What does the Bible say about tattoos body piercings?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible does not give a universal ban on tattoos or body piercings, but calls believers to honor God with their bodies, motives, and outward appearance. Leviticus 19:28 prohibited markings connected with mourning practices among Israel's surrounding nations, and Deuteronomy 14:1 similarly forbade pagan rites of grief. These commands should not be carelessly applied as a direct prohibition of every modern tattoo. Yet 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 teaches that our bodies belong to the Lord and are temples of the Holy Spirit, so Christians should avoid self-harm, idolatry, vanity, or rebellion. 1 Timothy 2:9 commends modesty and godly character. In all choices, believers should seek God's glory, love for neighbor, and a clear conscience before him (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Leviticus 19:28 19 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 10 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.
- 1 Timothy 2:9 7 votes
In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing,
- 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.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19 5 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,
- 1 Corinthians 3:17 4 votes
If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, which you are.
- Ezekiel 16:12 3 votes
I put a ring on your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 2 votes
Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
- Revelation 1:1 2 votes
This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel to his servant, John,
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