Tattoo in the Bible: Is it a sin?
Tattoo in the Bible has been quiet a subject that many Christians like to discuss about. Tattoos are beautiful. Some people use them to make the beginning of something, to show their love towards someone or something, for beauty purposes or to commemorate a particular event. As a Christian, you must consider whether or not the Bible allows people to have tattoos. Whether the Bible allows or does not allow depends on how a person interprets the Bible. This article brings a clear discussion about tattoo in the Bible and Christians can refer to it to determine what the Bible talks about the same.
Tattoo in the Bible Old Testament
Exactly what does the Bible say about tattoos? When referring to tattoo passages in the Bible in the Old Testament, the Bible forbids people from having tattoos. Leviticus 19:28 says that “You must not put tattoo marking upon yourselves.” This is a great example of do not tattoo your body in the Bible. When God gave this command to the Israelites, he wanted to set them apart from other people who were used to marking their skins with symbols and names of their gods. Through this command, God desired that His chosen people would only worship Him alone and leave paganism, idolatry and sorcery among other evil practices. While this verse could be an indication that it is forbidden for Christians to have tattoos, it is not binding on Christians. When one is marking their body using tattoos, they need to ask themselves why they are doing so and if it is worth it.
Tattoo in the Bible New Testament
Even though many people do not refer to the New Testament when discussing this issue, some insights have been provided as well. The book of Revelation 19:16 says “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” This book mentions Jesus tattoo in the Bible. It says that He will have these words written on his thigh.
Should Christians have a tattoo?
Having discussed about what the Bible says about tattoos, the major question is whether or not Christians should have them on their body.
Looking at the Old Testament, the major reason God warned about marking the body in tattoos was to separate the Israelites from other communities. The other people did not recognize God. They participated in religious practices that were against the law. They practiced witchcraft, sorcery and idolatry and made marks on their bodies to represent their Gods. As such, through this command to the Israelites, God wanted them not to be associated with such evils. Based on this command, a Christian can have a tattoo. However, what they should be concerned about is the reason behind the tattoo. If it symbolizes evil, then they are disobeying God’s law. If it symbolizes something great, then, they can do it comfortably.
Considering Revelation 19:16, Christians can also make a choice to tattoo their bodies. This book talks about Jesus coming and having a name written on His thigh. Some people can interpret in the sense that if Jesus will have a marking on His body, then they can emulate Him as well. Others might interpret it in the sense that it talks about Jesus having a tattoo because He is mighty and since they are not as mighty as He is, they should avoid tattoos. Therefore, the choice to have a tattoo or not depends on how one understands tattoo in the Bible KJV.
Take a look at a compass tattoo meaning in the Bible. The anchor represents Christian faith. Therefore an anchor compass tattoo design signifies religious guidance. It shows that a person is seeking guidance on the right direction as a Christian. Going by this description, tattoos can have positive meanings in the life of a person. Before getting one, it is wise that person understands the meaning of the design of the tattoo.
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More Bible insights on tattoos
In case you are still stranded on whether to have tattoos or not, there are other verses that can help you make better decisions regarding this issue.
1 Timothy 2:9 says “Women should adorn themselves with . . . modesty.” This verse warns both men and women not to draw others attention towards themselves unnecessarily. When you have tattoos, you are likely to attract many people’s attention. They are likely to look at you and make their own judgments. In this case, tattoos can be considered as ways of not fulfilling this command.
In Romans 12:1 it is written, “Present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason.” There are various reasons why people get tattoos. Some of them get them to show that they are independent. Others get them to show that they are assertive in the ownership of their bodies. This verse urges Christians to use power of reason before making any decision. In this case, before deciding whether to get a tattoo or not, they must come up with a good reason why they need it. Is it to fit in, be trendy or show belonging to a certain group? Whatever the reason, a Christian must examine their motives.
Proverbs 21:5 says “The plans of the diligent one surely make for advantage, but everyone that is hasty surely heads for want.” Often times, people get tattoos in so much haste. At times, they are influenced by their friends or a certain situation. By doing this, they do not take their time to determine whether or not the tattoo is necessary. If they attach it to a feeling, they forget that the feeling will fade but the tattoo will remain there permanently. Eventually, they end up regretting and there is nothing that can be done to reverse the tattoo.
Final say on tattoo in the Bible
Traditionally in some communities, some people also tattooed their bodies as a symbol of their culture. Today, many people in church are covered in tattoos, including the pastors. The young people and the old alike have tattoos. Not everyone hates tattoos and not everyone likes them. Notably, people judge those that have tattoos. Often, they are associated with evil trends in the society. Also consider that people with tattoos are thought to be cool and trendy. Tattoos are an in thing today.
However, as a Christian, do not be in a rush to emulate them just because they are Christians as well. Understand why you also need a tattoo as well. Is the reason valid enough for you to get one? Remember that tattoos are permanent. If you decide to have them on any part of your body, they cannot be erased. There have been cases whereby people made tattoos in the past and ended up regretting their actions. Take the case of people who tattoo the name of their lovers on their bodies. When the relationship fails, they are bound to remain with the tattoo. The situation is made worse if the failure of the relationship caused bitterness to a person. The view of that tattoo can bring a lot of bitterness in your life. Therefore, mind about the future implications of having a tattoo.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
