Does Jesus say not to get tattoos?

Well, the straightforward answer is no — the Bible does NOT forbid Christian believers from getting inked. Someone might say, “but I thought somewhere in the Old Testament it said not to get a tattoo.” The passage people are harking back to is in Leviticus 19.28.

What does Jesus say about tattooing?

“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” What does the Bible say about tattoos? That's it—that one line in Leviticus 19:28 of the Old Testament.

Is it a sin to do a tattoo?

The most common verse quoted to me was Leviticus 19:28: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” Other reactions were admonitions that my body was not my own; it belonged to God and I had no right to alter it (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Why are tattoos forbidden in Christianity?

A Christian should not mark their body, not because of The Law of Moses given specifically to the Children of Israel, but because tattoos carry with them a stigma that causes others to stumble, that is, tattoos are readily identified as objective evidence of one's compromise with the World ie sin.

Did Jesus ever get a tattoo?

No, it's highly unlikely Jesus had a tattoo; biblical scholars generally interpret the passage in Revelation 19:16 describing a name on His "robe and thigh" as figurative, referring to markings on His clothing or a banner, not literal skin ink, especially since Jesus, as a Jew, would have followed the Old Testament prohibition against tattoos (Leviticus 19:28). The symbolic imagery in Revelation, like fiery eyes, suggests a non-literal description, and the "name" likely referred to an inscription on His garments or sword scabbard, not His skin.
 

What does THE BIBLE SAY about TATTOOS? || Can I get a TATTOO?

Is it a sin to tattoo a cross?

Getting a cross tattoo isn't universally considered a sin in Christianity; it's often seen as a personal faith expression, but some Christians debate its wisdom, focusing on intentions, avoiding vanity, honoring God with the body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and considering potential misrepresentation or causing offense, while acknowledging the Old Testament prohibition against body markings (Leviticus 19:28) was linked to pagan rituals, not modern Christian devotion. 

What tattoos are allowed in the Bible?

There is one explicit reference to tattooing in the Bible: Leviticus 19:28. It says: “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves.

Is it against God's word to get tattoos?

Leviticus 19:28 says, “You shall not make any gashes in your flesh for the dead or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the LORD.” Although this passage clearly prohibits tattoos, it does not give an explicit reason why.

Is getting tattoos a major sin?

According to the general Islamic perspective, tattooing is strictly prohibited, with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) categorizing it as one of the major sins. In a Hadith narrated by Ibn 'Umar, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) cursed both the maker and wearer of wigs, as well as the tattooer and the one who is tattooed (Bukhari).

Who in the Bible had tattoos?

2 Chronicles 36:8 has led certain commentators throughout history to believe that Jehoiakim was actually tattooed. The famous 11th-century Jewish commentator Rashi (known for his pithy commentary on the Hebrew Bible), writes simply: “'Which was found on him': A tattooed writing.”

What sins does God not forgive?

According to Jesus in the Bible, the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which involves a persistent, willful rejection of God's truth and grace, attributing the Spirit's work to evil, and refusing to repent, essentially hardening one's heart to God's saving power until the end of life. It's less about a specific act and more about an unrepentant, final state of defiance against God's call for forgiveness, meaning anyone who desires forgiveness can receive it. 

Is it bad to wear tattoos?

But recent studies have connected tattoos and cancers, including skin cancers, lymphoma, and leukemia. The research is early, and many unknowns remain – including the reason for the potential link.

What does Isaiah 44:5 say about tattoos?

Isaiah 44:5 describes the children of Jacob committing themselves to God: “One shall say, 'I am the LORD's'… Another shall mark his arm 'of the LORD. '” Here a tattoo appears to be allowable as a sign of submission, not to a human master but to God.

Will Jesus forgive me for tattoos?

Q: Will getting a tattoo make me unforgivable? A: No, forgiveness is available to all who genuinely repent, regardless of past choices. Q: Does the Bible prohibit tattoos? A: The Bible does not explicitly prohibit tattoos, but it provides principles on personal convictions and honoring our bodies.

Are tattoos ok for Christians part 1?

It was simply obvious that Christians shouldn't get tattoos because it directly contradicted Scripture. The Old Testament book of Leviticus clearly says, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD." (Lev. 19:28 NIV) For many Christians, that ends the discussion.

Are tattoos unholy?

Many contemporary sources likewise note that tattoos are prohibited in Leviticus 19:28 in part because of their self-mutilating effect on the human body. The Word Biblical Commentary (1992) notes, “The body is a marvelous creation of God.

Did Jesus have a tattoo?

No, it's highly unlikely Jesus had a tattoo; biblical scholars generally interpret the passage in Revelation 19:16 describing a name on His "robe and thigh" as figurative, referring to markings on His clothing or a banner, not literal skin ink, especially since Jesus, as a Jew, would have followed the Old Testament prohibition against tattoos (Leviticus 19:28). The symbolic imagery in Revelation, like fiery eyes, suggests a non-literal description, and the "name" likely referred to an inscription on His garments or sword scabbard, not His skin.
 

What is the biggest major sin?

Pride is known as hubris (from the Ancient Greek ὕβρις) or futility; it is considered the original and worst of the seven deadly sins—the most demonic—on almost every list. Pride is also thought to be the source of the other capital sins. Pride is viewed as the opposite of humility.

Are tattoos a sin in the New Testament?

The commands under the Law of Moses are not binding upon us today (Colossians 2:16-17). The New Testament - the new covenant we live under today - is completely silent on tattoos.

Can I still pray if I have a tattoo?

Yes, you can pray with tattoos; the presence of tattoos does not invalidate prayer, although some religions prohibit getting them, with Islamic scholars confirming tattoos don't block ritual purification (wudu) and past sins are forgiven through sincere repentance, making prayer valid. For those with tattoos, focusing on sincere intention, repentance, and performing required purification (like wudu) is key, with covering tattoos being a personal choice for modesty or to avoid judgment. 

Why does the Bible forbid tattoos?

When it states that “you will not make incisions in your flesh, for the dead, nor print marks on you,” Leviticus 19:28 seems to imply this. It would appear that self-mutilation, rather than tattooing as we know it now, was what God was against based on the material from Egypt and Canaan.

What tattoos are not allowed in Christianity?

It forbids marking yourself for the dead. 28 You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord. Way back then there were a lot of cultures which worshiped their elders, those who had passed on, usually by marking your body in some way.

Do tattoos affect your health?

Yes, tattoos can affect your health by causing skin issues (inflammation, infections, allergies), introducing potentially harmful chemicals (heavy metals, carcinogens) that travel to lymph nodes, and increasing risks for blood-borne diseases if equipment isn't sterile, with emerging research also linking tattoos to higher risks of skin cancers and lymphoma.
 

What is a good Bible verse for a tattoo?

The best Bible verse tattoos are deeply personal, but popular choices focus on strength, love, guidance, and hope, like Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through him who strengthens me"), Proverbs 3:5-6 ("Trust in the Lord with all your heart"), Isaiah 40:31 ("They will soar on wings like eagles"), John 14:6 ("I am the way, the truth, and the life"), or 1 Corinthians 13:13 ("The greatest of these is love"). Consider verses that speak to your life's journey, challenges, and faith, with options ranging from short phrases like "Jesus wept" to longer passages or symbolic imagery.
 

Is Ezekiel 25-17 a real Bible verse?

The origin of that reference would be the script. That is to say, it's not a direct quote of any actual Bible passage, and there's of course a ton online as to whether it's even a fair summary or extrapolation of what the book of Ezekiel was addressing in that section.