What does the Bible say about tatoos on the body?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible forbids Israel from making marks on the body in connection with mourning for the dead or pagan religious practices, while calling God’s people to honor him with their bodies and distinct worship. Leviticus 19:28 specifically prohibits cutting the flesh for the dead and putting tattoo marks on oneself, within a larger section warning against pagan divination and customs in Leviticus 19:26-28. Christians should therefore reject tattoos tied to idolatry, occult practice, rebellion, or sinful self-harm. Faithful believers differ about modern decorative tattoos, since the ceremonial and civil laws of Israel are fulfilled in Christ; yet wisdom, modesty, conscience, and love for neighbor should govern every decision.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Leviticus 19:28
"'You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh.
- Leviticus 19:28-32
[28] "'You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh. [29] Don't profane your daughter, to make her a prostitute; lest the land fall to prostitution, and the land become full of wickedness. [30] "'You shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary; I am Yahweh. [31] "'Don't turn to those who are mediums, nor to the wizards. Don't seek them out, to be defiled by them. I am Yahweh your God. [32] You shall rise up before the gray head, and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh.
- Leviticus 19:26-28
[26] "'You shall not eat any meat with the blood still in it; neither shall you use enchantments, nor practice sorcery. [27] You shall not cut the hair on the sides of your heads, neither shall you clip off the edge of your beard. [28] "'You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh.
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