Have you ever been there, in front of a tattoo studio, with your heart racing between excitement and indecision, and wondered what God thinks about tattoos? You, perhaps, have thought to get that fine cross tattooed sumptuously along a collar-bone, or the alphabet of Psalm 119 as a banner of inked testimony on a wrist. Or perhaps you have pictured in your dreams a great lion set triumphantly on your back and roaring in Christ, a trophy of valor.
But despite these colourful images sinking into your soul, one little question staring at you like a sharp needle through your mind says:
So what does God say about tattoos?
To most Christians, tattooing generates dichotomous feelings; a blend of curiosity, fear, conviction, and lust. Others regard them as divine narratives, intimate badges of religion, and an art form that is louder than lyrics. They are regarded by others as worldly, rebellious, or even dishonouring to the divine temple that God has provided us.
Tattoos are another strong medium of communication used in this contemporary world. They eternalise the memories of loved ones, they mumble silent prayers on skin, and in some cases are battle scars of survival. However, the heart of each one of us as believers is to understand whether we made the right decisions that go in line with the heart of God. The thing is that it is not solely about the opinion of people or the trends that reach our culture, at the end of the day, His truth, His wisdom, and His love are what dictate all our decisions.
This article: Bible Quotes About Tattoos: What Does God Say?, unearths bible verses on tattoos, not only going into the verses that are straightforward, but also into the ones that formulate your motivations, your condition of the heart, and your spiritual journey. Now read and find out what the Scripture says about having marks on your body, what it says to you, and what it does say about you and about who you are in Christ, and to learn how to make decisions concerning your tattoos with confidence and clarity, and peace of mind.
Bible Quotes About Tattoos: What Does God Say?
1. Leviticus 19:28
“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.”
This is the verse that mentions tattoos explicitly, in the meaning of ancient pagan mourning rites. But due to its cultural context, there are arguments on whether it can be applied today.
2. 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20
Know ye not that your bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have received of God? Not your own you are, but purchased at a price. Consequently, honour God with your bodies.”
It is a great reminder of how our bodies are the sacred vessels that should be used to glorify Him.
3. Romans 12:1
Thus I entreat you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, –I entreat you that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, your reasonable service.
This is a form of invitation to us to present ourselves in a manner that reflects that of His Holiness.
4. 1 Sam. 16:7
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. All that people look at is not looked at by the Lord. Man sees on the surface but the Lord sees the heart.’
This is one truth that can never die; God looks at our hearts not at the attire that is worn by us.
5. 1 Peter 3: 3-4
Christian beauty must not be comprised of an external decoration… Instead, it must be that of thy inner man, the undying beauty of a gentle and meek spirit, which in the apprehension of God is of tremendous value.”
Tattoos are not supposed to be taken as a substitute for the radiance that makes God happy.
6. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Then eat or drink or whatever you do do it all to the glory of God.
Ask yourself: Does this tattoo glorify God?
7. Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
8. Proverbs 16:2
“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.”
Your tattoo’s intention matters deeply.
9. Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
10. Matthew 5:16
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
11. Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Does your tattoo align with these virtues?
12. 1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
13. Isaiah 49:16
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”
This poetic imagery shows God’s unbreakable covenant love.
15. Revelation 19:16
“On his robe and his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Jesus’ name written on His thigh is sometimes cited by pro-tattoo Christians, though contextually it signifies His authority rather than literal ink.
16. Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Seek His guidance before permanent decisions.
Final Thoughts: Should Christians Get Tattoos?
Tattoos are something much more than imprints of ink into the skin. To certain people, they are symbols of sorrow and recovery. In other proclamations of faith and hope undying. But it begs a bigger question to all the believers, and it is, does this glorify God in my story?
Bible does not claim tattoos to be out-and-out sin in the New Testament, yet it urges us to a higher level-to walk in wisdom, to seek the guidance of the Lord, and to make sure that whatever we do originates to a place of pure motives, love, and reverence of the holy presence of the Lord.
First, before going through that irreversible step, consider asking yourself:
- Does this tattoo make an outstanding witness and identity in Christ?
- Or will it defile the temple of God, my body, or honour it as the temple of His glory?
- Is it my free choice, or is it my rebelliousness, scared of something, or a culturally pressured choice?
God looks deeper than the ink and the skin. He knows your heart, your thinking, your worship, and your given life. Keep in mind this eternal fact:
You are His work of art, done in Christ Jesus to do good works which He predestined you to walk in (Ephesians 2:10).
Whatever decision you choose regarding tattoos, may it be the one that is in prayer, is founded on the truth, and enveloped in His infinite love and wisdom.
After all, it is not what is inscribed on your body, that is the fairest mark that is left on your life, but what is written in your heart, by the finger of God Himself.
You can also read up: Grace and Redemption – A Deep Bible Reflection