What does the Bible say about tattoos? - THIS WILL SHOCK YOU

Today, we will delve into a topic that intrigues many believers: tattoos from a biblical perspective. What does Scripture really say about this form of artistic expression? Join us on this journey of discovery, where we will explore biblical teachings, consider different viewpoints, and reflect on how we can integrate faith into our decisions about tattoos.

Prepare for an uplifting and enriching dialogue as we explore this topic together. Throughout history, tattoos have been the subject of various debates and opinions in society, and particularly within the Christian community. From their association with pagan practices to their acceptance as personal artistic expressions, tattoos have been a topic of interest and controversy in the context of faith.

But beyond simply discussing the legality or illegality of tattoos, we will explore the deeper implications behind this practice. What significance do tattoos have in the context of our relationship with God and with others? How can tattoos be an expression of our faith and our identity as followers of Christ?

In the past, tattoos were seen as signs of gang affiliation or prison experiences. Today, we find tattoos on suburban mothers, gothic teenagers, pop stars, and even religious leaders. According to the Wall Street Journal, nearly half of millennials admit to having at least one tattoo.

Previously, both the church and mainstream culture firmly rejected tattoos; however, now it’s almost common to see an East Coast pastor with an arm full of ink. What was once a symbol of rebellion now becomes a fascinating topic of conversation. But what does the Bible say about tattoos?

The Old Testament provides guidance in this regard. Moses, in the first five books of the Bible, establishes about 613 laws. These laws range from the sacrificial system and priestly duties to the lifestyle and governance of the Jewish people.

In Leviticus 19:28, God prohibits tattoos as a form of worship of the dead, stating, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. " However, the previous verse also prohibits trimming the edges of the beard (Leviticus 19:27). Moreover, other Jewish laws prohibit eating pork or wearing clothes of mixed materials (Leviticus 11:7 and 19), rules that Christians nowadays generally do not follow.

There are many laws that would still be beneficial today, and undoubtedly all Christians should follow the Ten Commandments. However, there are other commandments, such as "Do not cook a young goat in its mother's milk" (Exodus 23:19), which were specific to the circumstances of ancient Israel. So how do we decide which laws to follow in our lives?

What is hermeneutics? As committed Christians, we want to be faithful in our interpretation of the Bible, a process known as hermeneutics. Hermeneutics is the art and science of interpreting and applying the Bible to our current lives.

Dr Ken Gore, a professor of biblical studies at Dallas Baptist University (DBU), explains clearly: "The Bible is written for us, not to us. " This idea is developed in the book "How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth," a valuable work. The biblical authors were inspired to write messages that would endure through the centuries and millennia, but they were not writing directly to us.

This leads us to the importance of carefully understanding the context of God's word before applying it to our lives today. For example, we should not interpret Philippians 4:13 as a guarantee that we can achieve anything just by trying. Of course, God has the power to perform miracles and could allow me to beat LeBron James in a one-on-one basketball game, but that is not the main message of the verse.

If I played against him, I would lose. What's going on? Doesn't God give me the strength to do everything I want?

Kelly Edmiston provides a helpful introduction to hermeneutics using Philippians 4:13 as an example. In the Book of Leviticus, God's people had just been freed from oppression in Egypt. As Moses led Israel, God gave them laws to help build an identity based on their relationship with Him.

Some of these laws intentionally distance the Israelites from pagan practices. Today, Christians (except for Messianic Jews) do not follow a kosher diet, avoid mixing fabrics, and generally shave their sideburns. So why do we follow some Old Testament laws and not others?

There is a great debate about the applicability of certain laws after the New Covenant. Sometimes the New Testament specifically allows certain changes, as when Mark writes, "Thus Jesus declared all foods clean" (Mark 7:19). At other times, the Bible says that we are released from the old Jewish laws and no longer need to follow the sacrificial system.

However, Jesus continues to condemn adultery, going even further by stating that lust is as sinful as adultery (Matthew 5:27-29). The biblical context's prohibition of tattoos leads us to reflect on the reasons behind this divine instruction. To fully understand the meaning of this prohibition, it is crucial to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was given.

At the time these words were written, the society in which the Israelites lived was immersed in religious and cultural practices that God considered abominable. Many of these practices involved body modification, including tattoos, as part of worship rituals for pagan deities and mourning practices for the dead. God, in His wisdom, gave these specific instructions to His people to protect them from being dragged down by the pagan customs and practices surrounding them.

He prohibited tattoos as part of a broader call to holiness and separation for the people of Israel from the world around them. This leads us to ask whether these same concerns and cultural contexts equally apply to us in contemporary society. As we reflect on this prohibition in the modern context, we must consider whether tattoos are still associated with religious or cultural practices that contradict biblical principles.

Furthermore, we should examine whether the motivation behind our desires to get tattoos. . .

Reflects a proper reverence for our body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit according to biblical teachings. Ultimately, this reflection invites us to discern whether tattoos in our contemporary society still represent a deviation from the values and holiness that God calls us to maintain as His followers. The word "tattoo" is not clear in the Hebrew language; some Bible translations use the word "tattoo" to translate a Hebrew term that is actually more ambiguous.

The Hebrew word "kaka" can also mean incision or mark. Some scholars interpret this word as "mark," which, in a completely literal interpretation, would prohibit children's temporary tattoos at fairs or even writing notes on the back of the hand. There is a great debate about the applicability of certain laws after the New Covenant; however, most Hebrew scholars agree that "kaka" refers to the act of piercing the skin to introduce ink, creating permanent marks.

At that time, tattoos were much more likely to cause infections and other health risks, but this is probably not the main reason why the Old Testament prohibits tattoos. Why couldn't the Israelites get tattoos? As mentioned earlier, many of these laws were intended to separate the Israelites from the surrounding pagan cultures and help them unlearn Egyptian customs.

For many years, commentators believed that the prohibition of tattoos was related to the proper reverence for God's creation. As pointed out by 19th-century Lutheran scholars Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch, Frederick Garder wrote in 1876 that this passage prohibits profaning human dignity in its human form. Many conservative commentators have said that the law prohibiting tattoos has to do with violating our bodies as God's good creation.

Although their position is understandable, we now understand that this law was likely given to protect the Israelites from associating with pagan worship and to help them break free from their bondage. Historically, it appears there were two main practices related to tattoos during that period. Some tattoos at that time were related to slavery.

Recent studies suggest that tattoos were used to mark slaves in Egypt; as God had just freed the Israelites from slavery, they should never consider themselves slaves to Egypt. Additionally, Jewish rabbis later associated tattoos with idolatry and paganism. James Smith supports the idea that tattoos were linked to pagan worship practices, while Robert Jameson and others believe that tattoos were associated with idol worship and were a sign of apostasy.

In this reading, it seems that Leviticus does not prohibit all types of tattoos in the modern context since, in our culture, tattoos do not have the same association with idolatry or slavery. Therefore, a good hermeneutical interpretation shows that the underlying principle of this commandment is not violated with modern tattoos. But before deciding whether getting a tattoo is biblical or not, there are other considerations we should take into account.

Are there other biblical verses against tattoos? Some Christians believe that the mark of the beast mentioned in Revelation 13:16-18 is a kind of tattoo; however, in the following chapter, Revelation 14:1, it is said that the 144,000 redeemed from the earth have the Father's name written on their foreheads. Therefore, a literal reading could lead us to conclude that the righteous will also have tattoos, even on their faces.

There are many ways to interpret Revelation, and while it’s possible that one day a world order might require people to tattoo the number six, it seems unlikely that this was the meaning John intended. Even if this were true, we could tattoo anything other than 666, and we would be fine. Either way, I would not recommend tattoos of 666 for many reasons.

In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul makes a beautiful observation by saying that our bodies are temples. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

Therefore, honor God with your body. " In this context, this passage refers to sexual immorality; however, we should reflect on this principle that applies to many areas of our lives. Paul is affirming the importance of our bodies; thus, I believe this principle also applies to tattoos.

An appropriate application could be that we should glorify God with the tattoos we decide to get on our bodies. Although, again, I'm not sure if Paul was referring to external appearance when he wrote these words. If so, temples are often very decorated, adorned with elaborate carpets and paintings, so the passage does not seem to prohibit tattoos.

In Isaiah 49:16, God says, "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. " This is metaphorical, but it still demonstrates an openness to the idea of tattoos as cultural marks. In an interesting article by Trevin Wax in The Gospel Coalition, it is asked: Are tattoos worse than adultery?

This article considers the experience of missionaries in Tanzania who were surprised to find that their Christian students unanimously agreed that it would be worse for a pastor to get tattoos than to commit adultery. Why? Because tattoos in that culture are associated with witchcraft and evil spirits, and show that these evil spirits have influence over the person.

We should take the opinions of other Christians very seriously; we worship the same God as these brothers and sisters in good faith. Indeed, they are correct in saying that the cultural practice of tattooing in that region would greatly limit their witness and unduly shame the church. This does not mean that morality is relative to cultures, but that as Christians, we are called to care for our testimony.

Different cultural contexts sometimes require different applications of biblical texts and different ways to live out the same eternal truths. Christians can maintain non-sinful cultural and ethnic marks. The gospel—the good news—is for Jews.

And Gentiles alike, this inclusion is a point of enormous theological importance for Paul. The letter to the Galatians is largely written to address Jewish Christians who added Jewish law and ethnic marks as part of their conversion to Christianity. Paul categorically states, “You foolish Galatians!

Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by believing what you heard?

” (Galatians 3:1). Further on in the same chapter, he writes, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). He also says in 1 Corinthians 8:9 that many of these gray areas, like whether we can eat meat that has been sacrificed to pagan gods, should not divide us.

At the very least, tattooing should be one of those topics. Obviously, many topics are considered openly sinful in the Bible, regardless of culture and whether it would harm our testimony. Getting a tattoo does not appear to be one of those issues.

Can I get a tattoo if I am a Christian? If, as a believer, you decide to get a tattoo, there certainly are some guiding principles about what the Bible says regarding tattoos, even a well-done tattoo that glorifies God. Our bodies are temples; act with extreme discretion and wisdom.

Given that tattoos are permanent, over 10% of people regret getting tattoos. Be prudent in deciding where you get yours. Tattoos still pose health risks.

The principle behind not getting tattoos seems to be their association with slavery, idolatry, and paganism. In the current context, we must ensure that the content of our tattoos is not related to these themes. If we tattoo ourselves because we idolize something, that would be a reflection of sin.

If the tattoo refers to something from which God has freed us, do not do it (Galatians 5:1). If it will harm your testimony or cause division, you should also avoid it, especially if you live in a culture that associates any tattoo with paganism (1 Corinthians 8:8-13). Finally, we should not get tattoos associated with paganism or anything that goes against the teachings of Christ.

Wisdom, the Holy Spirit, and the community should give us an idea of the nuances of each situation. What does the Bible say about getting a tattoo? In summary, some Christians might argue that the Levitical laws against tattoos are there because God does not want us to violate our natural bodies.

This position has problems and does not explain the context well. Biblical research has shown that the Old Testament prohibition against tattoos was likely associated with paganism and slavery, which should still guide those seeking tattoos. However, given that in the West, tattoos are no longer associated with these sins, Christians should be free to get well-thought-out tattoos that honor God.

They are cultural marks and artistic expressions that can be redeemed and enjoyed by Christians under the New Covenant. As Paul says about cultural matters that can divide us, “However, we do not exercise this right, but endure everything so as not to put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:12). As we reach the conclusion of our exploration of tattoos from a biblical perspective, a fundamental truth emerges: Christian faith is not static but dynamic and adaptable.

Throughout history, the interpretations of scriptures have evolved and adjusted as society and culture change. In this sense, our understanding of tattoos and other contemporary issues should be informed by profound discernment and careful reflection, rooted in the eternal principles of God's love, justice, and grace. A lesson we can take from this study is the importance of discerning wisely and sensitively in all our decisions, including those related to personal expressions like tattoos.

Through prayer, reflection, and consultation with the faith community, we can seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to make decisions that reflect our commitment to Christ and our calling to glorify God in everything we do. Finally, let us remember that beyond our differences of opinion on issues such as tattoos, we are called to love one another and maintain unity in Christ. May our exploration of this topic inspire us to cultivate an inclusive and compassionate faith community where each person is valued and respected as a beloved child of God, regardless of their personal choices or external appearance.

I invite you to pray with me: Dear Heavenly Father, we gather today in your presence with hearts full of gratitude and humility. We thank you for your unconditional love that surrounds us at all times, for your grace that sustains us in times of difficulty, and for your light that illuminates our path in the darkness. We ask that you guide us and strengthen us as we immerse ourselves in your presence during this time of prayer.

Lord, we ask that you pour your Holy Spirit upon us. As we unite in prayer, may your Spirit fill us with peace and comfort and guide us in understanding your will for our lives. Allow us to feel your powerful presence as we lift our petitions and concerns before you, trusting in your wisdom and perfect love to respond according to your will.

Heavenly Father, you know the desires of our hearts and the needs of those around us. We ask that you be our refuge and our strength in times of trial and that you fill us with hope and faith amid the challenges we face. May our words and thoughts be pleasing to your eyes, and may our lives reflect your love and grace in everything we do.

In the name of Jesus, amen. Now, I have a question for you: How did you approach this situation, and what conclusions did you draw from it? It regarding your relationship with God: sharing our experiences and strategies can be a source of support and personal growth.

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