What Does The Bible Say About Tattoos In The New Testament?
Tattoos have become increasingly popular in modern culture, leading many Christians to wonder what the Bible has to say about them. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: the New Testament does not directly address tattoos, but there are relevant passages about the body being a temple of the Holy Spirit that can inform a Christian perspective.
In this comprehensive article, we will examine key New Testament Bible passages that relate to tattoos and analyze what they may imply for a Christian’s decision on whether or not to get tattooed. We will cover Jesus’s teachings on the inner and outer person, verses about the body belonging to God, and instructions regarding sexual immorality and impurity.
The Gospels Do Not Specifically Mention Tattoos
The four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – which tell the story of Jesus Christ’s life and ministry, do not directly mention tattoos. There are no verses that clearly prohibit or condone tattooing practices.
However, there are some inferences that can be made based on principles and teachings that Jesus and the disciples preach in the Gospels.
Jesus was a Jew living under the Mosaic Law which included verses in Leviticus prohibiting tattooing: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:28).
However, there is no record of Jesus directly quoting this verse or specifically teaching against tattoos. The New Testament presents Jesus as frequently speaking out against legalistic and superficial understandings of the Law that did not focus on the condition of a person’s heart.
Some key principles from the Gospels imply perspectives on tattoos:
- In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that the righteousness of his followers should surpass that of religious leaders of the day (Matthew 5:20). The holiness code of Leviticus was meant for Israel at a specific time. Jesus calls his followers to higher standards focused on loving God and people.
- Jesus teaches that sin is a heart issue that can’t be solved by external rules. He condemned hypocritical religious leaders who “cleanse the outside of the cup but inside are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25).
- Jesus focuses his teachings on weightier matters like justice, mercy and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23) rather than divisive smaller debates like food laws or sabbath restrictions.
- In a pivotal passage, Jesus declares all foods clean (Mark 7:19), shifting the emphasis away from strict external obedience to holiness coming from within.
While tattoos are not explicitly mentioned, these examples and principles imply that Jesus was not legally mandating rules like Leviticus 19:28. His emphasis was on change from the inside-out through a transformed heart and the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
The Gospels focuses more on the purpose behind actions, on being led by the Spirit, and bringing glory to God. Principles like loving others, acting with wisdom, avoiding offense, and honoring God with our bodies would be relevant to consider regarding tattoos.
The Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit
Corinthians Verses on Honoring God with Your Body
The New Testament book of 1 Corinthians contains several verses that discuss honoring God with your physical body. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, the apostle Paul writes, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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 bodies.” Here, Paul reminds Christians that their bodies belong to God since He paid the price for them through Jesus’ sacrifice. As God’s possession, our bodies are literally temples where the Holy Spirit resides.
This means we should honor God by keeping our bodies pure and avoiding sexual immorality.
Later in 1 Corinthians, Paul again emphasizes honoring God with our bodies. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, he writes, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” The context here is about food sacrificed to idols, but the principle applies broadly – everything we do with our bodies should bring glory to God.
Whether we are eating, drinking, getting tattoos, or anything else, we should do it in a way that honors our Creator.
Additional New Testament Passages
While 1 Corinthians contains the clearest teachings about the body and honoring God, several other New Testament passages also address this topic.
- Romans 12:1 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
- 1 Peter 1:13-16 – “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy. ‘”
- Philippians 1:20 – “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”
While none of these verses directly prohibit tattoos, they emphasize that everything we do with our bodies should honor God. Christians should carefully consider if certain activities like getting a tattoo will glorify God or not.
Most Christians agree that our bodies belong to God, so we should be thoughtful about any permanent changes we make to them.
Instructions Against Impurity Could Apply to Tattoos
The Bible does not explicitly mention tattoos in the New Testament. However, there are some passages that Christians have interpreted as relevant when considering whether tattoos are biblically permissible.
Instructions for Holy Living
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul instructs believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and they should honor God with their bodies. He calls them to glorify God in all they do. Some Christians take this as a prohibition of tattoos, believing that they deface the body which belongs to God.
Avoid Worldly Standards
In Romans 12:2, Paul exhorts Christians not to conform to the standards of the world but be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Since tattoos were often associated with pagan religious rituals in Biblical times, some interpret this as a reason to continue avoiding them.
Maintain Sexual Purity
Instructions in 1 Corinthians 6 and Ephesians 5 regarding sexual immorality could also apply to tattoos. In the first century Greco-Roman context, religious tattoos were connected to temple prostitution and sexual immorality.
By extension, some Christians today believe Paul’s commands should lead believers to avoid tattoos.
However, views among Christians vary widely on this issue. As the cultural meaning of tattoos changes over time, some believe the Bible’s instructions regarding purity and holiness should be interpreted in light of their current context rather than their original one.
Focus on Inner Transformation Over Outward Appearance
The Bible encourages us to focus on developing inner godly character over being overly concerned with outward appearance. Here are some key points on this topic:
Motives Behind Getting Tattoos
The Bible does not explicitly prohibit tattoos. However, it does warn against vanity, pride, and causing others to stumble (1 Peter 3:3-4, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 10:23-24). Christians should carefully examine motives behind getting tattooed and consider whether it reflects humility, modesty and self-control.
The Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit
The New Testament teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and we are stewards of them (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). While the Bible does not prohibit tattoos or body modification, we should consider whether certain tattoos honor God with the temple of the body he has given us.
Inner Transformation Is More Important than Outward Adornment
Several New Testament verses emphasize that developing the hidden person of the heart is more important than outward appearance and excessive adornment (1 Peter 3:3-4, 1 Timothy 2:9-10). As Christians, we want to be defined by inner qualities like humility, compassion and godly character.
Focus on Christlike Character
The Bible encourages us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12). As believers, we want to be recognized for possessing the character of Christ, not outward appearance. Our highest priority should be emulating Jesus.
Avoid Causing Others to Stumble
The New Testament cautions against causing others to stumble through our freedoms (1 Corinthians 8:9-13). We should consider cultural sensitivities around tattoos and avoid getting ones that may be viewed as offensive or inappropriate.
The New Testament calls us to pursue inner transformation over outward appearance. When considering tattoos, we want to examine our motives and whether they align with principles of modesty, humility and avoiding causing offense.
Our priority as Christians is developing Christlike character in our hearts.
Considerations for Christian Freedom and Conscience
The topic of tattoos in the New Testament is an important one for Christians to thoughtfully consider. While the New Testament does not directly prohibit tattoos, there are some key principles that can guide believers in making wise, biblically-informed choices about body art.
Cultural Context
In New Testament times, tattoos were often associated with pagan religious rituals and could therefore present a stumbling block to new Gentile converts. Paul teaches that while idols are not real, participating in idolatrous practices can damage one’s conscience and Christian witness (1 Cor 8:7-13).
As culture changes, the meanings and purposes of tattoos have also evolved. Christians should thoughtfully consider current cultural perceptions of body art when making decisions.
Maintaining Purity
Paul exhorts believers to dwell on whatever is pure and lovely (Phil 4:8). While tattoos are not intrinsically impure, their purpose and meaning should align with Christian values. Tattoos meant to incite lust or depict ungodly images would be unwise.
Believers should ensure their body art aligns with biblical ideals of beauty and righteousness.
Considering Motivations
As with any personal choice, Christians should examine their motivations for getting a tattoo. Is it to honor God, commemorate a special event, or express identity in Christ? Or is body art pursued out of rebellion, peer pressure, or VALUES questionable reasons?
Our decisions should arise from faith convictions, not simply fleeting impulses (James 1:5-8).
Respecting Others
While the New Testament does not forbid tattoos for believers, many Christians personally abstain from them as a matter of conscience. Out of love, those getting tattoos should be sensitive to how body art affects others in their community (Rom 14:13-23).
Consider cultural perceptions, local church norms, and family dynamics when deciding.
Ultimately, wisdom should be sought through prayer and immersion in God’s Word. With thoughtfulness, respect for others, and pure motivations, believers can make God-honoring decisions about body art.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the New Testament does not directly address tattoos, passages about honoring God with your body and avoiding impurity provide guidance for Christians considering tattoos.
Ultimately a follower of Jesus must prayerfully evaluate whether getting a tattoo enhances or distracts from their walk with God. The most important factor is the condition of one’s inner spirit rather than outward appearance.
