What does the Bible say about getting tattoos?

Tattoos are everywhere now, on coworkers, pastors, grandparents, and plenty of committed Christians, but the question of whether they're biblically permissible still comes up often, usually triggered by one specific Old Testament verse. Getting a clear answer requires looking at that verse in context, understanding how it fits into the broader flow of Scripture, and applying timeless New Testament principles to a modern decision the Bible doesn't address by name.

The short version: the Bible does not prohibit tattoos for Christians today the way it prohibited them for ancient Israel, but it does give you real wisdom for thinking through whether, where, and why to get one.

Leviticus 19:28 says, “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” This command sits inside a cluster of laws (Leviticus 19:26-31) addressing pagan mourning and religious rites practiced by Israel's neighboring nations; cutting the body and marking the skin were common ways ancient Canaanite cultures honored the dead or their gods. God was drawing a clear line between Israel's worship and the occult practices surrounding them.

This context matters enormously. The prohibition wasn't about ink itself as inherently evil; it was about not participating in pagan mourning rituals and idolatrous body-marking that competed with exclusive devotion to the Lord.

Leviticus contains many ceremonial and civil laws given specifically to Israel under the old covenant, laws about mixed fabrics (Leviticus 19:19), specific dietary restrictions, and ritual purity, that Christians widely recognize as fulfilled or set aside in Christ (Colossians 2:16-17; Mark 7:19). The New Testament explicitly frees believers from the ceremonial law while upholding its unchanging moral core (Galatians 3:24-25).

The question, then, is whether a given Old Testament command reflects a timeless moral principle, like the prohibitions on murder or adultery repeated throughout the New Testament, or an ancient ceremonial marker tied to Israel's unique calling. Leviticus 19:28's pairing with pagan mourning rites strongly suggests the latter, which is why most careful interpreters don't treat a modern tattoo, disconnected from idolatry or grief rituals, as automatically sinful.

While the New Testament never mentions tattoos directly, it gives principles for evaluating any decision about your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds believers that they are not their own, they were bought with a price, so glorify God in your body. This doesn't ban body art, but it does require asking whether a tattoo honors God, reflects wisdom, and avoids symbols or images tied to idolatry, immorality, or occult practices.

1 Corinthians 10:31 broadens the test further: whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. And Romans 14 reminds believers that on matters of conscience where Scripture doesn't give a direct command, love and personal conviction, not legalistic rule-making, should guide both your decision and your attitude toward others who decide differently.

It's worth noting, too, that Christian freedom in matters like this was never meant to be exercised in isolation from love for others. Even where you have full liberty of conscience, 1 Corinthians 8:9 warns believers to take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak, a principle worth weighing alongside personal preference.

In practice, this means a Christian is free to get a tattoo, but should think carefully first: Does the image or words glorify God or at least avoid dishonoring him? Is the motive vanity, rebellion, or trend-chasing, or something more meaningful? Will it create unnecessary obstacles to future ministry, employment, or witness in contexts where it matters (1 Corinthians 9:19-23 speaks to willingly limiting freedom for the sake of others)? Is it permanent enough that it's worth the years ahead?

It's also worth talking this through with a trusted pastor, mentor, or parent, not because you need permission, but because outside wisdom often catches blind spots you can't see in yourself, especially around motive. Proverbs 15:22 notes that plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed, wisdom that applies just as much to a permanent decision about your body as to any other significant life choice.

There's no single right answer for every believer, which is exactly what you'd expect from a decision Scripture leaves to conscience and wisdom rather than command. What matters most isn't the ink on your skin but the condition of the heart underneath it, whether your body, tattooed or not, is being lived out for God's glory.