What does the Bible say about 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.

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.

What tattoos are not allowed in the Bible?

Leviticus 19:28 says You shall not make any cuts on your body [in mourning] for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves; I am the Lord. In other scriptures, God punished the Israelites for wearing earrings because they were doing it at a feast to the idol, Baal.

Is a tattoo considered a sin?

Short answer: no it's not a sin to have a tattoo.

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 Does The Bible Say About Tattoos?

Did Jesus ever get a tattoo?

No, it's highly unlikely Jesus had a tattoo; biblical scholars interpret the passage in Revelation 19:16 describing a name on his thigh as symbolic of his divine authority, likely written on his robe or sash, not his skin, especially since Jesus was a Jew bound by Levitical law forbidding tattoos. The description of Jesus in Revelation uses figurative language (fiery eyes, sword from mouth), so the inscription on his thigh should be understood symbolically as a title of power, not a literal tattoo. 

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.

Is it an unforgivable sin to get a tattoo?

Not unforgivable. Not unredeemable. But still sin. 📖 Leviticus 19:28 still applies.

What sins does God not forgive?

The only sin God doesn't forgive, according to Jesus in the Bible, is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which isn't a single act but a persistent, willful rejection of God's truth and the Spirit's conviction, hardening one's heart to repentance and God's mercy, ultimately refusing to accept Christ's saving power. This means dying in a state of unrepentance, where a person continually rejects the Spirit's work to bring them to Jesus. 

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.

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. 

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 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.

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.
 

Do tattoos affect your health?

If equipment used to create a tattoo has infected blood on it, you can get diseases that are spread through blood. Examples include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. To lower your risk, get vaccinated for hepatitis B before you get a tattoo.

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.

What are the top 3 unforgivable sins?

With this declaration, Alma identified for Corianton the three most abominable sins in the sight of God: (1) denying the Holy Ghost, (2) shedding innocent blood, and (3) committing sexual sin. Adultery was third to murder and the sin against the Holy Ghost as abominable sins.

What are the top 5 worst sin?

In order of increasing severity according to Pope Gregory I, the seven deadly sins are as follows:

• Lust.
• Gluttony.
• Greed.
• Sloth.
• Wrath.
• Envy/jealousy.
• Pride.

What sins keep you out of heaven?

Sins often cited as keeping people from heaven include various forms of immorality (sexual sins, greed, drunkenness, lying, idolatry, murder, etc.), with specific lists found in the Bible's New Testament books like 1 Corinthians 6, Galatians 5, and Ephesians 5, though hope through repentance, faith in Jesus, and confession is also a central theme for believers. While some traditions highlight specific deadly sins (pride, envy, etc.), the overarching message emphasizes a life of righteousness and turning from sin, with some considering blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as the unforgivable sin. 

Is a tattoo 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).

What is one unforgivable sin?

In Mark 3:29 Jesus says that “whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” Matthew's account adds that even blasphemy against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but not blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31–32).

Does God say you shouldn't have 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.

In which religion is a tattoo not allowed?

Islam generally forbids permanent tattoos (haram) as altering Allah's creation, with strong scriptural backing in the Quran and Hadith. Judaism also prohibits them based on Leviticus 19:28 ("You shall not tattoo any marks upon you"), though interpretations vary, allowing for medical or reconstructive purposes. Christianity has mixed views, with some citing Leviticus and body sanctity (temple of the Holy Spirit), while others see it as permissible for expression or faith, often interpreting the scriptural ban narrowly. 

Did Jesus have a tattoo?

No, it's highly unlikely Jesus had a tattoo; biblical scholars interpret the passage in Revelation 19:16 describing a name on his thigh as symbolic of his divine authority, likely written on his robe or sash, not his skin, especially since Jesus was a Jew bound by Levitical law forbidding tattoos. The description of Jesus in Revelation uses figurative language (fiery eyes, sword from mouth), so the inscription on his thigh should be understood symbolically as a title of power, not a literal tattoo. 

Can I still pray if I have a tattoo?

Yes, you can generally pray with tattoos, as the ink is under the skin and doesn't block water for purification rituals like wudu, and sincere repentance is often considered sufficient for past forbidden acts like getting a tattoo in Islam. While tattooing itself is discouraged or forbidden in some religious interpretations (like Islam), it doesn't invalidate prayers or ablutions (wudu), and many scholars state your prayers remain valid, especially with sincere regret and intention to change.