Are Tattoos Sinful? Here’s What The Bible Actually Says

In this article, we’ll explore one girl’s experience before looking at what the Bible actually says about tattoos. There is only one verse in the entire Bible that even mentions tattoos (Leviticus 19:28), and it isn’t as straightforward as it initially appears.

Let’s dive in and settle this heated debate!

Are Tattoos a Sin?

Recently a 19-year-old Reddit user took to the R/Christianity forum to ask for advice. She wrote,

“My father promised to take me to a tattoo shop when I turned 18… [A] few days ago he remembered about it and today I got my first tattoo with him. It’s an I Love You 3000 with the arc reactor. We chose this because Iron Man is my favorite character and to symbolize him and his daughter like our relationship.”

Most Christians Don’t Think Tattoos Are Sinful

In her post, she goes on to explain that her father is a pastor who also has tattoos. She wrote,

“He told me tattoos are not a sin as long as it’s [not] blasphemous or something. I asked him a few times before and he always said it’s not a sin because we are not under OT and God doesn’t judge the way we look, He looks into our hearts.”

Plus, she shared, that she knew plenty of other Christians with tattoos, so she assumed it would be fine.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case…

But Some Christians Do Believe Tattoos Are a Sin

She quickly found that some Christians are still adamant that tattoos are a sin. Even though the woman’s father repeatedly assured her that tattoos were okay, this didn’t stop other people from sharing their opinions.

She wrote, “I just watched some videos on [YouTube] about getting tattoos as a Christian and many people say it’s a sin, some people in the comments even said God clearly told them it’s a sin. But also many people say it’s not a sin either so [I don’t know] who to trust.”

Now, She’s Questioning Her Decision

Now, the woman isn’t sure what to do. She wants to get more tattoos, but she isn’t sure if she should. She wrote,

“I think it’s a personal conviction and it’s between you and God but I’ve been kinda lukewarm lately and it’s hard for me to pray so [I don’t know] if He will answer me if I ask because I already got my tattoo.”

What a tricky situation to be in!

Thankfully, Most People Were Very Supportive

Most (though not all) of the replies the woman received encouraged her that tattoos are not a sin, and she should get another one if she wants one.

But what does the Bible say about tattoos? Let’s find out!

What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?

Leviticus 19:28 is the only place where tattoos are directly mentioned by name in the Bible. It says, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”

Alternately, the King James Version (KJV) translates the verse this way: “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.”

However, it’s important to understand this verse in context (both the original literal translation and in the English language) before we can answer the question, “What does the Bible say about tattoos?” or, more importantly, “Is getting a tattoo a sin?”

Here are two things you need to know…

1. Leviticus 19:28 Was Written to the Israelites (Not Us)

Leviticus 19 contains a long list of rules, most of which we no longer follow today.

This is because Leviticus 19 records specific laws God gave to the Israelites living under the Old Covenant. Some of these laws are still binding for us as Christians living under the New Covenant today, but others are not.

For example, here are a few other laws included in this same list:

• Verse 5: “When you sacrifice a fellowship offering to the Lord, sacrifice it in such a way that it will be accepted on your behalf.”
• Verse 9: “When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.”
• Verse 14: “Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind”
• Verse 19: “Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material.”
• Verse 27: “Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.”

2. Cutting Flesh Was a Common Pagan Ritual During that Time

Many of God’s laws for the nation of Israel weren’t given because the action itself was sinful, but because God didn’t want the Israelites to copy the pagan practices of neighbors, leading them to worship foreign gods. This is likely the case here.

According to GotQuestions.org, “In the Old Testament, self-mutilation was a common practice among false religions.”

We see this in 1 Kings 18 when Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a competition to prove whose God is real. Scripture tells us the 450 prophets of Baal “…shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom until their blood flowed.”

If we look at Leviticus 19:28 again, we see that this verse likely isn’t talking about Christian tattoos in general (for decorative purposes), but it may be in the context of marking one’s body for pagan ritualistic purposes.

Are Tattoos a Sin Today?

Tattoos are not a sin, and getting a tattoo is not sinful. The only verse where tattoos are prohibited in the Bible (Leviticus 19:28) was written for the Israelites only. There are no Bible verses about tattoos that state that tattoos are a sin for Christians today.

7 “Sins” the Bible Never Actually Prohibits

Tattoos aren’t the only thing Christians have mistakenly called a sin. 

If you grew up in a conservative Christian household (like I did!), you may have learned that some actions weren’t appropriate for Christians.

For example, I was definitely taught that “you don’t smoke, drink, cuss, gamble, or spend time with those who do.”

Imagine my surprise, then, when — as an adult — I learned that not all Christians find all of these actions (or others) wrong in the slightest!

No matter your personal preference (and I still prefer not to do most of these things myself), here are 7 things the Bible never actually prohibits as sin.

7 “Sins” the Bible Never Actually Prohibits

10 Commonly Accepted “Biblical” Truths You Won’t Find Anywhere in the Bible

Unfortunately, the misguided belief that tattoos are a sin isn’t the only thing people get wrong about Christianity.

Want even more Bible misconceptions? There are tons of them out there!

From Eve and the apple to Jonah and the whale, you might just be surprised to find out the Bible doesn’t include the details you think it does!

Here are 10 Commonly accepted “Biblical” truths you won’t find anywhere in the Bible. 

Oops! These 13 Popular Bible Verses Don’t Mean What You Think

Unfortunately, these verses are far from the only ones Christians and non-Christians often misunderstand.

Here are 10 popular Bible verses people love to take out of context, completely distorting their original meaning in the process.

Oops! These 13 Popular Bible Verses Don’t Mean What You Think

Yes, Christians Should Judge. Here’s Why.

Tired of judgemental Christians? Me too.

But, unfortunately, simply scolding someone online isn’t enough to make all the judgmental haters quit with their biting comments.

Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, the Bible actually says Christians should judge.

Here’s what the Bible says on the matter, why Christians should judge others (at times), and why you probably should too.

Yes, Christians Should Judge. Here’s Why.

How Do You Know When God is Speaking to You?

Do you know if God is really talking to you and it’s not just your own thoughts? This is an important question with enormous consequences. And how we answer this question can shape everything in our lives from big to small.

The truth is: Hearing God’s voice isn’t always easy. But it is possible. And if you’re wondering, you’re certainly not alone.

How Do You Know When God is Speaking to You?