What Does the Bible say About Tattoos or Body Piercings?

“I was questioned by readers – Here are my Biblical findings”

By Rev. Harold E. Bailey

President of Probation Challenge

The Old Testament law commanded the Israelites, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD” Leviticus 19:28. Though believers we are not under the Old Testament law Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23-25; Ephesians 2:15, the fact remains that there was a command against tattoos and should raise some valid questions!

I hasten to point out that the New Testament does not say anything about whether or not a believer should not get a tattoo.

In relation to tattoos and body piercing’s, a good test is to determine whether we can honestly, in good conscience, ask God to bless and use that particular activity for His own good purposes. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” 1 Corinthians 10:31.  Question: Is body piercing done to the glory of God?

The New Testament does not command against tattoos or body piercing’s, but it also does not give us any reason to believe God would have us get tattoos or body piercing’s. Nor to discount the command made in the Old Testament!

An important scriptural principle on issues the Bible does not specifically address is if there is room for doubt whether it pleases God, then it is best not to engage in that activity.

Romans 14:23 reminds us that anything that does not come from faith is sin. We need to remember that our bodies, as well as our souls, have been redeemed and belong to God. Although 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 does not directly apply to tattoos or body piercing’s, it does give us a principle: “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 honor God with your body.”

This great truth should have a real bearing on what we do and where we go with our bodies. If our bodies belong to God, we should make sure we have His clear “permission” before we “mark them up” with tattoos or body piercing’s.

When God made a covenant with Israel, he considered it like entering into a marriage covenant. As a gift to her (Israel), he said the following.

I also clothed you with embroidered work, and I shod you with leather sandals. And I wrapped you in fine linen, and I covered you with silk. And I adorned you with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon your hands and a chain on your neck. And I put a ring on your nose, and earrings in your ears . . . (Ezekiel 16:10 – 12)

The conclusion  of the matter: God’s word does not prohibit wearing earrings or body piercing. The Bible is however clear that putting tattoos on one’s body is not God’s perfect will for his people. Remember: All that we do we should do it unto the Lord… if we can’t … don’t do it!

Rev. Harold E. Bailey is the president of Probation Challenge

WWW.ProbationChallenge.org – The Truth Network