Is it okay for Christians to get a tattoo?

Quick Answer: Is it okay for Christians to get a tattoo? Some have interpreted Leviticus 19:28 to mean that Christians cannot get tattoos. This was just one of many prohibitions in the Law (including the avoidance of pork, shellfish, and clothing spun of more than one linen). However, Christians are dead to the Law (Romans 7:4), not under the Law (Romans 6:14), and Christ is the end of the Law for all those who believe (Romans 10:4). Therefore, believers are free to have tattoos.

Diving Deeper: Some believe tattoos are forbidden for Christians. The verse commonly used to make the argument is Leviticus 19:28. However, this is problematic for a few reasons.

First, this is an Old Testament passage. It’s just one prohibition among many in the Old Testament law (including avoidance of pork and shellfish) that Christians do not need to adhere to. We live under the new covenant of God’s grace where freedom is in focus (Galatians 5:1). We are dead to the Law (Romans 7:4), not under the Law (Romans 6:14), and Christ is the end of the law for all those who believe (Romans 10:4).

Second, Leviticus 19 states that tattoos and cuts on the flesh for the dead are forbidden. Scholars believe this refers to some form of pagan religious practice. Therefore, God was simply wanting Israel to be seen as separate from the pagan nations.

In conclusion, we have the freedom to decide whether or not we want tattoos. There is no Biblical prohibition against believers having tattoos. There may be certain contexts in which displaying a certain tattooed image is unwise, but this is about godly wisdom (and common sense), not Biblical prohibitions.

Let’s Make It a Conversation!
1. Do you have any tattoos? What is the meaning behind them?
2. What does the conversation about tattoos reveal about law and grace?
3. Are there any contexts in which having/displaying a given tattoo might not be appropriate?