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Tattoos have become a common form of self-expression in popular culture. In the past, many people associated tattoos with gang members, prison inmates, and others outside the mainstream of society. Today, however, it’s normal for individuals in respected professions to have tattoos, like teachers, doctors, and even pastors.
While the Bible is the ultimate authority for faith and practice, the New Testament does not directly address whether a follower of Jesus Christ can get a tattoo. Because of this, getting inked is not a black-and-white moral issue but a gray area in which there is no clear right or wrong. This means that getting a tattoo is not inherently sinful but could be under certain circumstances.
When it comes to moral issues that Scripture does not specifically address, the Bible instructs Christians to follow their conscience according to their faith (Romans 14:22–23). Specifically, Paul says that every Christian “should be fully convinced in their own mind” about what is right or wrong for them (Romans 14:5). Regarding those who have different convictions about disputable matters, Paul tells believers on both sides to “stop passing judgment on one another” and to accept each other instead (Romans 14:1, 13).
Here are some biblical principles to help Christians who are considering getting a tattoo:
• The subject matter of the tattoo makes a difference. While getting a tattoo may be permissible, any images or words that promote beliefs or behaviors contrary to God’s moral standards are sinful.
• The motivation for getting a tattoo matters. Paul says decisions about gray areas should be made “to the Lord”—for His glory—and come from faith (Romans 14:6, 23; 1 Corinthians 10:31). This means that getting a tattoo to conform to the world is wrong (1 John 2:15–17). Therefore, getting a tattoo itself may not be a sin, but the motivation for getting one can be.
• Transformation of the heart is more valuable than the decoration of the body. Peter taught that Christians should not prioritize “outward adornment” over the “inner self” (1 Peter 3:3–4). A person who desires to get a tattoo for the sake of vanity is guilty of pride.
• Jesus’ redemption of sinners includes care for the body. According to Paul, a believer’s body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). This fact raises important questions: How much modification of that temple is appropriate? Is there a line that should not be crossed? At what point do tattoos cease to be artistic self-expression and become sinful mutilation? Answering questions like these should be a matter of individual reflection and honest prayer.
• Reflect on how a tattoo might impact being a witness for Christ. Christians are Jesus’ ambassadors in the world, delivering God’s message to the lost (2 Corinthians 5:20). Therefore, they should carefully consider what message a tattoo gives to unbelievers and whether it will help or hinder their witness for Christ and the gospel.
• Minors must follow their parents’ preferences on moral issues that the Bible doesn’t address. Children are to honor and obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1–2). For minors to get tattoos against their parents’ wishes constitutes sinful rebellion.
Although Christians are no longer under the Law of Moses (Romans 6:14), it’s noteworthy that Leviticus prohibited Israelites from marking their skin to mourn the dead. God instructed His people: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28). This law addressed pagan grieving rituals. Scholars believe this tattooing was likely a religious practice that reflected pagan beliefs about honoring the dead.• The motivation for getting a tattoo matters. Paul says decisions about gray areas should be made “to the Lord”—for His glory—and come from faith (Romans 14:6, 23; 1 Corinthians 10:31). This means that getting a tattoo to conform to the world is wrong (1 John 2:15–17). Therefore, getting a tattoo itself may not be a sin, but the motivation for getting one can be.
• Transformation of the heart is more valuable than the decoration of the body. Peter taught that Christians should not prioritize “outward adornment” over the “inner self” (1 Peter 3:3–4). A person who desires to get a tattoo for the sake of vanity is guilty of pride.
• Jesus’ redemption of sinners includes care for the body. According to Paul, a believer’s body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). This fact raises important questions: How much modification of that temple is appropriate? Is there a line that should not be crossed? At what point do tattoos cease to be artistic self-expression and become sinful mutilation? Answering questions like these should be a matter of individual reflection and honest prayer.
• Reflect on how a tattoo might impact being a witness for Christ. Christians are Jesus’ ambassadors in the world, delivering God’s message to the lost (2 Corinthians 5:20). Therefore, they should carefully consider what message a tattoo gives to unbelievers and whether it will help or hinder their witness for Christ and the gospel.
• Minors must follow their parents’ preferences on moral issues that the Bible doesn’t address. Children are to honor and obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1–2). For minors to get tattoos against their parents’ wishes constitutes sinful rebellion.
The instruction about tattooing the skin appears alongside other commands that set Israel apart from other nations. In this way, the Israelites lived out God’s standard stated earlier in the passage: “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). While the pagan practices described in Leviticus are not part of a typical Christian’s life today, the principle of not adopting worldly values endures (Romans 12:2; James 4:4).
In summary, getting a tattoo is not a sin in itself. It is permissible within the freedom a Christian has in Christ (Galatians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 10:23). Yet biblical principles should guide a person’s decision to get one. When applying these principles, prayer for wisdom is essential: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
