I need to make a caveat before we delve into this contentious topic. This blog is titled can Christians get tattoos. It is not can Christians have tattoos. The semantics are important. Full disclosure, I am a Christian who has numerous tattoos. None of the tattoos were acquired after I became a Christian. All of them were in my “pre-saved” days. Even though there are judging eyes amongst some Christians when I roll up my sleeves, they are not my concern. There are much worse things I did in my rebellious days than getting a tattoo!
So, I have decided to tackle this subject slightly differently. I am going to give both sides of the argument at the risk of being labelled a fence sitter. This is not a cop out, but to highlight the importance of respectful discourse and scriptural interpretation when Christians are debating “opinions”. One last note, to clarify part of my position; no, I do not think tattoos are a sin. Whether a Christian should get a tattoo is a different story altogether.
There is one main scripture touted in the argument against tattoos.
Leviticus 19:28 says:
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord”.
Cut and dried, case closed. Blog finished. Nothing more to say. Well, not so fast. Are we 100% certain that the translation “tattoo” is the correct one?
Stick with me, guys. I know this can get a bit nerdy, but try get to the other side:
Let’s look at the word translated as “tattoo”. It is derived from two words in Hebrew: k‘tovet (כְּתֹ֫בֶת) and qa‘aqa (קַעֲקַע). We only find these words occurring here in the scriptures.
The first, k‘tovet, is derived from the common stem/root k-t-b (כתב), which means to write or engrave or mark.
The second, qa‘aqa, is not as clear. The standard scholarly dictionary of biblical Hebrew defines it as “tattoo”, but notes, “the exact meaning…is unknown. The Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains defines qa‘aqa as “a marking of skin by incision, as a non-verbal sign of mourning.”
Okay, so what am I trying to say here? Well, we are not even certain that “tattoo” is the correct translation of that Hebrew word.
However, if the translation of tattoo is correct, we need to consider other factors, such as context. Grief in ancient times was outwardly presented, such as the shaving of heads or beards, wearing sackcloth and slashing their bodies. God is saying in the first half of the verse, “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead.” They are not to make cuts on their body during mourning like those societies around them. Clearly, the context of this verse pertains to mourning, cutting and the marking of their bodies for their deceased relatives.
There are 613 commandments in the Old Testament. Should we really be cherry-picking the ones we want to follow and ignoring the rest? All or nothing? If so, then best you don’t trim those 1970’s-style sideburns!
Well, then, as Christians, let’s leave the already fulfilled covenant and move over to the New Testament. What verse is key in the “against” argument?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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, honour God with your bodies”.
Can you honour God with your bodies by getting a tattoo? Some say they are a defilement of the temple of the Holy Spirit.” What then of piercings? Are earrings not defiling the body? Many who read this text are guilty of misapplication. What is Paul specifically talking about? It is not about tattoos and earrings or even exercise and healthy eating. The verse in context is about sexual immorality. To bring this to the level of tattoos is to belittle the point Paul is trying to make about sexual sin.
Some Christians say a tattoo depicting their faith is a meaningful outward expression of their honour to God. A good example of this is the long-standing practice, according to scholars, of Christians, soon after the death of Jesus, tattooing symbols of their faith, such as fish or lambs. This practice has continued until today and is evident especially around easter time, where the tattoo artists abound in Jerusalem, tattooing numerous fish, crosses and other expressions of devotion.
So, should a Christian get a tattoo even if they are not specifically condemned in the scriptures?
The decision is entirely your own. I can, however, say that what you tattoo on your skin makes a difference. I am sure the skull tattoo I have on my leg does not glorify God (I will be amending that soon), but let us look at it as though we are in two minds, should we or shouldn’t we:
- Is the tattoo an external adornment which can be construed as making you preoccupied with looks and not your inner beauty:
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewellery or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1Peter 3:3-4 NIV).
- As an ambassador of Christ, will getting a tattoo aid or detract from sharing the Gospel?
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20 ESV).
- And most importantly, does getting the tattoo glorify God?
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” ( 1 Cor 10:31 NIV).
I will leave you with a famous justification for getting a tattoo, used by proponents of the “for” argument:
“See, I have written your name on the palm of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16 NLT).
My answer to the question of whether you should or shouldn’t is to err on the side of caution and rather get a T-shirt.
