What Does The Bible Say About Tattoos? – Expression or Sin

Faithful Christians often wonder about “What does the bible say about tattoos?”. And, there are multiple contexts and angles to this. In the modern world, tattoos are primarily perceived as a form of expression. Whereas, believers don’t want tattoos to have a conflict with their religion. According to sources, tattoos were prohibited in ancient times. The writers of the Hebrew Bible were responsible for  forbidden tattooing. Specifically, the Leviticus 19:28 verse says “You shall not make any gashes in your flesh for the dead or incise any marks upon yourself”. 

Christian scholars believe that this was a warning. Tattoos were considered to be a part of pagan rituals during the Bible timeline. Aside from the scriptures, many Christians think that tattoos will stop one’s soul to exit their body and enter the afterlife. Overall, there are many options, expert insights, and biblical contexts surrounding this question. Stay tuned as this is a complete guide on What does the Bible say about tattoos?. 

What Does The Bible Say About Tattoos?

It is quite significant to understand what the Bible actually says before forming your opinion. The scriptures are known to influence our understanding of the world and its elements. Well, Leviticus 19:28 is the only Bible verse that talks about the morality of tattoos so far. This verse directly tells the people to not make any cuts, incisions, and markings on themselves. In simple words, strictly advising everyone against tattoos. 

This verse originates from the Old Testament and shows the guidelines given to the people of Israel. It was part of the law at the time. In the Bible, not having tattoos is perceived as staying away from pagan traditions. It is even associated with ritual purity, social behaviour, and connection with God. In conclusion, the Old Testament considers tattoos to be unholy. The cultural and religious law forbade tattoos for Israelites. 

Why Were Tattoos Forbidden In The Bible?

In the historical context, tattoos or any kind of markings on the body were condemned openly. The people of ancient Israel knew that they had to stay away from tattoos. Not accepting foreign/false customs was a major part of it. Christian scholars believe that there are multiple reasons behind this:

• First of all, if someone has tattoos they are associated with pagan rituals. They are ultimately believed to be someone without a god or false idols. Many kinds of pagan traditions and mourning rituals were also forbidden. According to the law makers, tattoos were also part of these traditions and weren’t allowed. 
• Undeniably, selective individuals had tattoos, markings, and brandings in the ancient culture. Primarily, they were people who became slaves or those who were faithful towards pagan gods. Therefore, tattoos were considered to be a mark of submission to these false gods or losing their individuality. 
• The law of ancient Israel stated that peoples’ bodies belonged to the Almighty Lord. And, they were not allowed to indulge in the forbidden practices such as tattooing. It was perceived as superstition and unholy by those who followed God’s plan. 

Scholars & Public Opinions Against Tattoos (What Does The Bible Say About Tattoos?)

By now, it must be pretty clear to you “what does the Bible say about tattoos?”. Aside from the Holy scriptures, there are many opinions against tattoos. They do not consider it an art form or a medium of expression. Some of these opinions come forward as warnings against consequences in the afterlife. Whereas, others find it completely unacceptable. According to many modern Christians, the Old Testament is still morally righteous and provides ethical guidance. These people are hard believers of the Leviticus 19:28 Bible verse. 

Most of these opinions reflect that tattoos dishonor the human body, the soul and God’s grace at the same time. According to them, humans are creations of the divine God and we shouldn’t sabotage his work. In a way, they regard the human body as a temple. Tattoos are highlighted as a form of cultural and spiritual baggage. The context of pagan symbolism is very common amongst these opinions. Having or allowing tattoos is shown as rebellious and being against Christianity. In the end, these are just opinions and not actual evidence from the Bible. 

Are Tattoos Still Forbidden For Christians To This Day?

A lot has changed in the modern world and many people have evolved their thoughts. Even though there are many Christians still against tattoos, some people just do what they want. There are many people who believe that having tattoos does not make you unholy or conflict with your religion. Intellectual people keep wondering whether the prohibition still applies to Christians at present. Most of the time, their conclusion is no, it’s not applicable. With the incarnation and teachings of Jesus Christ, the world switched to the New Testament. 

People believe that the laws established through the Old Testament are not relevant now. This includes prohibition of tattoos. Christian believers of the New Testament do not think that having tattoos is a sin. They continue to worship the Almighty God even after having tattoos on their body. People in the favour of tattoos argue that they are not living under the Mosaic covenant or the Ancient Israel law. According to their opinions, the New Testament is not against tattoos. They say that tattoos can have an aesthetic meaning, personal representation, or deep meaning. As long as the tattoos are not symbolising pagan gods or unholy messages, it’s alright. 

Conclusion

There is a lot of speculation around the morality of having tattoos. In the end, you can shape your own opinion in this matter. Even though the Old Testament was strictly against tattoos, the modern Christians are divided into two halves. Some mind tattoos and others find them to be very expressive. Just make sure that your intention behind the tattoo does not conflict with Christianity. As long as your tattoo has a good meaning, the ancient laws do not apply. 

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