What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?
The Bible mentions tattoos once, in a verse most people quote without its context. What Christians conclude from it varies, so here is the passage, its setting, and the principles believers apply.
What the Bible says
- Scripture
Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:28 The prohibition sits among pagan mourning rites: cuttings "for the dead" and marks tied to idol worship. Its context is pagan practice, not modern cosmetic tattooing as such.
- Scripture
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 The broader New Testament principle: whatever you do, including decisions about your body, aim it at God's glory.
- Scripture
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Romans 14:23 Where Scripture doesn't settle a matter, conscience before God decides: if you can't do it in faith, don't.
A grounded way to understand this
Christians land in different places: some see Leviticus 19:28 as a timeless principle against marking the body; others see it as bound to pagan ritual and apply the glory-of-God principle instead. Both sides should weigh motives honestly and refuse to judge one another (Romans 14:13).
Ask your own Bible question
Get an instant Bible-grounded answer in plain language using Scripture (KJV).
What's shaping your heart underneath this?
Take a Scripture-grounded reflection on the patterns, fears, and strengths shaping moments like this one.
People also ask
Is getting a tattoo a sin?
The Bible's one direct verse (Leviticus 19:28) addressed pagan mourning marks. Christians disagree on whether the principle extends to all tattoos. The New Testament test is motive and conscience: "do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Can Christians have tattoos?
Many do, many don't, and both cite Scripture. Consider your motive, your conscience (Romans 14:23), your witness, and counsel from mature believers before deciding.
What about tattoos I got before I was a Christian?
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us" (1 John 1:9). The Bible treats the past as forgiven and the present as consecrated (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Every answer is grounded in Scripture (KJV) and written to bring clarity, comfort, and truth.