Is it a sin to get a tattoo? This is one of the most controversial questions by Christians looking to get a tat. You really want to get a tattoo, but at the same time, you do not want to risk your chances of going to heaven by offending the Lord and going against his scriptures. Well, the bible talks about tattoos with only one reference in the Old Testament. Leviticus 19:28 says,
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves. I am the Lord.”
This verse is from the Old Testament, a part of the bible most Christians say contains a lot of irrelevancy due to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. The bible does not approve or condemn tattooing leaving the decision up to you.
The book of Leviticus was written during the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, with most of the laws written to govern their culture. Historians believe that the Israelites had carried the tradition to tattoo their pregnant wives’ fertility organs for good fortune during birthing. The tattoos were representations of the fertility goddess Bes.
It is believed that they also cut themselves during the mourning of the dead, something that did not go well with the Lord. This is in reference to Jeremiah 16:5-7 which says,
“Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal; do not go to mourn or show sympathy, because I have withdrawn my blessing, my love and my pity from this people declares the Lord. Both high and low will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, and no one will cut themselves or shave their head for the dead. No one will offer food to comfort those who mourn for the dead—not even for a father or a mother—nor will anyone give them a drink to console them.”
A tattoo being a sin or not is all about interpretation and context, the reason, and what the tattoo represents. The following bible teachings might shed light on if you should get a tattoo or not.
Our Bodies Are The Temples Of The Holy Spirit
The bible describes our bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit. In 1st Corinthians 6:19-20, the bible says,
“Do you know that your bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. For you have been bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body.”
The bible is all about interpretation. Some will interpret the verse as saying that tattooing is defiling the Lords’ work, and others will say that as long as whatever you choose to draw honors God, then there is nothing wrong. As a Christian, if you decide to tattoo, then the tattoo design you choose should honor God.
Reason For Getting A Tattoo
People have different reasons for getting a tattoo. You might be getting one to keep a memory alive or to show your thoughts on something that you are passionate about. If you are getting a tattoo in this regard, then there is no problem about it as long as it does not mock God.
But if you are getting it because it is the trend and all your friends are doing it, you are going against the Lord’s teachings. Whether you choose to draw a verse-referenced tattoo, the reason for doing it matters. Romans 12:2 says,
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is moral, and acceptable.”
A tattoo should not be done to get you to look cool and acceptable, which is bowing to the world’s pressures. You should look deep inside yourself and be sure of your reason for getting a tat.
Be Sure About Getting A Tattoo Beforehand.
Romans 14:23 says, “But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith, and everything that does not come from faith is sin. The verse says that it is a sin if you do something that you are doubtful about. You should have a clear conscience before God when getting a tattoo.”
Your spirit and body should be in harmony before you do anything. In Galatians 5:17, the bible says that the flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit and vice-versa. The two conflict with each other. The bible condemns fleshly desires, and you are advised to tame them, hence why before doing anything, the spirit and body should be in harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Did Jesus have a thigh tattoo?
In Revelations 19:16, The Bible says, “And on his robe and on his thigh. He has a name written, ‘King of Kings, And Lord of Lords.” This can be interpreted by Christians differently. Some read the name written on his thigh as a tattoo, and others believe it is just an engraving standard among leaders at the time.
Where in Isaiah does it talk about tattoos?
In Isaiah 44, the prophet talks about a time in the future where God will pour out his spirit and people will declare their allegiance to the Lord, and some even engrave on their hands that they belong to the Lord.
In the same book, chapter 49, verse 16, it says, “See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands, your walls are ever before me. People translate this to mean God himself has a tattoo, while others take this script symbolically.”
Can God Forgive me for my tattoo?
What if you had inked yourself before converting to Christianity and now view it as a sin and would like to repent? The answer is yes. God forgives all those that confess and seek forgiveness from him. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Conclusion
The bible does not mention tattoos directly, but your interpretations of the scripture will help you decide if tattooing is a sin or not. If you choose to tattoo yourself, then you should be prepared for judgment from some Christians who still view it as a sin and will not hide that fact from you. Decide with both your heart, mind, and spirit, and you will not live to regret it.
Also read:
1. Tattoo Ink Poisoning: Cause, Symptoms and Prevention
2. What is a Henna Tattoo: Color Yourself Easily & Quickly
3. Shin Tattoo Pain: How Bad Do Shin Tattoos Hurt
4. Top-rated Tattoo Stencil Printer Machines For Tattooist
