Should a Christian Get a Tattoo?

Tattoos have become incredibly popular. They are a way to express identity, remember loved ones, or showcase beautiful art. For new and curious Christians, seeing other believers with tattoos—even pastors—can make you wonder: Is this okay? Does God care?  

This is a question many devoted followers of Jesus wrestle with, and it’s important to approach it not with judgment, but with a sincere desire to understand what God’s Word teaches about how we treat our bodies.

The Key Scripture: Leviticus 19:28

When this topic comes up, one verse is almost always mentioned:

Leviticus 19:28: "You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord."  

At first glance, this seems like a definitive "No." However, to be honest with Scripture, we need to understand the context of this law.

The Context Matters: Leviticus is part of the Law given to ancient Israel. This law wasn't just about personal choices; it was about making Israel distinct from the pagan nations around them.

At the time, the surrounding cultures (like the Canaanites) would often cut themselves or tattoo markings onto their bodies as part of worship rituals for false gods, or in mourning for the dead. The command from God was essentially: "Do not copy the practices of those who worship idols."  

So, is a modern tattoo for a loved one or a Bible verse the same as a pagan ritual? Clearly, the intent is different today. For a Christian, the motive is usually not idol worship.

Principles for the New Testament Christian

While the Levitical law has been fulfilled in Jesus (we no longer follow Old Testament dietary rules or ceremonial laws), the New Testament still gives us clear principles on how we should view our physical bodies:

1. Your Body is a Temple: This is the most powerful New Testament argument regarding how Christians should treat their bodies.

   • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

     The question shifts from “Is this a pagan ritual?” to “Does this glorify God?” Our body is not simply a canvas for self-expression; it is the physical dwelling place of God’s Spirit. Our goal is to keep the temple in a state that honours the Owner.  

2. Focus on Inward Beauty: The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of a heart devoted to God over outward physical appearance.  

   • 1 Peter 3:3-4: "Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

     While this doesn't strictly forbid tattoos, it directs our energy. If a choice distracts from the message of Christ or places undue emphasis on the flesh, it might be a distraction from our true calling.  

3. The Principle of Doubt and Witness: We must also consider how our decisions affect other believers and our witness to the outside world.

   • Romans 14:22-23 warns against choices that cause a believer to doubt: "The faith that you have, have as your own conviction before God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because their eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin."

     If getting a tattoo causes you or a new Christian you know to genuinely doubt its wisdom or holiness, that doubt itself is a strong spiritual warning. Furthermore, tattoos can sometimes carry strong associations in certain cultures or communities that hinder the message of the Gospel.  

Conclusion: Why Many Christians Say No

While the Bible does not issue a direct, blanket ban on modern, non-ritualistic tattoos, the consensus for many Christians, especially those seeking to live a life of uncompromising devotion, is that Christians should not get a tattoo.

This conclusion is rooted in two main reasons:

1. The Call to Holiness: The body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit. While a tattoo is not inherently sin, the permanent alteration often violates the spirit of cherishing and protecting the body as a dedicated vessel for God's glory.

2. Avoiding the Appearance of Evil (and Doubt): When a choice—especially a permanent one—is rooted in a questionable Old Testament practice and causes concern among other devoted believers, it is wiser to choose the path of clear witness and greater caution.

Our desire should be to look and live differently from the world because of Jesus. We should seek to glorify God with our lives and our very bodies, choosing a path that removes all question and doubt concerning our total dedication to Him.