Are tattoos a sin?
Maybe you’re thinking about getting one. Maybe you already have a few and someone just quoted Leviticus at you. Here’s what the verse actually says, and what it meant.
A tattoo in itself is not a sin for a Christian. The one verse that mentions them, “You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves” (Leviticus 19:28), was given to Israel under the law, to keep them apart from the pagan mourning rituals of the nations around them, where people cut and marked themselves for the dead. Christians are not under that law (Romans 6:14; Galatians 3:24–25). But your body belongs to God, so what the tattoo says, and why you’re getting it, matters a lot. A tattoo that honors God is different from one that celebrates darkness, lust or a false god.
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The prophet who nearly picked the wrong king
God sent Samuel to Jesse’s house to anoint the next king. When Samuel saw the oldest son, tall and impressive, he thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is here before Him.” God stopped him: “Man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart” (1 Samuel 16:6–7). God chose David, the youngest, who wasn’t even invited in from the field. What’s on the outside never fooled God, either way.
What Leviticus 19:28 was about
The verse sits in a chapter of laws given to Israel, right next to rules about not cutting the edges of your beard (Leviticus 19:27). In plain words: God was keeping His people from copying the grief rituals of the pagan nations, who cut and marked themselves for the dead. The command was about who they belonged to.
Questions to ask before you get one
What does it say or show? Nothing that honors darkness, the occult, violence, lust or another god (Philippians 4:8).
Why am I getting it? To glorify God, remember something meaningful, or to rebel and draw attention?
Will it cause a weaker believer to stumble (Romans 14:13)? Am I honoring my parents if I’m still under their roof (Ephesians 6:1)?
Would I still want it in twenty years?
If you have tattoos you regret
God doesn’t love you any less. He sees your heart. If one shows something dark, you can cover it or remove it, but your past is already washed by Jesus’ blood (1 Corinthians 6:11).
What the Bible says
- 01
The verse in context.
“You must not cut off the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard. You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.”
Leviticus 19:27–28 - 02
God sees the heart.
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.””
1 Samuel 16:7 - 03
Glorify God with your body.
“Do you not know that your body is a temple 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 glorify God with your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 - 04
Don’t cause others to stumble.
“Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.”
Romans 14:13 - 05
No longer under the guardian.
“So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”
Galatians 3:24–25 - 06
Do it all in Jesus’ name.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:17
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
If you’re planning a tattoo, pray about it for a week before booking. Ask God the questions above, honestly.
Common questions
Is a Christian tattoo okay?
Yes, if your heart is to honor God. Make sure the Scripture or symbol is accurate.
Are piercings a sin?
The same principle applies: not a sin in itself, but your body belongs to God, so ask why and what it says.
Can I go to heaven with tattoos?
Yes. Salvation is through faith in Jesus, not your skin.
Bring your real question.
Talk is a place on Become to ask anything, in your own words and your own language, any hour. No question is too honest.