Q: “What’s the biblical view of tattoos?”
A: Tattoos have been around longer than the biblical prohibition against them. In my opinion tattoos have suffered from “guilt by association” and poor biblical understanding for generations. At one point in American history tattoos were seen as symbols of rebellion worn only by thugs, criminals and potty mouthed sailors. No self-respecting Christian would have ever subjected themself to tattooing because of the people or segments of the counter-culture they would have been associated with.
As it turns out, this was the very reason God told his people not to get tattoos. The only direct reference to tattoos in the Bible can be found in the Old Testament.
Leviticus 19:28 "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord."
One of the main motives for God to give this command and others in the Law was to create a clear line of distinction and separation between his people (Israel) and those who were not his people (the Philistines, Canaanites, Amalekites, etc.). God wanted his people to standout, be seen as different and separated from the cultural inhabitants around them. God wanted his people to be “holy,” (Lev.19:2) which has the meaning of being unique or separate from the common for a specific purpose.
At the time, the above command about tattoos was given because pagan cultures would cut, mark and tattoo themselves as part of funeral rites. This was an almost universal practice. It was a way for the people of these nations to mourn, worship and show allegiance to their gods. Hence, the God of the Bible wanted his people to worship him and to not be mistaken for the people of their surrounding cultures.
But today the question has to be asked, “Do tattoos still have the same cultural meaning as they did in the Bible?” With tattoos being fashion statements, tributes and a form of self-expression the answer is clearly “No.” Marking one’s body through cutting or tattoos is not used by the culture at large in practices of mourning or worship of false gods. This leads me to believe the restriction on tattoos is culture bound and not universally applicable to today.
Now there are lots of things to think about when considering a tattoo that people should not take lightly. Here is a list of the things I considered before getting my tattoo:
Commitment (it will be with you for a life time.)
Design
Meaning
Accuracy (if it's a symbol or in a different language)
Placement
Artist
Cost
Safety
Remember, the Apostle Paul says our bodies are the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16), so be informed and wise about how you may decorate your temple.
For further insight into tattoos and the Bible check out these links:
