Living and character
What does the Bible say about tattoos?
The one verse that mentions marking the body (Leviticus 19:28) sits among laws that set Israel apart from pagan mourning rituals. Christians read it differently today, and most agree the deeper question is the heart behind the marking.
What Scripture says
Leviticus 19:28
““‘You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am the LORD.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“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 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.””
Romans 14:22-23
“Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who doesn’t judge himself in that which he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn’t of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin.”
Ask in your own words
Still wondering about tattoos?
Ask your own question and receive a gentle answer drawn from the whole of Scripture. Free, private, no sign-up.
Ask this questionMore questions about living and character
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. See all Bible questions or verses by topic.