Bible Verses about Tattoos (2024) 🎨

Bible Verses about Tattoos – here are some bullet points summarizing what the Bible says about tattoos in the Old Testament, New Testament, and how it applies today:

Old Testament:

• Levitical Law: The Old Testament, specifically in Leviticus 19:28 (NIV), contains a command that says, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” This verse is often cited as the biblical prohibition against tattoos.
• Cultural Context: The prohibition against tattoos in Leviticus was likely related to practices of pagan cultures at the time, where markings and tattoos were associated with idolatry and pagan rituals.

New Testament:

• No Explicit Mention: The New Testament does not contain explicit statements about tattoos. There is no direct command or prohibition regarding tattoos in the teachings of Jesus or the writings of the apostles.
• Focus on Heart and Spirit: The New Testament places greater emphasis on the condition of the heart and one’s relationship with God rather than outward rituals or appearances (Matthew 15:11; Romans 2:28-29).

Today:

• Personal Conviction: The interpretation of Leviticus 19:28 and its applicability today varies among Christians. Some believe that the Old Testament prohibition against tattoos no longer applies in the context of the New Covenant, while others may choose to abstain from tattoos based on personal conviction.
• Freedom and Responsibility: Many Christians believe that they have freedom in Christ regarding personal choices, including tattoos. However, they also recognize the responsibility to make choices that align with their faith and values.
• Consider Cultural and Religious Context: Christians considering getting tattoos often reflect on the cultural and religious significance of the tattoo, ensuring it does not contradict their Christian beliefs or glorify anything contrary to biblical principles.
• Moderation and Respect: Those who choose to get tattoos are encouraged to exercise moderation, avoid offensive or inappropriate imagery, and respect the convictions of fellow believers who may have different views.
• Focus on Faith and Love: Ultimately, Christians are encouraged to focus on their faith in Christ and their love for God and others, allowing their decisions, including those related to tattoos, to be guided by these principles (Galatians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

In summary, the Bible’s stance on tattoos is primarily found in the Old Testament, where Leviticus 19:28 is often cited as a prohibition. However, the application of this verse in modern times varies among Christians, with some seeing it as no longer binding under the New Covenant. Personal conviction, respect for others’ views, and a focus on faith and love play significant roles in individual decisions regarding tattoos within the Christian community.

Bible Verses about Tattoos

1. Leviticus 19:28 – “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord.”
2. Deuteronomy 14:1 – “You are the children of the Lord your God; you shall not cut yourselves nor shave the front of your head for the dead.”
3. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”
4. Galatians 5:19-21 – “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
5. Leviticus 19:31 – “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.”
6. Romans 12:2 – “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
7. Colossians 3:12-17 – “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
8. 1 Peter 3:3 – “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel.”

Best Bible Encyclopedias and Dictionaries

Below is a table featuring some highly regarded Bible Encyclopedias and Dictionaries along with their publishers and websites where they can be found or purchased.

You can generally find these resources on the publishers’ websites, as well as other online book retailers such as Amazon or Christianbook. It’s always good practice to confirm availability and review additional details on the specific websites or other reliable online bookstores.