What does the Bible say about tattoos / body piercings?

Your Brother In Christ said:

Yes I have seen people saved using tattoos as a witness, that is why when I was told by some Christians that it was a sin. I had to know what the Bible actually said.

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I think it's also good to consider the bigger picture, rather than concentrating in isolation on 'it'. (I know you do reflect broadly.) There can be mature, Godly Christians with tattoos, who acquired unsuitable ones at an earlier stage of their lives, and there are Christians with ones they believe are God honoring; and there can be self-righteous people with no tattoos. So it's not really a question of tattoos or no tattoos.

Your Brother In Christ said:

Here is a Video That May Help Anyone Struggling with this. Let me know your opinion and if this has helped you.

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I think it is sin because God does not change and if His character remains consistent throughout time... and sin stands opposed to His character... then what was once sin is always sin. That said, I am NOT saying this is an eternal death sentence. Sin is not what most make it out to be. The Hebrew chata'ah (sin) is unintentional or unknown sin not rebellion. And if somebody is raised in our modern culture thinking God's law means nothing today (despite it being written on the mind and heart... go figure???) then nothing in the NT stands against getting one. That might mean it is still against His will, still sin... but chata'ah... unintentional, not rebellion. The Yom Kippur sacrifice which pointed to Yeshua's work as a metaphoric sin sacrifice... was specifically for chata'ah so if somebody gets one and is truly ignorant of it still being against God's will... it is covered.

And if God's law does mean nothing today (despite it being moved from stone to the heart by God Himself).... then I have no point, so never-mind.

Ken Rank said:

I think it is sin because God does not change and if His character remains consistent throughout time... and sin stands opposed to His character... then what was once sin is always sin.

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I understand what you're saying, but this argument that claims it isn't a sin (as in the video) does not contradict or oppose that statement you just made. The point made in this video is that a tattoo or piercing in and of itself never has been inherently sinful in the eyes of God. This is not to say that those things were never forbidden in the OT (it clearly was), but this argument is centered around the idea that it was forbidden for a more specific reason and not because the very act of piercing or inking skin is sinful. If this argument is true, modern tattoos and piercings would have an entirely different purpose and motive behind them that would render them morally permissible and unsinful even in the eyes of an unchanging God.

I've gone back and forth on the topic alot, and am very willing to look at both sides of the argument, but I tend to lean in agreement with the video.

protorayish said:

If this argument is true, modern tattoos and piercings would have an entirely different purpose and motive behind them that would render them morally permissible and unsinful even in the eyes of an unchanging God.

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I think the bigger picture is also important, in this New Testament age of grace.

One can have self-righteous people without tattoos.

One can have Godly people with unsuitable tattoos acquired many years ago.

One can have young believers with Bible verse (etc.) tattoos which were gotten in the sincere belief that they help in personal witness.

The profitable question is not, really: "Does Brother Humphrey have a tattoo?" or maybe just as likely: "Does Sister Tiffany have a tattoo?"

The main question as always is: What is the state of Humphrey's, Tiffany's (etc.) heart? What indeed is the state of my heart?

I saw a quote from the Bible Belt; I'll try and dig up.

protorayish said:

I've gone back and forth on the topic alot, and am very willing to look at both sides of the argument, but I tend to lean in agreement with the video.

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PS: Here is the quote I mentioned, FYI:

QueenCat said:

Around here (Bible Belt), it is common, especially among evangelical Christians, for the girls under about 40 to have religious tattoos. More do than don't, especially when you get to the under 30 crowd. I hardly know any female at church that is under 30 that does not have a tattoo.

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forums dot thewelltrainedmind dot com

Your Brother In Christ said:

I do greatly respect my fellow Brother in Christ, all we are doing is recommending verses that each of us my want to examine, in order to grow closer to God. Now I have a question, if we are not to judge, then why is one of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit, discernment? The definition of discernment is “the ability to judge well.” how can this be true if we are not to judge?

P.S. the result of the video is that there is no where in scripture that states tattoos / body piercings are sins.

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Sorry for the late response.....your notification alert/email came in at 1:11 and when I signed in to respond, I saw that I just reached my 111th post. lol Had to stop and see if someone was trying to tell me something

But yeah discernment is a great gift we all should work on. I happen to believe that it is for the spiritual, however, not the natural. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. I believe that when i get in the "car", I will be confronted by many beings... some mean me good and others not so much. And getting in the car is only the first step, I still must past the road test. (feel free to use my analogies in your next sermon). Since satan can masquerade as an angel of light.....I must have good discernment-of-spirit skills, lest I mess up and take the "kingdoms of the Earth" when Im offered it.

Think about it....How many of us are going to flock to the first alien that comes in the sky with supernatural powers dress in white....possibly on a horse. They will cry Rapture Im saved!! Peace Peace....and then sudden destruction. These are they outside of the car who think they are in.

I think I talk too much.....that could be what the 111s were about..... If so, Forgive me. ;-)

The video itself is well done, in my opinion. I appreciate it when someone is succinct and straightforward when making a video explaining their stance on something.

The thing about the stance itself, is that it is based on cherry picking out of Leviticus, which has other rules/sins listed that are typically overlooked by the same people insisting that Leviticus can be used to demonstrate that tattoos are sinful. They are typically overlooked because they are old covenant rules, some of which Jesus Himself explained were irrelevant.

For an example, compare Leviticus 11 to Matthew 15:1-20.

However, Jesus also emphasized that intention was important.

For example, consider Luke 12:10-17 or Mark 3:1-6.

So this is why I believe that my own tattoo which I got when I was younger, was a sin for me to get, due to the nature of it and my motive behind it (pagan tattoo, got it in an impulsive and slightly intoxicated state, an act of rebellion against God, etc).

However, at the same time, I don't think you'll have much success convincing people on the matter of tattoos by cherry-picking out of Leviticus, for the reasons I already mentioned.

Rather I think if someone is considering a tattoo, and they are a Christian (which hopefully means that they want to do their best to follow Christ's teachings), then it is better to refer to Jesus' own teachings for guidance.

1. What is the intention behind getting the tattoo?
2. Will the tattoo help to glorify God or will it glorify something/someone else?
3. What are you not doing with the money that you are instead planning to spend on the tattoo? In essence, do you know people/someone in need, yet you spend the money to decorate your body instead?

I think that these are deeper spiritual questions that can help people to gradually move in a Godly direction with their lives, through spiritual introspection.

But the same questions could be applied to a great many other things, which is perhaps why some people are so hesitant to use them, as opposed to cherry picking out of Leviticus.

For example, even something like buying new furniture for your house could bring up the same questions. Are you more concerned about wanting flattering material things, more concerned about spending money to make your temporary, worldly properly look nicer, than you are concerned about helping those in need and giving the glory to God in the process?

So I think that is part of why so many prefer to cherry pick, rather than doing the deeper, more complex spiritual work that comes with applying Jesus' teachings to our lives.

Cherry picking out of Leviticus would allow one to say, "Well I don't wear mixed linens, and you do, so therefore I can call you on out on this without having to worry about you pointing out my own clothing."

But offering Jesus' teachings for guidance means that we would also need to look at every aspect of our own lives at the same time. However, I think this is the best approach. It can also help us to avoid the pitfall described in Matthew 7:3, if we instead focus on fellowship using Jesus' teachings, in which we share with each other how those teachings could help us improve our own lives. I think that spiritually this is much better for us all around.

protorayish said:

I understand what you're saying, but this argument that claims it isn't a sin (as in the video) does not contradict or oppose that statement you just made. The point made in this video is that a tattoo or piercing in and of itself never has been inherently sinful in the eyes of God. This is not to say that those things were never forbidden in the OT (it clearly was), but this argument is centered around the idea that it was forbidden for a more specific reason and not because the very act of piercing or inking skin is sinful. If this argument is true, modern tattoos and piercings would have an entirely different purpose and motive behind them that would render them morally permissible and unsinful even in the eyes of an unchanging God.

I've gone back and forth on the topic alot, and am very willing to look at both sides of the argument, but I tend to lean in agreement with the video.

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Greetings Protorayish. The video doesn't belong to me and with respect to @Your Brother In Christ I have found that he seems to try to find reason for God's commandments. I don't mean this in disrespect (YBIC) but if God said, "Shrimp is not food," then it is not food. The reason MIGHT BE because it is high in cholesterol and our Father just knows what's best for us. But, it might be because a shrimp will act cannibalistic if hungry enough, or dive to the bottom and lunch on poop. We don't know and it is a dangerous thing in my view... to try to give reason for God's commands. We are trained as humans to question our parents... not by the parents, they expect us to do what they tell us. But we all reach a point where they say, "I told you not to do X," and we say, "Why, what harm is there in this?" Doesn't matter, they said "No" and we are supposed to honor them. Likewise, if God says go we go, if He says stay we stay... no means no... yes means yes... and we are not supposed to question Him. At least, I don't believe we are.

So, was getting a tattoo a sin? Yes, the text does appear to say this. Is it still a sin? Well, that is between you and God. I don't believe Messiah's mission was to come here and change or bring an end to the law... if he did that he sinned because one of the commandments prohibits anyone from doing that. I think he came to reverse the curse of sin and death AND live in such a way that we can follow his example and please the Father in the process. If I am wrong... tats are not sin... but I really tend to think that if a sin stands in contrast to the character (name) of God... then unless His character has changed, it remains a sin. Blessings.

TurtleAnne said:

The video itself is well done, in my opinion. I appreciate it when someone is succinct and straightforward when making a video explaining their stance on something.

The thing about the stance itself, is that it is based on cherry picking out of Leviticus, which has other rules/sins listed that are typically overlooked by the same people insisting that Leviticus can be used to demonstrate that tattoos are sinful. They are typically overlooked because they are old covenant rules, some of which Jesus Himself explained were irrelevant.

For an example, compare Leviticus 11 to Matthew 15:1-20.

However, Jesus also emphasized that intention was important.

For example, consider Luke 12:10-17 or Mark 3:1-6.

So this is why I believe that my own tattoo which I got when I was younger, was a sin for me to get, due to the nature of it and my motive behind it (pagan tattoo, got it in an impulsive and slightly intoxicated state, an act of rebellion against God, etc).

However, at the same time, I don't think you'll have much success convincing people on the matter of tattoos by cherry-picking out of Leviticus, for the reasons I already mentioned.

Rather I think if someone is considering a tattoo, and they are a Christian (which hopefully means that they want to do their best to follow Christ's teachings), then it is better to refer to Jesus' own teachings for guidance.

1. What is the intention behind getting the tattoo?
2. Will the tattoo help to glorify God or will it glorify something/someone else?
3. What are you not doing with the money that you are instead planning to spend on the tattoo? In essence, do you know people/someone in need, yet you spend the money to decorate your body instead?

I think that these are deeper spiritual questions that can help people to gradually move in a Godly direction with their lives, through spiritual introspection.

But the same questions could be applied to a great many other things, which is perhaps why some people are so hesitant to use them, as opposed to cherry picking out of Leviticus.

For example, even something like buying new furniture for your house could bring up the same questions. Are you more concerned about wanting flattering material things, more concerned about spending money to make your temporary, worldly properly look nicer, than you are concerned about helping those in need and giving the glory to God in the process?

So I think that is part of why so many prefer to cherry pick, rather than doing the deeper, more complex spiritual work that comes with applying Jesus' teachings to our lives.

Cherry picking out of Leviticus would allow one to say, "Well I don't wear mixed linens, and you do, so therefore I can call you on out on this without having to worry about you pointing out my own clothing."

But offering Jesus' teachings for guidance means that we would also need to look at every aspect of our own lives at the same time. However, I think this is the best approach. It can also help us to avoid the pitfall described in Matthew 7:3, if we instead focus on fellowship using Jesus' teachings, in which we share with each other how those teachings could help us improve our own lives. I think that spiritually this is much better for us all around.

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Hi TurtleAnne,

As usual, you do have some very good, well thought out points, if I may say so.

In post #25 above where there is mentioned the quote from someone in the Bible Belt about the sheer prevalence of ppl in evangelical churches there who evidently have it done confidently, it would seem a bit odd for anyone to make the question of whether someone has a tattoo or not as some kind of supposed norm as to whether they are sound in the faith and walking with the Lord, don't you think?

Of course, some might be in the approximate situation that you have described yourself to be in, with plans for changing theirs; but the mere fact that they do or don't change or keep or have erased existing tattoos is hardly a gauge to their walk with the Lord, is it?

Ken Rank said:

Greetings Protorayish. The video doesn't belong to me and with respect to @Your Brother In Christ I have found that he seems to try to find reason for God's commandments. I don't mean this in disrespect (YBIC) but if God said, "Shrimp is not food," then it is not food. The reason MIGHT BE because it is high in cholesterol and our Father just knows what's best for us. But, it might be because a shrimp will act cannibalistic if hungry enough, or dive to the bottom and lunch on poop. We don't know and it is a dangerous thing in my view... to try to give reason for God's commands. We are trained as humans to question our parents... not by the parents, they expect us to do what they tell us. But we all reach a point where they say, "I told you not to do X," and we say, "Why, what harm is there in this?" Doesn't matter, they said "No" and we are supposed to honor them. Likewise, if God says go we go, if He says stay we stay... no means no... yes means yes... and we are not supposed to question Him. At least, I don't believe we are.

So, was getting a tattoo a sin? Yes, the text does appear to say this. Is it still a sin? Well, that is between you and God. I don't believe Messiah's mission was to come here and change or bring an end to the law... if he did that he sinned because one of the commandments prohibits anyone from doing that. I think he came to reverse the curse of sin and death AND live in such a way that we can follow his example and please the Father in the process. If I am wrong... tats are not sin... but I really tend to think that if a sin stands in contrast to the character (name) of God... then unless His character has changed, it remains a sin. Blessings.

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My 2c would also be that tattoos are not the focus as to whether someone is living under sin.

Hebrews 7.12 says that the law was changed.

Hebrews 7.19 says that what the New Testament believer now has is better than the law.

(But of course here are my dispensational presuppositions asserting themselves.)

faroukfarouk said:

Hi TurtleAnne,

As usual, you do have some very good, well thought out points, if I may say so.

In post #25 above where there is mentioned the quote from someone in the Bible Belt about the sheer prevalence of ppl in evangelical churches there who evidently have it done confidently, it would seem a bit odd for anyone to make the question of whether someone has a tattoo or not as some kind of supposed norm as to whether they are sound in the faith and walking with the Lord, don't you think?

Of course, some might be in the approximate situation that you have described yourself to be in, with plans for changing theirs; but the mere fact that they do or don't change or keep or have erased existing tattoos is hardly a gauge to their walk with the Lord, is it?

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Well I don't really consider it my business whether or not someone is walking with the Lord, unless I am considering them as a mentor (pastor, Bible study leader, etc) or considering them for marriage. Outside of those two scenarios, I'm not even really sure how I would attempt to go about discerning the spirituality of random people, because it's not really necessary for me to concern myself with it. But in the two cases I mention, what I would be looking for is whether or not they are making genuine efforts to apply Jesus' teachings to their lives.

A tattoo would obviously be something that they did at some point in the past, so I would have no way of knowing if there is any relevance to their spiritual fruits in the present day. They could have a pretty terrible tattoo but be a born-again Christian, just as they could have a scripture quote on their ankle but be sleeping with their best friend's wife. I mean I'm not psychic, I wouldn't know lol. So any tattoos or lack thereof would be irrelevant to me. I'd be considering how they are living their lives in the present, and if there is consistency over time in the present.

faroukfarouk said:

My 2c would also be that tattoos are not the focus as to whether someone is living under sin.

Hebrews 7.12 says that the law was changed.

Hebrews 7.19 says that what the New Testament believer now has is better than the law.

(But of course here are my dispensational presuppositions asserting themselves.)

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Brother, Heb. 7:12 says the priesthood is changed but that word, metatithēmi, means to transfer. The Levitical priesthood is called "everlasting" by God at least 2 times that I can think of, and I believe 3-4 times. That means, even if we can't reconcile it, there is a place in the future for that priesthood. But the WEIGHT is now in the Order of Melchizedek and in another thread I can detail what I believe to be the difference between the two priesthoods. In short, one was to serve Israel, the other is to the nations and we are doing that work, in part, today.

The change in the law is that what was written on stone is being moved to the heart. God gave Torah in writing, it was placed on stone. We have since put it on skins and then paper but it is still written by man for man to follow. The mark of the new covenant is the writing of the same on the mind and heart, not by man, but by God! Same Torah just moved to the place He originally commanded His people to keep it on their own and they could not do so. So... He is going to do it. That is the change in the law... not the eradication of it... the moving of it from stone to heart. (See Ezekiel 11:19, Deuteronomy 30:1-6, and others).

And as for vs. 19.. same thing... that which is "better" is the stony heart is being replaced with the heart of flesh. Much better, but same law.

Ken Rank said:

Brother, Heb. 7:12 says the priesthood is changed but that word, metatithēmi, means to transfer. The Levitical priesthood is called "everlasting" by God at least 2 times that I can think of, and I believe 3-4 times. That means, even if we can't reconcile it, there is a place in the future for that priesthood. But the WEIGHT is now in the Order of Melchizedek and in another thread I can detail what I believe to be the difference between the two priesthoods. In short, one was to serve Israel, the other is to the nations and we are doing that work, in part, today.

The change in the law is that what was written on stone is being moved to the heart. God gave Torah in writing, it was placed on stone. We have since put it on skins and then paper but it is still written by man for man to follow. The mark of the new covenant is the writing of the same on the mind and heart, not by man, but by God! Same Torah just moved to the place He originally commanded His people to keep it on their own and they could not do so. So... He is going to do it. That is the change in the law... not the eradication of it... the moving of it from stone to heart. (See Ezekiel 11:19, Deuteronomy 30:1-6, and others).

And as for vs. 19.. same thing... that which is "better" is the stony heart is being replaced with the heart of flesh. Much better, but same law.

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Thanks for your response, but as a dispensationalist I would see that the three entities are the Jew, the Gentile and the church of God (1 Corinthians 10.32); and I don't see the church and Israel as the same, and I don't see the church as being under the law.

Certainly as per Malachi the sons of Levi will be purified.

But I guess we are getting off topic from piercings and tattoos!

TurtleAnne said:

So this is why I believe that my own tattoo which I got when I was younger, was a sin for me to get, due to the nature of it and my motive behind it (pagan tattoo, got it in an impulsive and slightly intoxicated state, an act of rebellion against God, etc).

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PS:

TurtleAnne:

Did you know that it is now the case that in many states' and provinces' parlor inspection codes of practice that the tattoo artist should ensure that the person has not been drinking when they sit for a tattoo?

Of course one can mask having drunk a small amount of alcohol, but not a lot.

I guess you are now wishing that your tattoo artist had abided by what was his or her own probable code of practice, and waited until you were more ready to decide about your tattoo design.

So even though you might reproach yourself, yet he or she should also, for not having done his or her job, or not having done it according to code. (If this makes sense?)

I have 6 tattoos and a navel piercing. Its my body and I will do what I want with it not what the Bible wants

Goodbook said:

GOd isnt in the tattoo removal business if ppl choose to get them then its their own choice they KNOW its gonna be a permanent reminder of their folly.

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Tattoo removal can also be very expensive, can involve a number of sessions, and can also leave some ugly scars. If people can't stand the idea of continuing to wear their existing tattoos, an alternative to removal is getting a tattoo artist to change them to a design that they like better, or dislike less. For example, a Christian woman with the tattooed name of a non-Christian ex-bf, such as 'Bill', might well choose to have 'Bill' changed to 'Bible' or something like that, in nice lettering.

MissRowy said:

I have 6 tattoos and a navel piercing. Its my body and I will do what I want with it not what the Bible wants

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So I see anything passes for staff material these days...

Your Brother In Christ said:

What does the Bible say about tattoos / body piercings?

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Aside from Leviticus 19:28.....We are instructed to focus on being inwardly / not outwardly adorned - 1 Peter 3:3-4

My opinion is one that's come up here before: "It depends".

I've put quite a bit of thought into this because my cousin recently got a tattoo and it made a lot of the family very unhappy. I'm in the middle - I understand that she chose to get it because she'd settled it in her heart, but I also understand that her father feels disrespected because she knows he didn't want her to get one.

So is it ok to get a tattoo even if a parent forbids it? What if that parent is wise and respected?

When my brother was 18, he declared to my mom that he wanted to get a tattoo. She is anti tattoos, but didn't say "no". She said "wait 10 years, and if you still want one when you're 28, then get one. It's a big decision.". My mom is wise, and my brother knows that and respects her. He didn't get one, and probably isn't going to. He's 25 now and grown up quite a bit and has changed his mind.

So I think it's important to consider the opinions of people whose Christian opinion you respect and who have your best interests in mind.

Also, getting a tattoo is addictive. There are people who have their bodies completely covered in tattoos. It is also important to be sure that it's not something that becomes an addiction and takes over - many people are addicted to getting tattoos. This is going into territory of it being an idol, which is definitely a sin.

So in conclusion, in addition to the person settling it in their own heart (as has been previously discussed in this thread), they also should

1) consider and listen to the opinions of people who are more mature in Christ and whose opinion they respect.
2) remember that it can become an addition.

MissRowy said:

I have 6 tattoos and a navel piercing. Its my body and I will do what I want with it not what the Bible wants

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Perhaps the following does not readily apply to everyone ?

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? <---> 1 Corinthians 6:19