Is it a Sin for Christians to Get Tattoos? What does the Bible Say?

The question "Are tattoos a sin?" does not have a clear consensus within Christianity. It depends on who you ask, as there are some Christians who believe it is a sin. The Bible verse that most Christians refer to is Leviticus 19:28, which says, "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord." Let's look into what well-known Christians and Scripture say about tattoos.

Tattoos are more popular than ever. Nearly (40%) of U.S. adults have at least one tattoo, and even more, roughly half (45%) state they’re at least somewhat likely to get a permanent tattoo in the future, according to the Harris Poll. Entertainers, professional athletes, and even a version of Barbie have many visible tattoos. With such prevalence and rising interest, Christians rightfully ask what the Bible says about tattoos.  

Is it a Sin to Get a Tattoo?

Whether getting a tattoo is a sin in Christianity doesn't have a straightforward answer and varies among Christian denominations and leaders. Views on tattoos within the Christian community range from acceptance to strong opposition, reflecting broader theological interpretations and cultural contexts.

For example, the late Reverend Billy Graham, a prominent evangelical Christian figure, suggested that while tattoos are not explicitly mentioned as sinful in the New Testament, Christians should consider how their actions, including getting a tattoo, might be perceived by others and whether it could hinder their witness for Christ. He urged believers to think deeply about the "why" behind their decision to get a tattoo and whether it glorifies God.

On the other hand, figures from more conservative backgrounds often refer to Leviticus 19:28, which instructs, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord." While this is an Old Testament law that many believe was explicitly directed at ancient Israelites, some Christians take this as a timeless guideline.

Conversely, many modern Christian leaders and thinkers adopt a more liberal stance. They argue that tattoos, in themselves, are neither inherently sinful nor morally wrong, provided they do not convey messages that are contrary to Christian values. Pastor Mark Driscoll of Trinity Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, has mentioned that tattoos' cultural context and personal significance can play a big role in deciding whether they are appropriate for Christians, emphasizing the importance of the motive and message behind the tattoo.

What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?

The short answer is...nothing. At least nothing definitive. The Bible does not specifically reference tattoos as we understand them in modern times. Some Christians condemn all tattooing as immoral because God clearly forbids them in Leviticus 19:28. Since the word tattoo does appear in this verse in some popular English translations, this argument seems straightforward. For example, the NIV reads, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”  

Other Christians say this passage no longer applies to us because it is Old Testament law and not for Christians. If you go online to try to answer the tattoo question, you’ll see both approaches and contradictory conclusions. Both of these approaches, however, are misleading because, as we will see, the answer to the tattoo question is that the Bible has nothing clearly to say about the practice of injecting ink under the skin to form permanent pictures, patterns, or messages—a.k.a. tattooing.  

Leviticus 19:28 translates, “And a cutting for the dead you will not make in your flesh; and writing marks you will not make on you; I am the Lord.” The word writing refers to inscribed or engraved symbols/words and is used only here. The word for marks, also used here alone, has an uncertain root, so we’re not sure what the word means. Further, the word tattoo did not enter English until the late 1700s.  This is probably why the KJV, written in the early 1600s, is closer to the literal translation saying, “ye shall not...print marks upon you.”  

The background to this law was that Israel, after being rescued from slavery, was between Egypt and Canaan. Recent archeology indicates that, while Egypt did tattoos, it was limited to women. Evidence suggests that tattooing the body parts of women associated with fertility (breasts, thighs, and abdomen) was believed to be a good luck charm to protect the birthing process. Women also frequently had imprints of the fertility goddess Bes, which supports this theory.

In Canaan, evidence indicates that instead of marking the body with ink, more extreme scarification measures, like branding, slashing, or gashing the skin, were used. Archeology, backed by biblical texts, indicates the Canaanites would customarily slash their bodies for ritualistic purposes (1 Kings 18:28), especially to mourn their dead and honor their gods. Leviticus 19:28 seems to imply this when it says, “You will not make cuttings in your flesh, for the dead, nor print marks on you.” In light of this information from Egypt and Canaan, it would seem God forbade scarification, not tattooing as we know it.

With this said, while there may be no clear passage in the Bible addressing tattoos, this is hardly a license for unrestrained tattooing. You still need to think before you ink, especially if you’re a Christian. The following are guiding questions to help you think through your decision.  

Modification – Since the Bible does not explicitly forbid tattoos, are there any limits? We know our body is not our own but God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The Bible highly views the body as God’s handiwork, which is not to be disfigured. Non-Israelites did not hold this view. Today, some have permanently modified their bodies to look more like animals or aliens than humans, who alone are created in his image. We must ask ourselves how much we can modify our bodies to suit our desires while not disfiguring the beauty of the human form as God made it.  

Motive for a Tattoo – Why get a tattoo? If it is in rebellion to parents, it is clearly not acceptable (Ephesians 6:1-3). And while artistic self-expression can be OK, our primary motive for anything we do should be to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31). This means seeking to honor and draw attention to him, not ourselves. Getting a tattoo for purposes of a witness may be acceptable, but remember, this is not the primary or most effective way to evangelize. It is in no way a substitute for verbally communicating the gospel. You are not fulfilling the Great Commission simply because you have a Bible verse tattoo.

Modesty – Modesty means not being self-promoting. Are you seeking to direct people’s thoughts toward God or yourself? Tattoos often accentuate certain body areas and get our thoughts on that body part. It is hard to believe that anyone with a “tramp stamp” (a tattoo on the lower back) is seeking to direct people’s thoughts toward God. Thinking modestly will lead you to think about, and even limit, the size, number, and locations of tattoos.

Marketability – Will employers want to hire you? Numerous companies don’t want your tattoo to be visible, and it can prevent you from being hired. Many employers will restrict your tattoos, requiring you to cover them up because they are not socially acceptable from a business standpoint.

Message of the Tattoo – What is it about yourself that you want to communicate to the world? Tattoos are powerful messages, automatically conveying what you value. They are nearly permanent and will likely be with you for life. A growing experience with tattoos is officially called “tattoo regret.” As you mature, you may, like increasing numbers of people, regret your tattoos because you have outgrown their messages and changed your values.  

Money – Is this the wisest use of money? One website, Tattoo Info, says, “In America, you can expect a basic price of $80 to $100 an hour...very few shops will ever touch you for less than $40” (2004-2009). We are responsible to God for how we use our money. It’s also important to remember that the removal technologies being developed are even more expensive than the cost of getting a tattoo in the first place.

Medical concerns – There are real health risks with tattoos. The Mayo Clinic warns, “Don’t take tattooing lightly”. They’ve resulted in severe allergic reactions, infections, unsightly scars, and blood-borne diseases like Hepatitis B and C. Tattooing deliberately opens the skin and exposes your blood to unknown bacteria. Tattoo parlors are not medical clinics, although they puncture the skin and expose blood.

Please, think before you ink. Don’t make this decision hastily or rashly. Use these guiding questions to think through your decision. Discuss them with mature Christian adults you trust.

This article originally appeared in Reach Out, Columbia magazine and is used with permission.

Will Honeycutt has been a professor of contemporary issues and apologetics at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, since 1995. He lives in Forest, VA, with his wife of 25 years and their adult daughter, and enjoys teaching college-aged adults in his church.

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Jon Tyson