What Does the Bible Say About Burning Sage? A growing experience with tattoos is what has officially been termed, “tattoo regret.” As you mature, you may, like increasing numbers of people, regret your tattoos because you have outgrown their messages and changed your values. Leviticus 19:28 seems to imply this when it says, “you will not make cuttings in your flesh, for the dead, nor print marks on you.” In light of this information from Egypt and Canaan, it would seem God was forbidding scarification, not tattooing as we know it. Am I passing judgment on a brother or sister because I don't have freedom in Christ to receive a tattoo? Many employers will restrict your tattoos, requiring you to cover them up because they are not socially acceptable from a business standpoint. The Mayo Clinic warns, “don’t take tattooing lightly”. Currently one in five U.S. adults has at least one tattoo (21percent) which is up from the 16 percent and 14 percent who reported having a tattoo in 2003 and 2008, respectively, by the Harris Poll. Now that's pretty clear. Some Christians quote Old Testament Scriptures to say that body piercings and tattoos are forbidden and use such verses as Leviticus 19:28 “You shall not … Since the word tattoo does appear in this verse in some popular English translations, this argument seems straightforward. We are to have Gods laws written in our hearts. One website, Tattoo Info, says, “In America, you can expect a basic price of $80 to $100 an hour...very few shops will ever touch you for less than $40” (2004-2009). “Outward adornment” is not as important as the development of the “inner self” and should not be the focus of a Christian ( 1 Peter 3:3–4 ). It cannot be denied that the Bible is one of the most remarkable books that exists and unlike any text that is written. I read in some sorts of the Bible that it is forbidden ; any types of modifications to the body. Non-Israelites did not hold this view. Will my tattoo cause someone who is weak in the faith to stumble? The word “ qa aqa ” means literally “to cut” but taken with the surrounding words indicates a cutting that left a mark imprinted in the skin. Still, the important question remains: Is getting a tattoo a form of pagan, worldly worship forbidden by God today, or is it okay now for Christians to get tattoos? Message of the Tattoo – What is it about yourself that you want to communicate to the world? At least nothing definitive. Some people object to using Old Testament scripture as a reference to tattoos since the New Testament doesnt speak of these things. God forbids his holy people to engage in idolatrous worship and sorcery which imitates those who are ungodly. Tattoos are permanent and clearly forbidden. The Bible makes no specific reference to tattoos as we understand them in modern times. . “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord.”. Tattoos often accentuate certain areas of the body and get our thoughts on that body part. All three Abrahamic religions have more in com. In the Ne… It’s also important to keep in mind that the removal technologies being developed are even more expensive than the cost of getting a tattoo in the first place. And while artistic self-expression can be OK, our primary motive for anything we do should be to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31). ” Leviticus 19:26 ESV Mary Fairchild is a full-time Christian minister, writer, and editor of two Christian anthologies, including "Stories of Cavalry. These questions will help you decide whether or not getting a tattoo is a sin for you: Ultimately, the decision to get a tattoo is between you and God. tattooing. There is that verse in Leviticus that speaks against putting marks on your body. Any forms of fortune telling, consulting with mediums, spirits are all forbidden. With a simple reading of this verse, it appears that tattoos are clearly forbidden in the Bible. In matters where the Bible is unclear, we are better off judging ourselves only and leaving the judgment of others to God. The Bible makes no specific reference to tattoos as we understand them in modern times. Body piercing and tattooing were forbidden in the Old Testament because they were associated with pagan religious practices. Modesty – Modesty means not being self-promoting. It's interesting to observe Leviticus 19:26: "Do not eat meat that has not been drained of its blood," and verse 27, "Do not trim off the hair on your temples or trim your beards." Motive for a Tattoo– Why get a tattoo? As are wearing mixed fabrics, getting divorced, eating pork, eating shrimp, being homosexual and among others. But, is it forbidden if it's just for decoration and not honouring another god/idolatry? Medical concerns – There are real health risks with tattoos. For example, the NIV reads, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I would argue that what god ruled for the children of Israel in those long ago days are not rules for Christians. Am I seeking to glorify God or draw attention to myself? It is in no way a substitute for verbally communicating the gospel. Now protect it. The Bible makes no specific reference to tattoos as we understand them in modern times. .” Perhaps that is why in the old testament the cutting/printing of the skin in times of grief was forbidden. If so, the question likely falls into a category that Bible scholars have dubbed "disputable matters" based on Romans 14. On this and many other matters, each person has to … They have no such associations today, so these passages don’t apply to us. The focus here is prohibiting worldly idol worship and witchcraft. What Does the Bible Say About Paying Taxes? They’ve resulted in severe allergic reactions, infections, unsightly scars, and blood-borne diseases like Hepatitis B and C. Tattooing deliberately opens skin and exposes your blood to unknown bacteria. With a simple reading of this verse, it appears that tattoos are clearly forbidden in the Bible. ... What does the Bible say about tattoos / getting a tattoo? Further, the word tattoo did not enter into the English language until the late 1700s. Recent archeology indicates that, while Egypt did tattoo, it was limited to women. With such prevalence and rising interest, Christians rightfully ask what the Bible says about tattoos. Since the word tattoo does appear in this verse in some popular English translations, this … Or even, fittingly enough, a cross. In ancient times, these customs were associated with pagan rites and rituals. 7 Points to Consider First. Both of these approaches, however, are misleading because, as we will see, the answer to the tattoo question is that the Bible has nothing clearly to say about the practice of injecting ink under the skin to form permanent pictures, patterns or messages—a.k.a. In Canaan, evidence indicates that instead of marking the body with ink, more extreme scarification measures, like branding, slashing or gashing the skin were used. (NLT). But maybe not. You've planned for your future. This appears to be what the prophet is condemning, not the modern custom of “esthetic” tattooing – regardless of how distasteful such a practice may be to many people. a better question might be, "Is it okay for me to get a tattoo? California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. If it is in rebellion to parents, it is clearly not acceptable (Ephesians 6:1-3). Archeology, backed by biblical texts, indicates the Canaanites would customarily slash their bodies for ritualistic purposes (1 Kings 18:28), especially to mourn their dead and honor their gods. The Bible is the single authoritative text on morality and good values in the Christian faith - along with the Quran for Islam and the Torah for Judaism. The Bible verse you are referring to, Leviticus 19:28 specifically is referring to certain pagan customs popular at the time. There is a right choice for each individual. Nevertheless tattooing may have an eternal consequence that people do not think about. Article Images Copyright ©. Here is a self-exam based on the ideas put forth in Romans 14. The verse in the Bible that most Christians make reference to is Leviticus 19:28, which says,"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord." God desires to set his people apart from other cultures. 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