What the Bible Says About Tattoos?

Leviticus 19 and the Immediate Context of the Tattoo Question

If you've been tatted up and matted up, you better listen up, because the Bible says you shall not tattoo yourselves, I am the Lord. So if you have tattoos, it's time to go under the laser and get those puppies removed.

But if we first look at the context, the verses previous say you shall not eat flesh with blood in it, interpret omens or fortunes, or trim your beard a certain way, so obviously there's more going on than just thou shalt not get a tattoo.

Holiness, Pagan Customs, and Israel’s Distinct Calling

God was sending Israel into a pagan land where the people worshiped many false gods. Because the Hebrews were called to be holy, they were not to imitate even the appearance of any other people whose customs aligned with their paganism.

So that's what's going on in Leviticus 19 .28. Likewise, we as Christians are set apart in Christ, and need to be wise regarding worldly practices. If anything would cause another to stumble, it's best to abstain.

Tattoos, Stigmas, and Paul’s Counsel to the Corinthians

There's no specific instruction regarding tattoos. In first century Rome, they were considered stigmas, which is a tattoo by the way, and were marks often forced on servants, slaves, or outcasts. So with that in mind, consider Paul's words to the Corinthians.

Let each person lead the life to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Then don't seek to remove the marks of circumcision.

Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Then don't seek circumcision. What matters is keeping the commands of God. You were bought with a price. Do not become bondservants of men. So in whatever condition each was called, let him be that way with God.

Christian Freedom and Wisdom About Altering the Body

So it's not an exact command related to altering the body with piercings or tattoos or whatever this is, but it's something to consider when we understand the text.