“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” – Leviticus 19:28
Bible Verses About Family Tattoos
Leviticus 19:28 – This verse warns against tattoos, highlighting the importance of honoring God through our bodies.
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” – Leviticus 19:28
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need for care in how we treat them.
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Romans 12:1 – This verse calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, which can apply to our choices about tattoos.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” – Romans 12:1
1 Peter 3:3-4 – Inner beauty is highlighted over outward adornments, which could also be related to tattoos.
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” – 1 Peter 3:3-4
Galatians 5:13 – Freedom in Christ allows for decisions about body art, but love should guide those choices.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
1 Timothy 4:4 – All creation is good and can be appreciated through thoughtful expression, like tattoos.
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” – 1 Timothy 4:4
Philippians 4:8 – Encouragement to think about what is honorable, lovely, and true can influence our choices on tattoos.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8
Colossians 3:23-24 – In our actions, including body art, we should work heartily as for the Lord.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.” – Colossians 3:23-24
Ephesians 2:10 – God has created us for good works, which includes how we express ourselves through tattoos.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10
Matthew 5:16 – Our light should shine before others, reminding us to consider the impact of our tattoos.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Proverbs 4:23 – Guard your heart and choices, including decisions about tattoos, which can carry significant meaning.
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” – Proverbs 4:23
Ezekiel 18:30 – A call to repentance and change helps us reflect on our choices, such as getting a tattoo.
“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your offenses, so sin will not be your downfall.” – Ezekiel 18:30
Psalm 139:14 – A reminder that we are wonderfully made and our appearance, including tattoos, should reflect that.
“I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” – Psalm 139:14
Job 10:8-9 – We are made by God, and our bodies should be treated with respect, including decisions about body art.
“Your hands fashioned and made me, and now you have destroyed me. Remember that you have made me like clay; and will you return me to the dust?” – Job 10:8-9
Matthew 6:21 – The treasures of our hearts should guide our decisions, which could impact our views on tattoos.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
Matthew 22:37-39 – Love for God and our neighbors guides how we express ourselves, including through tattoos.
“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Matthew 22:37-39
Isaiah 49:16 – God’s promise to remember us reminds us that tattoos can be a representation of our faith.
“Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” – Isaiah 49:16
Romans 14:23 – This verse encourages us to make choices that strengthen our faith, including about tattoos.
“But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” – Romans 14:23
Job 31:1 – Making a covenant with your eyes can reflect the careful decisions we make about our bodies.
“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?” – Job 31:1
Hebrews 10:24-25 – Encourage one another as you make decisions that reflect your faith and values.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
2 Timothy 1:7 – God gives us a spirit not of fear, which can empower us to make bold choices about our lives.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – Everything has a season, encouraging us to reflect on the timing of our choices.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Romans 14:5 – Each person should be convinced in their own mind regarding their choices, including tattoos.
“One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” – Romans 14:5
John 7:24 – Looking beyond appearances can guide us in how we view tattoos and their meanings.
“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” – John 7:24
Psalm 119:105 – Following God’s word provides guidance in our everyday decisions about body art.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Mark 12:30-31 – Commit all decisions to loving God and others, which includes choices regarding tattoos.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Mark 12:30-31
Galatians 6:5 – We should bear our own loads, putting thought into personal choices like tattooing.
“For each will have to bear his own load.” – Galatians 6:5
Colossians 3:17 – No matter what we do, including tattoos, we are called to honor God.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
Final Thoughts
When it comes to tattoos, it’s essential for us to reflect on our choices and how they align with our values as Christians. The Bible provides a framework that encourages us to think about our bodies as temples and to honor God in everything we do. Decisions regarding tattoos can be personal and should be made with prayerful consideration.
As we explore our own beliefs and cultural influences on body art, let’s keep in mind that the heart behind our actions matters. Ultimately, it should reflect our love for God and others. If you’re interested in learning more about what the Bible says regarding love, relationships or self-worth, feel free to check out some of the internal links.
Don’t hesitate to explore more topics like communication with others or encouraging yourself—there’s so much wisdom to uncover!