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).
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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.
- 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.
- 1 Timothy 2:9
In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing;
- 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.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19
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,
- 1 Corinthians 3:17
If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, which you are.
- Ezekiel 16:12
I put a ring on your nose, and ear-rings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
- Revelation 1:1
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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