What does the Bible say about tattoos?
The only Bible passage that mentions marking the body (Leviticus 19:28) addresses pagan mourning rituals, not modern tattoos. No blanket New Testament command exists, so the question becomes wisdom, motive, and honoring God with the body.
Leviticus 19:28 forbids cutting the body and marking it "for the dead," tied to idolatrous customs surrounding Israel — part of the law that set them apart from neighbors.
The New Testament does not repeat this. Tattoos in themselves are not declared sinful, but neither are they trivial — they involve permanent marks on a body God values.
Wise questions: Will I still own this in twenty years? Is the design honoring? Am I under authority (parents, conscience)? "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.