A tattoo is a form of body modification where ink is inserted into the skin to create designs, symbols, or text. The practice of tattooing has been present in various cultures throughout history, often carrying significant cultural, religious, or personal meanings. In the context of the Bible, the topic of tattoos is addressed directly in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference concerning tattoos is found in Leviticus 19:28, which states: "You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD." . This verse is part of a larger section of Leviticus that outlines various laws and commandments given to the Israelites. The prohibition against tattoos is often understood within the context of distinguishing the Israelites from surrounding pagan cultures, which may have engaged in tattooing as part of idolatrous or superstitious practices.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, tattooing and body marking were sometimes associated with religious rituals, mourning practices, or as a sign of allegiance to a deity. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart for God, and many of the laws in Leviticus were intended to prevent them from adopting the customs of neighboring nations that could lead them away from worshiping the one true God.

Interpretation and Application:

The interpretation of Leviticus 19:28 has been a subject of discussion among Christians. Some view the prohibition as a specific commandment for the Israelites that does not directly apply to Christians today, as the New Covenant through Christ has fulfilled the Old Testament law. Others, however, see the principle behind the commandment as still relevant, emphasizing the importance of honoring God with one's body and avoiding practices that could be associated with paganism or idolatry.

In the New Testament, while there is no direct mention of tattoos, the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Do you not know that your body is a temple 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 glorify God with your body." . This passage is often cited in discussions about tattoos, encouraging believers to consider how their choices, including body modifications, reflect their faith and commitment to God.

Modern Considerations:

In contemporary Christian circles, opinions on tattoos vary widely. Some Christians choose to get tattoos that express their faith, such as Bible verses or religious symbols, viewing them as a form of personal testimony. Others refrain from tattoos, adhering to a more traditional interpretation of Leviticus 19:28 or personal convictions about body modification.

Ultimately, the decision to get a tattoo is often seen as a matter of personal conscience, guided by prayer, reflection on Scripture, and consideration of one's motives and the potential impact on their witness as a follower of Christ.Leviticus 19:28
You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks on you: I am the LORD.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
Topicalbible.org

1. (n.) A beat of drum, or sound of a trumpet or bugle, at night, giving notice to soldiers to retreat, or to repair to their quarters in garrison, or to their tents in camp.

2. (v. t.) To color, as the flesh, by pricking in coloring matter, so as to form marks or figures which can not be washed out.

3. (n.) An indelible mark or figure made by puncturing the skin and introducing some pigment into the punctures; -- a mode of ornamentation practiced by various barbarous races, both in ancient and modern times, and also by some among civilized nations, especially by sailors.

4742b. stigma -- a tattoo mark or brand
... 4742a, 4742b. stigma. 4743 . a tattoo mark or brand. Transliteration:
stigma Short Definition: brand-marks. Word Origin from stizo ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4742b.htm - 5k7085. qaaqa -- an incision, imprint, tattoo
... 7084, 7085. qaaqa. 7086 . an incision, imprint, tattoo. Transliteration:
qaaqa Phonetic Spelling: (kah-ak-ah') Short Definition: tattoo. ...
/hebrew/7085.htm - 6k

3793. kethobeth -- an imprint
... Word Origin from kathab Definition an imprint NASB Word Usage marks (1),
tattoo* (1). a letter or other mark branded on the skin. ...
/hebrew/3793.htm - 6k

If the Female virgins are to be Thus Conspicuous, Why not the Male ...
... of the Garamantes, or else the fillets of the barbarians, or else the cicadas of
the Athenians, or else the curls of the Germans, or else the tattoo-marks of ...
/.../tertullian/on the veiling of virgins/chapter x if the female virgins.htm

The Story of Histiaeus.
... The head was shaved, and Histiaeus, while pretending to scarify it, pricked into
the skin"as sailors tattoo anchors on their arms"by means of a needle and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter x the story of.htm

Tattoo (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tattoo (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 19:28 "'You shall not
make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. ...
/t/tattoo.htm - 7k

Tau (1 Occurrence)

/t/tau.htm - 6k

Tattlers (1 Occurrence)

/t/tattlers.htm - 6k

Marks (25 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 19:28 "'You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor
tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/m/marks.htm - 13k

Printed (2 Occurrences)
... for worship, war, mourning, etc. This paint might be temporary or pricked
in by the tattoo process. Tattooing itself is rather a ...
/p/printed.htm - 13k

Print (3 Occurrences)
... for worship, war, mourning, etc. This paint might be temporary or pricked
in by the tattoo process. Tattooing itself is rather a ...
/p/print.htm - 15k

Printing
... for worship, war, mourning, etc. This paint might be temporary or pricked
in by the tattoo process. Tattooing itself is rather a ...
/p/printing.htm - 13k

Beat (85 Occurrences)
... the signal for, by beat of drum; to sound by beat of drum; as, to beat an alarm,
a charge, a parley, a retreat; to beat the general, the reveille, the tattoo. ...
/b/beat.htm - 35k

Cuttings (5 Occurrences)
... Cuttings (5 Occurrences). Leviticus 19:28 "'You shall not make any cuttings in your
flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh. ...
/c/cuttings.htm - 11k

Should a Christian get a henna tattoo? | GotQuestions.org

Did Jesus have a tattoo (Revelation 19:16)? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about tattoos? | GotQuestions.org

Tattoo: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus