12 Bible Verses About Tattoos

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
Last updated:

This article explores the topic of Bible verses about tattoos and provides twelve powerful verses that offer guidance on how to treat and care for our bodies.

While the Bible does not explicitly mention tattoos, it warns against conforming to worldly standards and urges us to focus on inner beauty rather than outward appearance.

The article also discusses related concepts taught in the Bible and offers guidance for Christians considering getting a tattoo.

Bible verses about tattoos

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about tattoos:

1. Leviticus 19:28 – “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.”
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
3. Romans 12:1 – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
4. 1 Peter 3:3-4 – “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
5. Colossians 3:17 – “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
6. Galatians 5:13 – “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

7. Isaiah 44:5 – “One shall say, I am the Lord’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel.”
8. 1 Samuel 16:7 – “But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on 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.”
9. Revelation 19:16 – “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.”
10. Deuteronomy 14:1 – “Ye are the children of the Lord your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.”
11. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
12. Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

What does the Bible say about tattoos?

The Bible does not explicitly mention tattoos, but it does provide guidance on how to treat and care for our bodies.

The body is considered a temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to honor and respect it.

The Bible also warns against conforming to worldly standards and urges us to focus on inner beauty rather than outward appearance.

Ultimately, the decision to get a tattoo is a personal one and should be made with careful consideration of these principles.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about tattoos?

There are no specific Bible chapters that discuss tattoos. However, Leviticus 19:28 is often cited as a verse that prohibits tattoos. This verse states, “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”

Additionally, some Christians may also look to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which states, “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.” This verse could be interpreted as a call to take care of one’s body and not defile it with tattoos.

Overall, while there are no specific Bible chapters that discuss tattoos, Christians may look to these verses as guidance on how to treat their bodies and whether or not tattoos align with their beliefs.

Ideas and concepts related to tattoos that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.

The Bible does mention several concepts that are related to tattoos. Here are some of them:

1. Body as a temple: The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This means that we should take care of our bodies and not defile them. Some Christians believe that tattoos defile the body, while others do not see it as a problem.

2. Marking the body: In the Old Testament, there are verses that prohibit marking the body (Leviticus 19:28). Some interpret this as a prohibition against tattoos, while others argue that the context of the verse is about pagan practices and not tattoos specifically.

3. Freedom in Christ: The New Testament teaches that Christians have freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1). Some Christians see tattoos as a form of self-expression and do not believe that they are sinful.

4. Modesty: The Bible teaches that we should dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:9). Some Christians believe that tattoos can be immodest if they are in visible places or if they are provocative.

5. Conformity to the world: The Bible warns against conforming to the world (Romans 12:2). Some Christians see tattoos as a worldly trend and choose not to get them.

Overall, the Bible does not have a clear stance on tattoos. It is up to each individual to discern what is right for them based on their own convictions and relationship with God.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.