Whether Christians can get tattoos is a question that Christians themselves hold varying views on. Unlike the Islamic position, which is based on clear hadith, the Christian position on tattoos is a matter of ongoing discussion and personal conviction. This guide explains the key biblical passage, how it is interpreted across different traditions and what it means practically for Christian clients considering a tattoo.
The key biblical passage
The only direct reference to tattoos in the Bible appears in Leviticus 19:28, which states "You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves." This verse is from the Old Testament Law given to the nation of Israel. The question for Christians centres on whether this Mosaic Law applies to followers of Jesus today and what the cultural context of the prohibition was at the time it was given.
Many theologians and Bible scholars note that the prohibition in Leviticus was likely directed at practices associated with pagan mourning rituals and idol worship common among surrounding cultures at the time. The prohibition sits alongside commands such as not cutting the hair at the sides of the head or trimming the beard, commands that most Christians do not apply literally today. The surrounding context suggests the prohibition was about avoiding pagan religious practices rather than a timeless universal ban on body marking.
How different Christian traditions view tattoos
Tattoos are forbidden for Christians
Some conservative Christian traditions take Leviticus 19:28 at face value as an enduring prohibition. They may also cite 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 on the body being a temple of the Holy Spirit as supporting the view that permanent body modification is incompatible with Christian faith. Some denominations and churches hold this position formally.
Held by: Some conservative evangelical and fundamentalist traditionsTattoos are a matter of personal conscience
Many mainstream Protestant theologians argue that Christians are not under the Mosaic Law as outlined in Leviticus, citing Romans 7:6 and Galatians 5:1. Under this view, tattoos are neither explicitly permitted nor forbidden by the New Testament and fall into the category of grey areas where the believer's conscience and motivations determine whether it is appropriate for them personally. Romans 14:22-23 is frequently cited.
Held by: Many Protestant, evangelical and charismatic traditionsTattoos can be expressions of faith
Some Christians view tattoos as a potential vehicle for expressing faith, particularly when the design reflects Christian themes or scripture. 1 Corinthians 9:22 is sometimes cited in the context of using tattoos as conversation starters for evangelism. This view holds that it is the motivation and content of the tattoo that matters rather than the act of tattooing itself.
Held by: Many contemporary Christians across multiple denominationsCultural and historical context changes the reading
Some scholars note that the Hebrew word used in Leviticus may have referred to ritual body marking associated with Canaanite worship practices specific to that historical period. Under this reading the prohibition was not about body modification per se but about participating in pagan religious rituals through specific markings tied to those practices.
Held by: Many biblical scholars and theologians across traditionsWhat this means practically
The question of whether a Christian should get a tattoo is ultimately a matter for the individual and their faith community. There is no universal answer across all Christian traditions. Many Christians get tattoos and many others choose not to. The majority of mainstream Christian theologians today do not characterise tattoos as an outright sin under the New Testament, though many would encourage careful consideration of motivations and content before proceeding.
At Gravity Tattoo we welcome clients from all backgrounds and faiths. Our role is to provide high-quality tattooing in a professional and respectful environment. For clients who are working through the theological dimensions of this question, we would always encourage consulting with a trusted pastor, priest or church elder who knows your specific situation.
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This article is part of our Tattoo Preparation Guide, covering every question clients ask before booking. Browse every guide at our Tattoo Preparation Guide hub, written by working artists at Gravity Tattoo.
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