Tattoos are more popular than ever in many parts of the world. The number of people with tattoos has increased dramatically in recent years. Tattoos are no longer just for delinquents or rebels. The historical nervousness associated with tattoos is starting to fade away.
The New Testament says nothing about whether a believer in Jesus Christ should or should not get a tattoo. Therefore, we cannot say that getting a tattoo is a sin. Due to the silence of Scripture, getting a tattoo falls under the category of “gray area,” and believers must follow their convictions on the matter, respecting those who may have different convictions.
Historical Context of Tattoos in the Bible
The book of Leviticus was written over 3,000 years ago, at a time when body marking was common in many cultures. During that era, tattoos were often associated with pagan practices and idolatrous cults.
Body marking was seen as a form of worship to these pagan deities. Therefore, God gave this instruction to the Israelites, so that they could distinguish themselves from other peoples.
In many cultures, people have gotten – and still get – tattoos as part of pagan rituals. A tattoo of this type would represent a dedication to idolatry. Thus, depending on the circumstances, the meaning or intention, certain tattoos can be considered sin.
That’s why many scholars interpret Leviticus 19:28 as specifically condemning tattoos that were performed as part of pagan rituals, religious cults, and tributes to the dead.
What the Bible Says About Tattoos
Although Leviticus 19:28 is often mentioned as a verse that condemns tattoos, the Bible does not contain a direct or explicit condemnation of tattoos themselves.
However, in the Scriptures we find several passages that speak about the importance of taking care of our bodies and giving a good testimony.
Can a Christian Get a Tattoo?
According to the New Covenant, the Bible does not specifically prohibit tattoos, but warns that not everything that is permitted is expedient. Before getting a tattoo, a Christian should consider the following points:
Will my decision glorify God?
The first question you should ask yourself when considering getting a tattoo (or anything else with your body) is: “Will this glorify God?” What message does the tattoo convey? Avoid something that could affect your testimony as a Christian.
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
Is it expedient?
Remember that you will live with the tattoo for the rest of your life. Think carefully before making a decision. You are free to make your own choice, but not everything is expedient.
In practical terms, it is essential to be very careful when getting a tattoo, so that it does not become a hindrance. Avoid tattoos and locations on the body that could affect your employability, family relationships, or friendships (yes, a tattoo can impact all these areas).
It is essential not to make impulsive decisions, especially when it comes to tattoos. Seek advice before making a decision that will affect your life.
Will you regret getting a tattoo? God forgives!
If you have already gotten a tattoo, but the Holy Spirit has convinced you that it was a mistake, there is a solution! Confess your sin to God and ask for forgiveness. God always forgives those who repent.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
The tattoo will still be there, but you can sleep peacefully, knowing that you were forgiven. If you are repentant, God will not hold this against you in eternity.
The Word “Tattoo” is Not Clear in Hebrew
Some versions of the Bible translate the Hebrew word as “tattoo.” However, the Hebrew word qaʿăqaÊ¿ can also mean incision or mark. Some scholars interpret this word as a mark, in which case a completely “literal” application would prohibit temporary tattoos for children at fairs or even writing notes on the back of the hand.
However, most Hebrew scholars seem to agree that it refers to the act of piercing the skin to stain it with ink, making permanent marks. In that time, tattoos would have been more prone to infections and other health risks.
But that’s probably not the reason why the Old Testament law prohibited tattoos.
Why Couldn’t the Israelites Get Tattoos?
As mentioned earlier, many of these laws separated the Jews from surrounding cultures and helped them unlearn Egyptian pagan customs.
For many years, commentators believed that the prohibition of tattoos had to do with the “due reverence for God’s creation,” as said by 19th-century Lutheran scholars Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch. Frederic Gardiner wrote in 1876 that this passage prohibits “profaning the dignity of humanity in the human form.”
Many conservative commentators have said that the law prohibiting tattoos has to do with the violation of our bodies as God’s good creation. Although their position is understandable, we now see that the law was probably given to protect the Israelites from associating with pagan worship and being free from their slavery.
Historical Associations with Tattoos
It appears that two primary practices were linked to tattoos during this period.
Some tattoos from this period are related to slavery. For example, new scholars convincingly argue that tattoos were used to mark slaves in Egypt. Since God had just freed the Israelites from slavery, they should never consider themselves slaves of Egypt.
Later, Jewish rabbis associated tattoos with idolatry and paganism. James E. Smith supports their association with pagan worship practices, while Robert Jamieson and others support that tattoos are associated with idol worship and as a sign of apostasy.
It seems that in this reading, Leviticus does not prohibit all types of tattoos in the modern context, since in our culture, they are no longer associated with idolatry or slavery. Therefore, a good hermeneutical interpretation demonstrates that the underlying principle of this commandment is not violated by modern tattoos.
What is Hermeneutics?
As reflective Christians, we want to be faithful in our hermeneutics.
Hermeneutics refers to how we interpret and apply the Bible to our current lives. As Dr. Ken Gore, professor of Biblical Studies at Dallas Baptist University (DBU), says: “The Bible was written for us, not to us.” He deduces this from the book “How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth” (How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth), a very valuable work. The biblical authors were inspired to write things in such a way that we could know them centuries and millennia later, but they were not writing to us.
This means that we must carefully understand the context of God’s word before applying it to our current lives.
For example, we should not say that Philippians 4:13 means that we can do anything we try. Of course, God could miraculously give me the ability to defeat LeBron James in a one-on-one game. But if I played against him, I would lose. What’s the problem? Is it not that God does not give me the strength to do everything I want? Kelly Edmiston for Christianity Today has a useful introduction to hermeneutics using Philippians 4:13 as an example.
In Leviticus, the people of God have just been freed from the oppression of Egypt. As Moses leads Israel, God gives laws to help him instill an identity based on their relationship with Him. Some of these Jewish laws deliberately separate the Israelites from pagan worship practices. Obviously, as Christians, we are not part of the Jewish people (apart from Messianic Jews), so we do not normally eat a kosher diet, avoid mixing fabrics, or shave our beards.
So, why do we keep some laws from the Old Testament and not others?
There is a great debate about the applicability of certain laws after the new covenant. Sometimes, the New Testament specifically allows it, as when Mark writes: “Thus [Jesus] declared all foods clean” (Mark 7:19). Other times, the Bible says that we are free from the old Jewish laws, that we no longer have to follow the system of sacrifices. However, Jesus still condemns adultery, going even further to say that lust is just as sinful as adultery (Matthew 5:27-29).
About Author
- https://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine
- Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.
Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.
As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.
Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.
My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.
But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.
So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!
