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What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos? (Leviticus 19:28 Explained)

Writer: Leonardo Pereira
Leonardo Pereira
Aug 18
9 min read

The Bible mentions tattoos only once — in Leviticus 19:28, which says, "You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord" (ESV). But the original Hebrew word, 'qa'aqa' (to cut or imprint), and its cultural context matter more than the verse alone. The New Testament never mentions tattoos, but it does teach that we should honor God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Here's the honest breakdown of what the Bible says, what it doesn't say, and how Christians interpret it today.


The Key Verse: Leviticus 19:28

Leviticus 19:28 (ESV): "You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord." Original Hebrew: The word translated "tattoo" is 'qa'aqa' — a verb meaning "to cut," "to imprint," or "to incise." It appears only once in the entire Bible.

This single verse is the foundation of nearly every Christian discussion about tattoos. But to understand it, you have to look at three things: the original language, the cultural context, and how different translations render it.


How Different Translations Render Leviticus 19:28

Ancient Hebrew scroll with the word qa'aqa written in Hebrew script representing the original tattoo term

The way English Bibles translate this verse matters — because some use the word "tattoo" directly, while others describe the action differently.

Translation

Leviticus 19:28 Wording

Notes

KJV

"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you"

Uses "print any marks"

ESV

"You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves"

Uses "tattoo" directly

NIV

"Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves"

Uses "tattoo marks"

NLT

"Do not cut your bodies in mourning for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves"

Adds "in mourning" context

NASB

"You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves"

Uses "tattoo marks"

Notice the pattern: every major translation connects the prohibition to mourning for the dead — and that context is the key to understanding the verse.


The Historical and Cultural Context

Close-up of Bible translations side by side comparing Leviticus 19 28 in KJV ESV and NIV

The prohibition in Leviticus 19:28 must be understood in its ancient Near Eastern context. The Israelites were surrounded by cultures — especially Egypt and Canaan — that practiced ritual mourning by cutting their bodies and marking themselves in honor of the dead or pagan deities.


God's command was a call to be distinct from these practices, not necessarily a universal ban on all body art for all time. This is why the verse pairs "cuts for the dead" with "tattoos" — both were tied to pagan mourning rituals. The command was about not imitating the pagan customs of neighboring nations, and about the Israelites' identity as a people set apart for God.


This doesn't mean the verse has no relevance today — but it does mean a responsible reading requires understanding what the original prohibition was actually addressing.


New Testament Principles on Honoring God with Our Bodies

Open Bible showing Leviticus 19 verse 28 with a highlighted passage about tattoos

The New Testament never mentions tattoos — not once. But it does establish principles that many Christians apply to the question:


  • 1 Corinthians 6:19–20: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit... Therefore honor God with your bodies."

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

  • Romans 14: The principle that believers should act according to personal conviction and not cause others to stumble.


These verses don't answer "should I get a tattoo?" directly. But they frame the question: does getting this tattoo honor God with my body? For some Christians, the answer is yes — a meaningful tattoo can be an act of worship or witness. For others, the answer is no — they see any body modification as inconsistent with honoring God.


What Christian Leaders Say

Person praying with a visible scripture tattoo on the wrist reflecting personal conviction

John MacArthur (Against)

Pastor and author John MacArthur has argued that Christians should not get tattoos. In a 2016 article, he described tattoos as a form of "self-mutilation" and pointed to their association with pagan practices. He also cited the New Testament principle of honoring God with our bodies as a reason to avoid them. MacArthur's view represents the more conservative end of the spectrum.


John Piper (Personal Conviction)

Pastor and author John Piper has emphasized the importance of personal conviction. He acknowledges the differing opinions among Christians and encourages believers to weigh the issue prayerfully, considering their motives and the message their tattoo communicates. Piper's view reflects a more nuanced, conviction-based approach.


The Broader Spectrum

Between these two positions lies a wide range of Christian opinion. Some see tattoos as always wrong; others see them as a matter of personal freedom and discernment. Some even suggest tattoos can be used to express faith or share the gospel — done thoughtfully and appropriately. The diversity of opinion is itself a sign that the Bible doesn't give a single, clear-cut answer.


Factors to Consider Before Getting a Tattoo

Christian cross tattoo on forearm symbolizing faith and honoring God with the body

If you're a Christian considering a tattoo, here are five factors worth weighing prayerfully:


  1. Your motives. Why do you want this tattoo? The Bible teaches that our motives matter and that we should do all things for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). A tattoo chosen to honor something meaningful is different from one chosen impulsively or to conform to pressure.

  2. The content of the tattoo. What does the image or message convey? A design that glorifies God or carries personal meaning is very different from one that contradicts your faith. Consider how the content reflects your witness.

  3. The permanence. Tattoos are permanent. Removal is painful, expensive, and not always successful. Are you prepared to live with this for the rest of your life? Would you still want it in 20 or 30 years?

  4. Your witness. How might this tattoo affect your testimony? For some, a visible tattoo opens conversations about faith. For others, it could create stumbling blocks in certain contexts. Consider your community and your role in it.

  5. Your personal conviction. Ultimately, this is a matter of conviction. Pray for wisdom, study Scripture, and seek guidance from mature believers and church leaders. If you have doubts, it may be wise to wait.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Bible forbid tattoos?

The Bible mentions tattoos only once, in Leviticus 19:28, which says not to make cuts or tattoo marks on the body. However, this command was given to the Israelites in a specific cultural context tied to pagan mourning rituals. The New Testament never mentions tattoos, but teaches that we should honor God with our bodies.


What does Leviticus 19:28 really mean?

Leviticus 19:28 says, "You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves." The original Hebrew word 'qa'aqa' means to cut or imprint. In context, it prohibited the pagan mourning practices of surrounding cultures — not necessarily all body art for all time.


Is getting a tattoo a sin?

There's no single biblical answer. The Old Testament command in Leviticus 19:28 was culturally specific. The New Testament doesn't mention tattoos but teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that we should honor God with them. Many Christians see it as a matter of personal conviction.


What did Jesus say about tattoos?

Jesus never mentioned tattoos directly. The New Testament doesn't address the topic. Jesus did teach about honoring God with our whole lives, which many Christians apply to decisions about body modification.


Can Christians get tattoos?

Many Christians believe tattoos are a matter of personal conviction. Some see them as honoring God when done thoughtfully; others avoid them based on Leviticus 19:28 and the principle of honoring God with our bodies. There's no single "correct" answer — it depends on conviction and motive.


The Bottom Line

The Bible doesn't give a simple yes or no on tattoos. It mentions them once, in a verse rooted in ancient cultural context, and it never addresses the topic in the New Testament. What the Bible does give us is a principle: honor God with your body, act with good motives, and follow your convictions.


If you're considering a tattoo, take the time to pray, study Scripture, and seek wise counsel from mature believers. Consider your motives, the content, the permanence, and your witness. And whatever you decide, do it with a heart surrendered to God.



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