like that first rebellion in the Garden, but while “many are the plans in the mind of a man, [...] it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21). When one’s body is marked by trials, God uses those scars to point out His Sovereign touch — His ultimate healing. I know someone is going to say, “it’s in the Old Testament,” but the fact that it says, “no tattoos” should cause someone to think twice about getting a tattoo. Some Christians condemn all tattooing as immoral because God clearly forbids them in Leviticus 19:28. You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Further, the word tattoo did not enter into the English language until the late 1700s. Since the word tattoo does appear in this verse in some popular English translations, this argument seems straightforward. Some cultures tattooed their slaves to identify them, others placed tattoos on military soldiers, and in some cultures prostitutes wore them. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. For example, the writers of the Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary believe that there is nothing “morally wrong” with tattooing, but that “these practices then, and also now in some places, were parts of heathen ritual” (vol. Is this God’s final word on tattoos? Their mark is the Holy Spirit. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28). With this said, while there may be no clear passage in the Bible addressing tattoos, this is hardly a license for unrestrained tattooing. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. 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