People have been getting tattoos for centuries. There are many reasons why people get tattoos, including expressing themselves artistically, commemorating a loved one, or symbolizing their beliefs.
However, there are also many Bible verses that talk about tattoos. Some people choose to get tattoos despite what the Bible says, while others choose not to get tattoos because of what the Bible says.
The Body is the temple of the spirit and you won’t go to hell for getting or having a tattoo. Getting a tattoo can only be considered a sin depending on the reason why you did it.
Below we will explore 11 of the most popular Bible verses about tattoos.
Reason For Getting a Tattoo
Before we get into the Bible verses about tattoos, it’s important to understand the motivation behind getting a tattoo. For some people, their tattoos are simply for aesthetic reasons. They like the way they look and they enjoy having them.
For others, their tattoos have a more personal meaning. They might use them to commemorate a loved one who has passed away, or they might get a tattoo to symbolize their faith.
There are also people who get tattoos as a way of expressing themselves creatively. They may enjoy the process of choosing the design and getting inked.
You should not be getting a tattoo because of pride or conforming to the way of the world but a great reason to get a tattoo should be to show your honor, devotion, and love for God.
11 Bible Verses That Talks About Tattoos
1. In the Old Testament, tattoos were often used to identify people as criminals or slaves. For example, when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, he commanded them to tattoo a blue cord on their wrists to show that they were part of God’s people (Exodus 14).
2. In Leviticus 19:28, God says, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” God is telling his people that they should not mutilate their bodies as the Gentiles do.
3. In the New Testament, tattoos are still seen as a form of self-mutilation. In Romans 12, Paul says, “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” In other words, we should not get tattoos or any other type of body modification that goes against God’s will.
4. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
6. Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
When we offer our bodies as living sacrifices, we are not able to do things that would dishonor God, like getting tattoos.
7. In Ephesians 4:22-24, Paul says, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Tattoos are a form of self-mutilation and they go against what it means to be made new in Christ.
8. 1 Peter 1:14-16, “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
9. Deuteronomy 12:4 says, “You must not worship the Lord your God in the way these nations worship their gods. You are not to make statues of gods for yourselves or erect an Asherah pole beside the altar you build to the Lord your God.”
10. John 7:24, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
Tattoos can be seen as a form of self-worship and they can be an idol if we put our trust in them instead of God.
Also just because someone has tattoos doesn’t you’re safe and they’re not. You should not be judging others but instead loving everyone as you love yourself.
11. 1 Samuel 16:7, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
This verse is a reminder that we should not judge others by their appearance.
Tattoos are a permanent decision and should not be taken lightly. Be sure to pray and seek God’s wisdom before making this decision.
I hope these verses were helpful in your journey of whether or not to get a tattoo! As always, feel free to comment below with any questions you may have!
Is it a Sin to Get a Tattoo?
There is no clear answer in the Bible that says it is a sin for Christians to have or get tattoos. Some people believe that it is a sin because of what the Bible says in Leviticus 19:28.
Others believe that it is not a sin because there is no specific commandment from God prohibiting tattoos. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they want to get a tattoo based on their own personal beliefs.
Tattoos are often associated with things that are earthly and sinful, like sexual immorality and impurity. Therefore, getting a tattoo could be an act of disobedience to what God has called us to.
But this is no reason for us to be scornful or judgemental towards our brothers and sisters with tattoos or else we become sinful in the act of judging or hating.
Summary
I personally do not have any tattoos but when we get tattoos, we should be doing it out of love for God or for others. We should be trying to commemorate a special moment in our lives or we’re trying to show our faith through our tattoos.
But, no matter what the reason, we should always make sure that our tattoos are honoring God and not going against his will. If you’re unsure about whether or not getting a tattoo is a sin, ask God for guidance and wisdom. He will always lead you in the right direction.
There are many other Bible verses about tattoos, but these are some of the most popular ones. If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, please read these verses and pray about what God is telling you.
Ultimately, you should make your decision based on what you believe is right, not on what others think or say.
What do you think about tattoos? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other blog posts about the Bible and Christianity. Thanks for reading! God bless! 🙂