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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

    "'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

    [19] Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

  • Revelation 19:16

    He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31

    Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:23

    "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

    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

    proving what is well-pleasing to the Lord.

  • Romans 1:24

    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

    Whereas 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

    Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold.

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