Leviticus 19:28
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
At face value, this verse appears to prohibit body markings. However, isolating a single line in the bible without examining its cultural, linguistic, and covenantal context quickly leads to misunderstanding. Covenant and cultural context very much matter.
This command exists within the Mosaic Law, a covenant given specifically to ancient Israel. There were three types of law: moral law, civial law, and ceremonial law. The scripture in reference would fall under requirements presented within ceremonial law.
This verse, and surrounding verses, address behaviors tied to pagan worship practices, particularly those associated with mourning rites, ancestor veneration, and idol worship common among Israel’s neighboring nations. Again, ceremonial law.
In the ancient Near East, bodily cutting and marking were ritual acts, not personal expression. These practices were acts of devotion to false gods or the dead, intended to invoke spiritual favor or protection. The concern of the passage is not aesthetics. The concern is allegiance.
The Hebrew term translated as “tattoo” in Leviticus 19:28 (NIV) is qa‘aqa, a rare and highly specific word. Its usage points to ritual markings associated with mourning the dead, not decorative or symbolic body art as understood today.
This linguistic detail explains why the prohibition appears alongside warnings against:
• Pagan worship
• Divination
• Cutting rituals
• Idolatrous imitation of surrounding nations
In other words, the verse is not issuing a timeless moral judgment against body art. It is prohibiting participation in idolatrous worship practices.
The message is “Do not worship false gods the way the nations around you do.” That distinction is essential. And then there's the little element of the old covenant versus the new covenant. So... what is the new covenant The new covenant perspective?
Christians generally understand that they are not bound to the ceremonial and civil laws of ancient Israel. This is affirmed repeatedly in the New Testament:
• Galatians 3 – The Law as a tutor fulfilled in Christ
• Romans 6–7 – Freedom from the Law through Christ
• Acts 15 – The Jerusalem Council explicitly rejecting the imposition of Mosaic Law on Gentile believers
If Leviticus 19:28 were intended as a universal moral law, it would be reaffirmed in the New Testament. It is not.
What the New Testament Actually Emphasizes
The New Testament never forbids tattoos. Instead, it reframes the discussion entirely, shifting focus from external markings to internal devotion and stewardship. Two foundational principles are often cited:
- “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… therefore honor God with your body.” -1 Corinthians 6:19–20
- “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” -1 Samuel
These passages do not prohibit marking the body. They call believers to examine motivation, ownership, and reverence.
Scripture does not identify tattoos themselves as sinful. However, it does call believers to discernment.
Biblically responsible questions include:
• Why am I getting this tattoo?
• Does it glorify God, glorify self, or glorify something sinful?
• Does it conflict with my witness or violate my conscience?
• Am I acting in freedom or rebellion?
• Can I offer this decision to God in prayer with peace?
Paul provides a guiding principle: “Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” -Romans 14:23
This acknowledges that conscience matters. What may be permissible for one believer may not be for another, and Scripture makes room for that distinction without condemnation.
So to wrap it up, this is not a ‘liberal’ stance. This is being biblically responsible- digging into the Word- putting forth the effort and energy to diligently seek out the truth.
That truth, in summary is this:
- Scripture does not command tattoos.
- Scripture does not universally condemn tattoos.
- Scripture does condemn idolatry, false worship, and misplaced allegiance.
- Leviticus 19:28 addresses pagan ritual practices, not modern body art.
- The New Testament emphasizes heart posture over outward appearance.
- You do not have to like tattoos. You do not have to get tattoos. Tattoos are not for everyone, and judgement is reserved only for the Lord.
- Using Scripture to declare tattoos inherently sinful misrepresents the text.
This is advice, outside of opinion. In my understanding, I think scripture is very clear. I am also certain that those who judge others for their tattoos (or any other things in reality) are those who are actually in breech of law.
~ Devin
Devin Osborne