Can Christians Get Tattoos? Leviticus 19:28 Explained Clearly

“Can I get a tattoo and still honor God?” If you have asked that, you are not alone. Many sincere Christians wrestle with tattoos, faith, and how to honor the Lord with their bodies and their choices.

The Bible does speak about body markings, and the verse most people point to is Leviticus 19:28. In this post, you will see Leviticus 19:28 explained in clear language, what it meant for Israel, and how it connects with New Testament teaching on grace, wisdom, and Christian freedom. We will look at what the passage said in its own time, then ask what it means for followers of Jesus today.

Christians do not all agree on tattoos. Some believe any tattoo disobeys Scripture, while others see tattoos as a matter of personal conviction and conscience. The goal here is not to shame anyone who already has tattoos or to pressure anyone who is considering one. The goal is to help you think, pray, and decide with a clear mind and a peaceful heart.

As you read, you may also find it helpful to see a broader Christian perspective on tattoos and Scripture. Take your time, open your Bible, and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you.

For Christian Counseling, contact Pastor Richmond Kobe at info@faithfulpathcommunity.com.

Leviticus 19:28 Explained: What Did God Mean About Tattoos?

To understand what this verse means for us today, we first need to see what it meant for Israel. When we read slowly and in context, the message becomes much clearer and less scary. This is where having Leviticus 19:28 explained in plain language really helps.

Reading Leviticus 19:28 In Its Full Context

Leviticus 19:28 in many English Bibles reads something like:

“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”

In simple words, God told Israel:
“Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not put marks on your skin. I am the Lord your God.”

This verse sits in a chapter where God teaches Israel how to live as a holy people. The whole chapter repeats the idea, “Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” It covers things like justice, honesty, sexual purity, care for the poor, and staying away from pagan practices.

In that time, the nations around Israel used body cutting and permanent marks as part of idol worship and mourning rituals. People would:

• Cut their skin to show devotion to a false god.

• Mark their bodies with symbols or names connected to idols.

• Use body markings as magic signs for protection or power.

You can see this link to pagan religion and mourning in other Old Testament passages too, such as when people cut themselves while calling on Baal (1 Kings 18:28). Many Bible teachers point out that this verse is less about any ink on the skin and more about joining in pagan worship through body rituals. Resources like Crossway’s article on tattoos and Leviticus 19 trace this background in more depth.

So when we read Leviticus 19:28 explained in its own context, the focus is not on modern personal art, Bible verses on your arm, or a small symbol with personal meaning. The focus is on copying pagan rituals, magic marks, and practices tied to false gods and unbiblical ways of honoring the dead.

Old Testament Law: Moral, Civil, And Ceremonial Commands

Another important step is to see what kind of law Leviticus 19:28 is. The Old Testament has different types of commands, and they do not all apply to Christians in the same way.

A simple way to think about it:

• Moral laws: Right and wrong for all people, in all times.

  • Example: “Do not steal.”

  • Example: “Do not commit adultery.”

• Civil laws: Rules for Israel as a nation.

  • Example: How to handle property disputes.

  • Example: Penalties for certain crimes in Israel’s legal system.

• Ceremonial and cultural laws: Laws about worship, purity, sacrifices, food, clothing, hair, and body markings that set Israel apart.

  • Example: Food laws about clean and unclean animals.

  • Example: Instructions about fabrics, such as not mixing certain materials.

  • Example: Special grooming rules for priests.

Many scholars see Leviticus 19:28 as part of this third group. It sits beside other instructions that marked Israel as visibly different from pagan nations. The goal was to protect Israel from drifting into idol worship and to make their loyalty to the Lord clear in daily life, including in their bodies and appearance.

That does not mean the verse has no value for us. It does mean we should be careful before we pull one verse out of Israel’s ceremonial and cultural laws, then apply it word-for-word to every Christian today. The New Testament shows that Christ fulfilled the law, and that believers are not bound to Israel’s ceremonial system in the same way. Helpful studies, such as the overview at Free Bible Study Hub on Leviticus 19:28, make this distinction clear while still honoring the authority of Scripture.

What Still Applies To Christians Today From Leviticus 19:28?

Even if Christians are not under the exact ceremonial law of Israel, the heart of this verse still speaks to us. When we look at Leviticus 19:28 explained in context, several lasting principles stand out.

First, God calls His people to stay away from pagan and occult symbols. If a tattoo design clearly connects to witchcraft, curses, or worship of another god, a follower of Jesus should not treat that as neutral art.

Second, God cares about how we honor the dead. Grief is real, and God is near to the brokenhearted. But we should not turn memorial tattoos, rituals, or symbols into something that replaces trust in God or crosses into spiritism or superstition.

Third, our bodies belong to the Lord. Passages like 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 remind us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. That means every choice, including tattoos, should come from a heart that says, “Lord, this body is Yours.”

So the deeper issue is worship and loyalty, not ink by itself. The key questions are:
Does this honor Christ? Does it point my heart toward God or away from Him?

If you feel stuck or heavy as you think through this, it may help to talk with a wise pastor or counselor. For Christian counseling, contact Pastor Richmond Kobe at info@faithfulpathcommunity.com.

Old Testament Law And The New Covenant: Are Tattoos A Sin For Christians?

Once we have Leviticus 19:28 explained in its original setting, we still have a big question. How does that Old Testament law connect to life in Christ today? To answer that, we need to see how Jesus completed the law and what the New Testament actually says about our bodies, worship, and wisdom in gray areas.

Understanding this connection between covenants helps us avoid two extremes: treating tattoos as automatically sinful or acting as if our choices with our bodies do not matter at all.

How Jesus Fulfilled The Law, Including Leviticus 19:28

Jesus did not come to throw away the Old Testament. He said in Matthew 5:17 that He came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. That means He brought God’s plan to its goal, not that He erased everything God said before.

Paul explains this in simple terms:

• Romans 10:4 says Christ is the “end” or goal of the law for righteousness. In other words, the law points us to Jesus, who does what we never could do perfectly.

• Galatians 3:23–25 pictures the law as a temporary “guardian” or tutor. Before faith in Christ came, the law watched over God’s people. Now that Christ has come, we live by faith, not by that old guardian.

• Ephesians 2:15 says that in His body, Jesus “set aside” the law of commands and regulations that divided Jews and Gentiles, so He could create one new people in Himself.

So what does that mean for commands like Leviticus 19:28?

Many Old Testament laws about food, clothing, hair, and body markings were ceremonial. They marked Israel off as visibly holy and separate from surrounding nations. Not eating certain foods, not mixing fabrics, and avoiding pagan-style body marks all signaled, “We belong to the Lord, not to idols.”

In Christ, that visible separation is now found in Him, not in food lists or outward regulations. Our identity as God’s people rests on Jesus’ finished work, not on keeping Israel’s ceremonial code. Resources that unpack how Old Testament law relates to Christian life, such as this guide on how Old Testament laws influence modern Christian faith, can be very helpful here.

So:

• Christians honor Leviticus 19:28 as God’s word.

• We see that it targeted pagan rituals and Israel’s unique calling as a nation.

• We recognize that we are not under the Old Covenant law in the same way Israel was.

The moral heart still stands: do not join idolatry, do not copy occult practices, and use your body to honor the Lord. But the ceremonial form, including laws tied to Israel’s national life, has been fulfilled in Christ.

What The New Testament Does And Does Not Say About Tattoos

When we move from Leviticus to the New Testament, something stands out very clearly: there is no verse that directly talks about tattoos. The New Testament never uses the word, never gives a new rule for or against them, and never repeats Leviticus 19:28 as a binding command on Christians.

That does not mean anything goes. It means we use broader New Testament principles to think wisely. Three key passages shape how we view decisions about our bodies, including tattoos:

1. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
   Paul says your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, that you are not your own, and that you were bought at a price. In simple terms:

   • God lives in you by His Spirit.

   • Jesus paid for you with His blood.

   • You should honor God with your body.

   Applied to tattoos, the question becomes: “Can I get this tattoo as someone who knows my body belongs to God, not to myself?”

2. Romans 12:1
   Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as a “living sacrifice,” holy and pleasing to God. This is spiritual worship. This pushes us to ask:

   • Does this choice fit a life that is fully offered to God?

   • Am I using my body in a way that reflects worship, or just impulse and trends?

3. 1 Corinthians 10:31
   “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” That covers everything, from food and drink to body art. Before ink touches skin, wise questions include:

   • Will this tattoo help or hurt my ability to glorify God?

   • What message, style, or placement will it send to others about Christ?

Helpful overviews like What does the Bible say about tattoos? walk through these same themes: not a checklist of rules, but a heart posture of worship.

So the New Testament:

• Does not say, “Christians must never get tattoos.”

• Does call us to treat our bodies as God’s temple.

• Does call us to live sacrificially and for God’s glory.

In that sense, the question is less “Is there a rule against tattoos?” and more “Can I honestly say this honors God, fits my calling, and does not cloud my witness?”

Sin, Conscience, And Christian Freedom In Gray Areas

Because the New Testament does not give a direct command about tattoos, many believers place them in a gray area. These are matters that are not clearly right or wrong for every Christian in every context. Scripture treats issues like this under the category of Christian freedom and conscience.

Romans 14 gives several key principles that apply well to tattoos:

• Do not judge others over disputable matters.
  Some Christians will never feel free to get a tattoo, and they should not be pressured. Others will get tattoos with a clean conscience, and they should not be condemned as if they are faithless. We answer to the Lord first.

• Do not cause a weaker believer to stumble.
  Even if you feel free before God, your freedom is not the only factor. You also ask, “Will this confuse or harm someone who is weaker in their faith?” For example, a large, bold tattoo in a very visible place might deeply trouble believers from strict backgrounds. Christian freedom always walks with love.

• Be fully convinced in your own mind.
  Paul says each person should be convinced in his or her own mind. That calls you to do real heart work:

  • Pray about it.

  • Search Scripture.

  • Seek wise counsel from mature believers.

  • Give yourself time, rather than rushing into a permanent choice.

• Honor God either way.
  The main point is not whether you end up with or without a tattoo. The main point is whether your decision flows from faith and aims at honoring Christ. If you cannot thank God for it in good conscience, do not do it.

Some believers see tattoos as an opportunity for testimony, such as a Scripture verse or cross that opens doors for conversation. Others sense, before God, that any marking of the body would violate their conscience. Both can please the Lord if they act in faith and love. Articles that frame tattoos as an issue of liberty and wisdom, such as this reflection on tattoos as a matter of Christian liberty, echo the same Romans 14 pattern.

Here are a few heart-check questions that can guide you:

• Am I doing this mainly to fit in, shock others, or rebel?

• Does this design clearly clash with biblical values or point to darkness, not Christ?

• Will this likely help or hinder my witness in my family, church, or future calling?

• Can I honestly pray, “Lord, this is for You,” and mean it?

In the end, issues like tattoos press us into deeper discipleship. They force us to think about law and grace, freedom and love, conscience and witness. If you are still unsure, it may be wise to slow down and talk with a trusted pastor or Christian counselor.

For Christian Counseling, contact Pastor Richmond Kobe at info@faithfulpathcommunity.com.

How To Decide As A Christian: Questions To Ask Before Getting A Tattoo

Once you have Leviticus 19:28 explained in context and you see that tattoos fall into a wisdom category, the next step is practical. How do you actually decide? These questions will help you slow down, invite God into the process, and make a choice you will not regret spiritually or practically.

Check Your Heart: Motives, Identity, And Witness

Before you think about designs or artists, sit with God and ask honest questions about your heart. A tattoo is not just ink on skin, it is a statement about what you value, who you are, and what story you are telling.

You can use questions like:

• Am I trying to shock, rebel, or get attention?

• Am I trying to cover up pain in a way that only Jesus can heal?

• Does this design pull my heart toward sin or away from it?

• Am I more focused on my image than on my witness for Christ?

If the main drive is anger, heartbreak, pride, or a need to prove something, it is wise to wait. God may want to work on the wound, not just let you write over it.

Remember that your life is already a message. Your tattoo choice is part of your walk with Jesus, not separate from it. You do not stop being a disciple when you sit in a tattoo chair. You are still a follower of Christ, with a body that belongs to Him and a calling to reflect His character.

If you want to think through more heart questions, you might find it helpful to read through practical lists like the ones in Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask Before Getting a Tattoo.

Think About The Design: Symbols, Verses, And Long-Term Meaning

Once your motives are clear, then the design matters. Not all art is neutral. Some images carry stories and spiritual baggage that do not fit a Christian life.

Be careful with:

• Occult symbols, signs of witchcraft, or spiritual “power” marks

• Skulls, demons, or violent images that glorify darkness

• Sexual images or wording that normalizes lust

• Jokes or slogans that mock holiness, purity, or God’s name

Some designs look harmless but come from dark or pagan roots. If you are not sure about a symbol, research it or ask a mature believer. Resources like thoughtful Q&A pieces on tattoos, such as Tattoos in Biblical Perspective, can help you think more clearly about meaning.

If you want a Bible verse or Christian symbol, treat it as a daily reminder, not a good-luck charm. Ink on skin has no magic power. It will not protect you, break curses, or replace daily repentance and faith.

A simple test is to think long-term:

• Will I still be thankful for this design when I am 40, 60, or 80?

• Will this make sense to my future children or grandchildren?

• If my season of life changes, will this still point my heart to Christ?

Tattoos fade, stretch, and age with you. Choose something that can grow with you as you grow in Christ.

Consider Your Body, Health, And Calling

Your body is a gift from God. You are called to steward it with care and wisdom, including any permanent marks.

Before you commit, think through:

• Health: Do you have skin issues, allergies, or blood conditions that make tattoos risky? Have you talked with a doctor if you are unsure?

• Safety: Is the studio reputable, clean, and licensed? Do they use new needles, proper sterilization, and high-quality ink?

• Pain and healing: Are you prepared for the pain during and the care after so you avoid infection or scarring?

Calling also matters. A visible tattoo might affect:

• Job opportunities in certain fields

• How older or more conservative cultures receive you

• How open some mission fields will be to your presence

Sometimes, a small, covered tattoo will be wiser than a large, visible one. Sometimes, your long-term ministry goals may make it better to skip tattoos altogether. Weigh a short-term desire against a lifelong call to serve Christ and His people.

Respect Family, Church, And Weaker Believers

Christian freedom never cancels Christian love. Even if you feel free before God, you still live in a real community of parents, a spouse, kids, pastors, and church members.

Before you get a tattoo, talk openly with:

• Parents or guardians, if you are still under their care

• Your husband or wife, if you are married

• A trusted pastor, elder, or mentor

You do not have to agree with everyone, but you should listen with humility. If the people who know you best and love you most have strong concerns, slow down. They may see what you cannot see yet.

Romans 14 reminds us that our choices can affect “weaker” believers, those with tender or strict consciences. If your tattoo would deeply upset or confuse many in your circle, consider either:

• Choosing not to get it, or

• Placing it where it will not be a constant distraction

Sometimes love means giving up a real freedom to protect someone else’s faith. That is not legalism, it is Christlike care.

If you feel stuck or tense over family conflict about tattoos, it may help to process that with a wise counselor or pastor. For Christian Counseling, contact Pastor Richmond Kobe at info@faithfulpathcommunity.com.

If You Already Have Tattoos: Grace, Healing, And Next Steps

Many Christians read Leviticus 19:28, feel convicted, then look at their tattoos with fear or regret. If that is you, take a deep breath. The same Jesus who saved you knew every mark on your body before He went to the cross. This section is for those who already have tattoos and are asking, “What now?”

With Leviticus 19:28 explained in its context, the next step is not panic, but trust. God meets you where you are, not where you wish you had started.

What The Gospel Says About Your Past Choices

The gospel is clear. You are saved by grace through faith in Christ, not by having unmarked or “perfect” skin. Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds you that salvation is God’s gift, not the result of works, appearance, or past performance.

Some tattoos may have been sinful choices, especially if they were tied to rebellion, darkness, or the occult. Other tattoos were simply unwise, rushed, or immature decisions. Still others may not be sinful at all, just permanent reminders of a different season. In every case, the blood of Jesus is stronger than ink.

If you have repented and trusted in Christ:

• Your status before God is secure.

• Your sins, including those related to your body, are forgiven.

• Your identity is in Christ, not in your tattoos.

You do not need to live in constant shame over marks that Christ has already covered with His blood. Shame tells you, “You are your past.” The gospel says, “You are new in Christ.” If you carry deep regret, it may help to meditate on passages that stress God’s forgiveness and to explore resources on forgiveness and healing as a path to renewal.

Sometimes God uses old tattoos as visual reminders of His mercy. A name from a broken relationship, a symbol from a dark season, or a quote that no longer reflects your heart can become a living testimony. Each time you see it, you can remember, “Jesus saved me out of that. I am not that person anymore.”

If you still feel heavy, talk honestly with the Lord:

• Confess any sin tied to how or why you got the tattoo.

• Thank Him that Christ paid for it fully.

• Ask Him to show you how to live in freedom, not condemnation.

You may also want a wise Christian guide to walk with you through the guilt and confusion. For Christian counseling, contact Pastor Richmond Kobe at info@faithfulpathcommunity.com.

Redeeming Or Covering Old Tattoos In Wise Ways

Once you settle the question of forgiveness, you can ask a second question: “What should I do with the tattoos I already have?” There is not one right answer for every Christian. God often leads different believers down different paths, all marked by wisdom and love.

Here are several healthy options to consider.

1. Leave the tattoo as a testimony of grace
Some believers choose to keep visible tattoos as reminders of God’s rescue. A gang mark, an occult symbol, or a phrase from a sinful lifestyle can become part of your story of redemption. Like scars, they show where you have been and how God has healed you.

You might say to someone who asks, “This used to represent my old life. Now it reminds me of the day Jesus set me free.” Stories like the ones shared in testimonies of lives transformed through tattoos can encourage you to see how God can use even regretted ink for His glory.

2. Cover the tattoo when wisdom or love calls for it
In some settings, the wisest move is simply to keep a tattoo covered:

• When serving in a culture or church where tattoos are very offensive

• In certain workplaces where visible ink hurts your witness or credibility

• Around weaker believers who might be shaken or confused

This is not hypocrisy. It is an act of love. You are free in Christ, yet you choose to limit your freedom for the good of others.

3. Seek a thoughtful cover-up or removal for certain designs
Some tattoos carry deep spiritual or emotional weight. It may be wise to consider a cover-up or removal if a tattoo:

• Displays occult symbols or demonic images

• Honors a sinful lifestyle you have turned from

• Is tied to abuse, self-harm, or trauma

• Continues to trigger fear, shame, or flashbacks

In those cases, a Christ-honoring cover-up design can help you rewrite the story that sits on your skin. Some Christians replace dark symbols with crosses, Scripture verses, or other art that points to hope. Others choose laser removal as a way to close a chapter of life.

If you want to think more about forgiveness tied to past tattoos, you may find comfort in discussions on whether you can be forgiven for getting a tattoo. These resources echo what Scripture already teaches about God’s mercy and cleansing.

4. Seek pastoral or Christian counseling for deep pain
When a tattoo is connected to trauma, abuse, or spiritual bondage, you should not walk that road alone. The ink on your skin may sit on top of wounds in your heart that still need care.

Getting help is a sign of strength, not failure. It takes courage to say, “I need someone to walk with me as I face this.” A mature pastor or Christian counselor can help you:

• Process the story behind the tattoo

• Address lingering guilt, fear, or spiritual oppression

• Discern whether to keep, cover, or remove it

• Pray through any ties to past sin or darkness

For Christian counseling, contact Pastor Richmond Kobe at info@faithfulpathcommunity.com.

However you move forward, remember this: God’s goal is not to rewind your life, but to redeem it. When you see Leviticus 19:28 explained alongside the cross of Christ, you can face your past tattoos without panic. Your body now belongs to Jesus, and He knows how to lead you, step by step, into freedom and wise next choices.

For Christian Counseling, Contact Pastor Richmond Kobe info@faithfulpathcommunity.com.

Conclusion

When we see Leviticus 19:28 explained in its context, the picture is clearer. God was guarding Israel from pagan rituals, occult markings, and distorted ways of honoring the dead. In Christ, we live under the New Covenant, where our standing with God rests on Jesus’ finished work, not on ceremonial regulations about ink, hair, or fabric.

The New Testament does not forbid tattoos directly. Instead, it calls us to treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, and to do everything for the glory of God. That is why tattoos fall into an area of conscience and wisdom. Many Christians believe they may get tattoos if the designs, motives, and placement honor God. Other believers avoid tattoos out of conviction, respect for their community, or concern for their witness. Scripture leaves room for both, as long as each person acts in faith and in love.

Before deciding, slow down. Pray. Search the Scriptures. Ask honest questions about your heart, your message, and your future. Seek counsel from mature believers who know you well and who will speak truth gently. God is not only interested in what is on your skin, He is most concerned with who you are in Christ.

Whatever you decide, remember this: your deepest identity is not tattooed on your body, it is written in the hands of your Savior. You belong to Him, and His grace covers every part of your story.

For Christian Counseling, Contact Pastor Richmond Kobe info@faithfulpathcommunity.com.