What does the Bible say about tattoos?

The only verse that explicitly addresses tattoos is Leviticus 19:28. It was given to Israel in a specific cultural moment to set them apart from surrounding pagan nations whose tattoos and cuttings were tied to mourning rituals and idol worship.

Christians today are no longer under the Mosaic ceremonial law (Galatians 3:24-25), but the underlying principle still matters: our bodies belong to God and should not be marked with anything that dishonors Him.

Before getting a tattoo, ask honest questions. What is the meaning? Is it permanent yet wisely chosen? Will it cause your parents, spouse, or younger believers to stumble (Romans 14)? Are you doing it for vanity, rebellion, or to glorify God?

A tattoo by itself does not make a person more or less holy. Christians fall on both sides of this question with sincere faith. The Bible's bigger call is to live in a way—on your skin and off it—that points others to Christ.