We are clay in the hands of Jesus

Tattoos and Piercings

Bible Verses on Tattoos and Piercings:

Leviticus 19:28- “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.”

This verse has reference to the custom among the pagan nations to pierce themselves, or tattoo themselves when a member of the family died. Such tattooing or piercing was an effort to appease the Idols they worshiped into accepting their departed relative. For an Israelite to pierce himself or tattoo himself was a sign that he was influenced by Idolatry. This was a serious sin.

This verse, however, cannot be applied to the kinds of tattoos or piercings that are associated with our culture except among the pagan worshipers. It is ALWAYS wrong to apply the Old Testament Law, which was given only to the Jews, to New Testament times. We DO NOT live under the Old Testament Law. To take a verse out of the Old Testament and attempt to apply it today is to practice legalism. This was the error of Judiazers of the first Century who were trying to teach that Christians had to obey certain aspects of the Old Testament. They were condemned for their error.

In the New Testament there are no prohibitions against tattoos or piercings. Some would say that the “mark” in the book of Revelation indicates God’s displeasure with tattoos. This cannot be demonstrated by the context of the book of Revelation.

1 Cor. 6:19-20- “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”

The Christian must ask, “will this be harmful to my body?” If the answer is yes…….it is wrong. The Christian must ask, “can I glorify God by this action?” If the answer is no…..it is wrong.

My personal conviction on this, is that most piercings are perfectly acceptable today.  Also, I believe getting a tattoo depends on the person and the standings of their relationship with Jesus.  I believe it is not a sin if it is a tattoo that is pleasing to God (ie. a cross, name of a deceased love one, something significant that was positive, a bible verse, etc.). If the tattoo contains other things, it CAN be a sin. But once again, it depends on the person and their standings. 

It’s hard to say yes or no to tattoos and piercings because most of it depends on the person and the piercing/tattoo.  I am not making up your mind on if it is right or wrong. You can do that for yourself.  If you are honestly struggling with this, go to God about it and listen to what He has to say to YOU.  I personally believe both are fine as long as they honor God, myself, and those around me.

Questions about this? Feel free to ask.