Answer: Tattoos have become popular among both men and women in the last few decades. The only passage that seems to have a direct bearing upon the subject is Leviticus 19: 28:

“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.”

God gave this command to the nation of Israel to set them apart from the neighboring peoples who marked their skin with the names or symbols of their gods (Leviticus 21: 5) (Deuteronomy 14: 1, 2). Archeology, backed by various Scriptures, indicates that the Canaanites would customarily slash their bodies for ritualistic purposes (1 Kings 18: 28), especially to mourn their dead and honor their gods.

While the Law given to Israel is not binding on Christians, the principle underpinning this law is worth serious consideration. If you are a Christian and are contemplating getting a tattoo, you may wish to ask yourself the following questions: (1) What are my motives for wanting a tattoo? (2) Am I seeking to glorify God, or draw attention to myself? (3) Will my tattoo be a source of contention for my loved ones? and (4) Will I still want the tattoo years from now? (Although removal is possible, it is more expensive and painful.) The following Scriptures may also prove helpful: (1 Corinthians 6: 19, 20; 10: 23, 31) (1 Peter 3: 3, 4).

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