What does the Bible say about Tattoos?
In modern society, tattoos have shifted from the fringes of counter-culture to the mainstream. Walking down a city street, one is just as likely to see ink on a barista as on a corporate executive. As body modification becomes ubiquitous, questions naturally arise regarding the ancient wisdom of Scripture. What does the Bible actually say about marking one's skin? A careful examination of the text reveals a narrative that is less about a blanket ban on ink and more about the concepts of ownership, holiness, and the condition of the heart. The most frequently cited verse regarding tattoos is found in the Old Testament law. "You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord." — Leviticus 19:28 On the surface, this appears to be a closed case. However, biblical scholarship emphasizes the importance of historical context. This command was given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter Canaan around 1400 BC. The cultures surr...