So, you’re thinking of getting a tattoo, or maybe you have a child or sibling who wants to get one.
Maybe you’ve come to Christ and given your life to Him and you already have them. What do you do?
As a Christian, is having a tatoo sin? In other words, can a Christian have a tattoo and still be seen as a faithful Christ follower?
Let’s explore what the Bible has to say about tattoos and find out what’s permitted and what we need to steer clear from.
Can a Christian have a tattoo?
It’s no longer just the outdated thoughts of stereotypical guys from biker clubs or kids from rough neighborhoods, the rebels and delinquents who want to get tattoos these days. A growing number of women and men of all ages are either getting tattoos or have expressed a sincere interest or desire to get one because they think it will make them look more attractive, unique, or cool.
People get tattoos for a myriad of reasons, both good and bad. But the question we need to ask ourselves is, does getting a tattoo (or having them) honor Christ?
What The Bible Says About Tattoos
One of the most popular verses used against supporting the idea of Christians getting tattoos is Leviticus 19:28, which says, “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
Many people interpret this verse to mean that Christians shouldn’t get tattoos because it would be in direct disobedience to God’s Word. However, there are a number of things that we need to take into account when interpreting this verse. Let’s do a super quick look back into these particular Bible times.
First, it’s important to understand the historical and cultural context in which this verse was written. At the time, tattoos were often associated with pagan worship and idolatry. Tattoos were connected with the names of idols and were permanent signs of apostasy.
Making deep gashes on the face, arms, or legs was done when people were in grief and was universal amongst pagans. It was seen by them, as a mark of respect for the dead, as well as an offering to the gods who presided over death. So, it’s likely that this verse was intended to prevent the Israelites from following pagan practices they learned in Egypt.
Second, we need to consider the fact that the Old Testament Law was given to the Israelites as a way to set them apart from the pagans surrounding them. It was meant to be a marker of their unique relationship with God. While we are not bound by those Old Testament laws, our HEARTS should be different than the pagans! If everyone else is getting tattoos, we should not.
We should not be following the pagan or worldly culture in which we live. We are set apart for the Lord. If we are living just like the world around us, there is no distinction of us in Christ, therefore, it hinders our witness to the dying world.
I tell you the truth, I have no tattoos. And MANY times when people meet me, they comment on how sweet I am. People will look at me, and say or think that I am sweet and they want to be my friend or instantly like me. I’m a likable person. I believe this comes from being different than the world. Being wholesome in my dress, not having tattoos or markings, but BEING sweet and loveable.
If people are automatically liking me, it helps me to further my witness of who I live my life for, namely Jesus Christ, and shows that I’m not interested in participating in the world’s idea of what’s “cool” and what’s not. I don’t wear ripped jeans, I don’t say something cool is “dope” because dope is bad, it’s drugs, and we shouldn’t call something bad, good.
How we live our lives, as an outward appearance is a testimony of our HEARTS before the Lord. Our bodies are our temples and we are to honor God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Would we go and graffiti a church building????
Surely not. Then why would it be a good idea to get a tattoo? While it is not sin, I do believe there is enough evidence throughout the Bible to steer completely clear of it.
We are to run the race with endurance, the Bible says (Hebrews 12:1-2). Not get caught up in the worldly stuff. Would Jesus get a tattoo if He were living in our generation as a human today? Would Paul?
No, they are far more concerned with guarding their precious time and making every second on earth count for Jesus, than to participate in such things.
Point blank, we are living testimonies to the grace of God, set apart for Him (Deuteronomy 14:2), to the watching world. We MUST be different!
Five Questions Christians Should Ask Themselves Before Getting A Tattoo
So, what does all of that mean in terms of Christians having tattoos today? Does it mean that if a Christian gets one, they can’t be seen or recognized as a faithful Christ follower?
I’ll be very honest to say that we all are being judged every single day, by everyone, in a millisecond. Having tattoos, looking rough, all hinder the gospel because people are noticing the tattoos and markings instead of the heart or the words coming out of our mouths. And if you are wanting to be seen as rough or cool, then it’s a matter of the heart, not on fire for Christ or walking in the Spirit how it ought to be.
While it is not sin to have a tattoo, it’s not something Jesus would do and we are called to be like Him. We want people to hear our words, the gospel, our testimony of Christ, not be DISTRACTED by something on our bodies (whether a tattoo, indecent clothes, etc.)
Is is okay to get a tattoo then, if they are Christian in nature?
Why not get a T-shirt to parade your faith instead? Why make a long-term physical mark on your body? We are called to live a quiet and peaceful life, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, not one that is LOUD and disrespectful. While it is allowed, is it glorifying to God? 1 Corinthians 10:23
What if I already have tattoos before coming to faith, what should I do then?
This is a fantastic question. You are free to do what you want to do as it is not sin. however, make it a matter of SERIOUS prayer before the Lord to see what HE wants you to do, what honors Him.
You are no longer a slave to your old customs, thoughts, and beliefs (Exodus 20:2), you are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). I would also say this, it is my opinion that you remove them. Wearing long sleeves, covering them up is only hiding what you have. The heart needs to be completely cleaned when coming to Christ. Remove them. Be free of your old life and be new to Jesus.
Tattoos in our culture are seen as open rebellion. As a Christian, we do not want our testimony to be of rebellion, but of submissive obedience to the One Who created us.
Check your motivation for having or wanting tattoos
While the tattoo itself may not be sin, the motivation could be. It’s like money. Money is not sin. It’s just a piece of paper with green ink on it, yet money leads more people INTO sin than many things. Greed, covetness, theft, idolatry, the list goes on and on.
Having money is not a sin. Having a tattoo is not a sin. But if the motivations of the heart are not proper, then it BECOMES sin. Why do you want a tattoo?
You think it makes you look cool? We are not here to be cool or to fit in. We are here for God. Period.
Is the desire to get a tattoo because you’re looking for approval or recognition from someone other than God? This is idolatry.
Are you wanting to make a statement that goes against what the Bible teaches? Like, are you wanting a tattoo in an attempt to rebel against your parents or other authority figures? This goes against the command to honor your mother and father (Exodus 20:12).
Are you wanting a tattoo because you’re trying to fit in with a certain group of people or peer pressure? And if so, why does their opinion of you matter so much to you? Isn’t it not God’s opinion that matters the most?
Are you unhappy, dissatisfied, or discontent with your appearance, so much so that you’re willing to make a permanent alteration to your body? You are God’s creation. You are wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-14) in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). He loves you JUST how you are, you don’t have to do anything to make Him love you more.
What will this tattoo look like? Is it going to be something that could be misconstrued as offensive, pornographic, racist, or demeaning in any way? Or is it going to be a tattoo that you’ll regret later down the road? I mean, when you’re 80 years old, are you REALLY still going to want that marking on your body?
Will your tattoo bring glory to God? Can you answer that question and explain it clearly with complete clarity, conviction, and confidence?
We are God’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), spreading the gospel. What kind of message does having a tattoo (or many tattoos) send to the very world that we are trying to save?
It’s all about understanding what’s driving your desire.
Here are a few more questions to ask yourself when making up your mind about what you want to do…
Will this tattoo hinder your walk with God or cause another Christian to stumble in some way? Read Romans 14:15 & 21 and 1 Corinthians 8 in light of that question. There is a lot to contemplate in those passages of Scripture.
Are you willing to take care of this tattoo for the rest of your life? A tattoo is a permanent decision. Are you prepared to deal with the pain of getting it done? And what will this tattoo look like down the road as you get older? Will the meaning of the tattoo change over the course of the years as things start to sag and droop?
Maybe you’ve never asked yourself questions like these before today. And that’s okay. It’s not too late! You can still choose to glorify God by thinking through and praying about everything from His perspective before making this type of personal decision.
If after going through the questions, praying, and doing some extensive soul-searching, you feel there’s nothing wrong with getting a tattoo in your conscience before the Lord, why not try a temporary tattoo just to make certain you love this idea? Something like henna or tattoo sleeves or skins just to make sure this is the absolute right decision for you.
Can Christians wear henna tattoos?
I would say it’s the same as the above information. Go through the list of everything and check heart motives and make it a serious matter of prayer before the Lord before doing anything. ❤️
