If you’re a Christian and you want to get a tattoo, what Bible verses about tattoos in the new testament should you look at? This is a question that many Christians face when they are making their decision.
Some people say that it’s okay to get one because there are Bible verses about tattoos in the new testament which allow for them.
Others believe that it violates God’s commandments and leads to sin. In this article, we will review Bible verses about tattoos in the new testament from both perspectives so that your decision can be informed!
What does the Bible say about tattoos?
The Bible does have some things to say about body modification with regards to sin. For example, Leviticus 19:28 states, “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you.” The Bible also has something to say about whether it’s sinful for Christians to get tattooed.
Since tattooing has become more mainstream today, there isn’t any biblical text that says anything against it. We all strive to be like Our Lord Jesus in both character and actions. The Bible does not say anything against tattoos, but it is advisable to pray and ask for direction from the Holy Spirit before getting one done.
Jesus said that we must love God above all else and our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). It’s important to consider this when deciding whether or not you should get a tattoo.
Is Tattoo a sin, or Can Christians get tattoos?
But first, what is my personal opinion on tattoos? In my opinion, tattoos are sinful, though I am not trying to condemn anyone who has a tattoo.
Christians should avoid getting tattoos. Tattoos will always be considered a sin in Christianity, despite modernization. It concerns to see that things that were once considered sinful are now considered acceptable.
Pastor Betty Miller states, “We strive to become like our Lord, Jesus Christ, and to reflect Him on earth.” “How Would Jesus Act?” It’s terrifying to imagine what my Lord (Jesus Christ) would look like with tattoos all over his body.
The only scars on Christ’s body are from his crucifixion on the Cross of Calvary, not from self-inflicted scars or tattoos.
The nails in His hands and the piercing of His side on the cross where he bled and died so that your sins could be forgiven Believers will put anything that leads to larger compromises aside.
Mutilate the physical body.
Apostle Paul described the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is different from the Temple of Aphrodite at Corinth. The temple is known as a place of worship. The Holy Spirit owns the body of every believer (Temple) as the Holy Spirit lives in us.
Consequently, our bodies are not for our use but of God and the Glory of God.
When we borrow a friend’s car, we make every effort not to dent or damage it. It’s the same as saying we don’t have the right to do whatever we want with our bodies.
At the Cross, Jesus Christ paid for our sins so that we could be His. Have you ever purchased something knowing how valuable it is to us? “Jesus paid it all, all to Him we owe.”
What does Leviticus 19:28 say about tattoos?
This verse plainly emphasizes that we should not cut marks on our bodies because we are God’s temple, and we should not disfigure them for whatever purpose. Circumcision was mandated for the Jews, but there is no other case in which God forced or even permitted his people to disfigure their bodies.
The prohibition in this verse appears to be primarily directed towards tattoos that identify one with a pagan false god, whether permanent or temporary. God saw fit to warn his people, who were prone to wandering into idolatry because this was the practice of some in the land of Canaan.
Tattoos are conforming to the world.
Romans 12:2 states: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
The world is deteriorating in lifestyle, and Christianity is attempting to conform to the secular culture, thereby not glorifying God through tattoos. Satan encourages people to believe that “it’s all right, God doesn’t mind.” We’ve reached the end of the road. He is deceiving many Christians. God is looking for holiness, not worldliness.
The Bible is clear that Christians should not conform to the pattern of this world, which includes tattoos. The Bible says in Romans 12: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” In Colossians, Paul quotes from an old covenant curse and applies it to warn those disobedient to Christ.
Why do people get tattoos?
1 Timothy 4:16 (ERV)”Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.”
People get tattoos for all sorts of reasons. They may want to remember someone or something special; they might think it’s pretty, fits with their favorite sports team, and so on… But nowhere in the Bible does it say anything about wearing a tattoo because you like how it looks.
People who have accepted Christ as Savior should not add more images, such as tattoos, because He is holy—not worldly! The Bible says we are “to be transformed by renewing [our] mind.” If we accept Him into our heart faith, then we will desire His righteousness.
Jesus says in Matthew 19:19, “And someone approached Him and said, “Teacher, what good shall I do to gain eternal life?” And He said to him… Keep the commandments.” These are not just any set of rules; these are God’s Commandments.
What does the Bible say about tattoos in Revelations?
Revelations 13:16-17
In Revelations, Tattooing is associated with the Anti-Christ and those who follow him. The Bible says in Revelations 13:16–17, “Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free men and slaves to be marked on the right hand or the forehead so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark.”
Some people argue the verses about the inscription on the Robe and Thigh of Jesus, leaving many wondering if Jesus had a tattoo. In Revelations, it says that the names of God’s people are written on his thigh. This is a Bible Verse about tattoos in the new Testament.
Revelation 19:16 (ISV) – “On his robe that covers his thigh he has a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Some people argue about the verses about inscriptions on Jesus’ Robe and Thigh, leaving many people wondering if Jesus had a tattoo.
These descriptions are unmistakably literal. The mention of the name “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” written on His robe and thigh could imply that they were written on the part of His robe that covered His thigh.
Tattoos According to the Bible.
Tattoos have been around for millennia, but the writers of the Hebrew Bible forbade tattooing in the ancient Middle East.
The Bible verse that mentions the inscription on Jesus’ thigh is Revelations 19:16, “On his robe and his thigh he has this name written.” Many misinterpret this to mean that it’s not specifically a tattoo or forbidden by God himself to have one.
The Hebrew Bible forbids tattooing because it was viewed as an act of idolatry, while people who were tattooed during Biblical times were seen as outcasts or rebels. Exodus 21:28-30 states, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free men and slaves to be marked on the right hand or the forehead so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark.”
In the Bible, the first printing on the body was done by God in Genesis 4:15; that is the mark on Cain extending grace to the murderer. Bible Scholars often tag this as a sign of divine Grace.
Other Bible verses about tattoos in the New Testament are often viewed as a sign of shame. At times, people would tattoo themselves with words to indicate their disgrace or that they were slaves. Acts 16:17 says, And it happened that she followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.”
Origin of Tattooing in the Bible
Tattooing has been a global practice across Neolithic times, which has proven preserved mummified skin and ancient art in China’s Taklamakan Desert c. 1200 B.C. while the Greeks, the Romans, Egyptians, and other cultures, later on, took to tattooing for either identifying spies, criminals, or rituals.
Tattoos in the Bible Today
In 1977, a part of an Egyptian priest’s body was found that dated back to 1000 BC. It had tattoos on his arm and chest, depicting gods like Ra with hawk-like nose holding snakes, while hieroglyphics were inscribed below it. This is proof of how tattooing has been around for thousands of years, even before Jesus Christ walked this earth.
The Bible Changes Everything! (Bible verses about tattoos)
God knows what he’s doing when He created us; therefore, I believe we should not try to change ourselves by getting tattoos or piercings because God made us perfect just as we are. We need to be content with who we are now and
What does the Bible say about tattoos in the New Testament?
Some people choose to tattoo their bodies to build a sense of identity or independence as a form of self-expression. According to the book of Romans in the New Testament, “to give your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God–this is your true and legitimate worship.” (Read Romans 12:1-2 (AFV)).
Tattooing is simply a form of self-expression and a violation of biblical principles.
Other notable Bible Verses are listed below
- 1 Corinthians 10:23
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
- 1 Corinthians 3:16
- 1 Timothy 2:9
- Ezekiel 9:4
- Ezekiel 9:5
- Ezekiel 9:6
- Ezekiel 9:4-6
- Isaiah 44:5
- Isaiah 49:16
What are the motives behind tattoos?
Proverbs 16:2 (GNT) “You may think everything you do is right, but the LORD judges your motives.”
There is always a rush to have tattoos, despite the long-term effects on relationships, professions, the cost, and the pain of removing the tattoo often overlooked. Many people regret getting a tattoo, despite the benefits.
Others believe that tattoos assist them to have the Word of God engraved on their bodies, but they are deceiving themselves, as they are motivated by self-glorification. Everything comes down to how they view themselves.
Tattoos are a part of our culture today.
Many Christians believe that it is wrong to get tattoos, while others do not see anything wrong. Tattoos have been around for many years and will continue to be a trend in society. There has been much debate about people who choose to get Bible verses tattooed on them and whether it is a sin.
It is not wrong for Bible verses about tattoos in the New Testament, but there are Bible verses that deal with how we should view ourselves as Christians, which can lead us down God’s path of righteousness or one full of temptation. We must remember that everything comes from Him, and without him, we are nothing.
Should Bible verses about tattoos in the New Testament be written on people’s bodies?
The Bible does not specifically say whether or not it is okay to get Bible verses tattooed, but some references could lead us to believe so. We must remember that God gave us our very own skin for protection, and marking Bible verses on our skin could be overwhelming.
Do Bible Verses about tattoos in the New Testament have anything to do with how we treat others?
Bible Verses are not only seen as a tattoo but they can also be found inscribed inside of people’s hearts if their intentions are pure enough. Bible Verses about tattoos in the New Testament will guide people through life, helping them make the right choices and remind us of what is important and who we should be praying for daily.
Why should you never get a tattoo?
Many people get tattoos who don’t really think about the ramifications of their actions before deciding.
Other reasons not to get a tattoo besides the warnings in the Bible verses concerning tattoos will be briefly discussed with Bible passages to support each one.
i. Do you really know your Tattoo artist?
You have no idea how the tattoo artist’s health is affected by sharp body piercing tools. A few artists may infect you with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and C. It is best to play it safe by not getting tattooed.
ii. Tattoos can be expensive, time-consuming, and painful:
Tattoo removal is expensive, and the more tattoos you have on your body, the longer they will take to remove through laser surgery or other methods because there are so many of them that must be removed. Tattoos can be costly, and they take a long time to apply onto the skin and heal over into your tattoo that you want on your body forever. Lastly, tattoos are most likely not going to make you happy in any way because it is something permanent on your body for life!
iii Tattoo and Pregnancy
Pregnancy may affect the shape and form of your tattoo depends on your tattoo’s location due to weight gain or loss, which may stretch the tattoo. This may cause your tattoo to look different than the original design you had.
iv Blocking Your Sweat Gland
A recent study by medical experts revealed that having a tattoo affects your body’s sweating. The ink on your skin may prevent sweating, as our bodies need to sweat to avoid overheating.