What does the Bible say about tattoos?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible does not give a universal prohibition of modern tattoos, but it calls believers to honor God with their bodies and motives. Leviticus 19:28 forbade Israel from marking themselves in connection with pagan mourning practices, while Deuteronomy 14:1 similarly guarded God’s people from idolatrous customs. Christians are to remember that their bodies belong to the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and to do all for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). Therefore, a tattoo should be considered prayerfully: its message, motive, cultural associations, and effect on one’s witness matter. Christian liberty is real, yet not everything is helpful or edifying (1 Corinthians 10:23); believers should seek what pleases the Lord (Ephesians 5:10).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Leviticus 19:28 27 votes
“‘You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 12 votes
Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
- Revelation 19:16 6 votes
He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 5 votes
Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
- 1 Corinthians 10:23 5 votes
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are profitable. “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things build up.
- Deuteronomy 14:1 5 votes
You are the children of Yahweh your God. You shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.
- Ephesians 5:10 5 votes
proving what is well pleasing to the Lord.
- Romans 1:24 4 votes
Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves;
- James 4:14 2 votes
Yet you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
- Matthew 24:12 2 votes
Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold.
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