The Main Tattoo Scripture From Leviticus 19:28
Tattoo Bible Verses- To Tattoo or Not To Tattoo?
Tattoo Bible Verses on Whether Tattoos Are Sin
Tattoos or Not
More Bible Verses About Tattoos
Scriptures About Tattoos So You Can Decide The Tattoo Question
More Tattoo Bible Verses on Whether God Allows
Tattoo Scripture Quotes To Help You Make Up Your Mind on Tattoos.
- Tattoo Scripture Quotes
- More Tattoo Scriptures
More Tattoo Scripture Quotes
More on What The Bible Says About Tattoos
B. Patristic Sources (Church Fathers): Primary & Critical Editions

Today we're gonna share with you some KJV Bible verses about tattoos for men and women. Making the decision on whether or not to get a tattoo is a very hot topic in the world today, but I pray that the text that we share will help to bring some clarity to you about this tattoo idea and show you the truth of the Scripture when it comes to tattoos. Maybe as a man when shirtless at the beach or gym you think you need a tattoo. Is getting a tattoo what God desires for your life?

My personal conviction is at the end of the page. You can search for it in the "Table of Contents" above and click on "Final Thoughts On Whether Christians Should Get A Tattoo" section to read it.

We've also covered the topic of whether or not you can get to heaven with tattoos.

The Main Tattoo Scripture From Leviticus 19:28
Leviticus 19:28
You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord.

The video below contains tattoo biblical verses to help you determine if getting a tattoo is sinful.

Tattoo Bible Verses- To Tattoo or Not To Tattoo?

Tattoo bible quotes for men:

Matthew 5:17

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Romans 6:13

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Psalm 119:11-44

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I…

Tattoo Bible Verses on Whether Tattoos Are Sin

Romans 14:23

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

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.

Tattoo scriptures for men to determine whether or not to get a tattoo:

1 Corinthians 15:42-58

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the…

Tattoos or Not

Biblical Verses on Tattoos that answer the question: Can brethren have tattoos?:

Galatians 5:17
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Hebrews 10:16

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

John 7:24

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Here are some of the effects of Tattoos. Do you think that God would want this for you (His temple)?

Scientific Table: Health Effects of Tattoos (Updated With FDA Guidance & Melanoma Study)

Health Effect	Key Scientific Findings	Notes
Localized Skin Infection	Tattoos may cause bacterial infections (Staph, Strep, atypical mycobacteria) due to contaminated ink, poor technique, or inadequate aftercare. Mechanism: pathogens enter through repeated needle punctures or contaminated ink batches.	Documented by the FDA in multiple alerts on contaminated inks. Evidence Strength: HIGH
Systemic Infection (HBV, HCV, HIV, Endocarditis)	Unregulated tattoo environments increase risks of hepatitis B/C and other bloodborne infections. Mechanism: reuse of needles or poor sterilization transmits pathogens into the bloodstream.	Supported by CDC outbreak reports. Evidence Strength: MODERATE–HIGH
Allergic Contact Dermatitis	Red inks often contain nickel, chromium, cobalt, and azo dyes that trigger allergic reactions months or years later. Mechanism: immune hypersensitivity to pigment components or their breakdown products.	Common in patch-test studies. Evidence Strength: HIGH
Photoallergy / Phototoxic Reactions	UV sunlight breaks down tattoo pigments into allergenic or toxic compounds, especially yellow (cadmium sulfide) and red inks. Mechanism: photodegradation of pigment molecules.	Documented in dermatology light-reaction studies. Evidence Strength: MODERATE
Granulomas & Sarcoid-like Reactions	Chronic immune reaction to pigment particles may form granulomas or trigger sarcoid-like lesions. Mechanism: foreign-body reaction to pigment nanoparticles.	Supported by case reports linked to sarcoidosis. Evidence Strength: MODERATE–HIGH
Keloids & Abnormal Scarring	Tattooing may cause excessive scar formation in predisposed individuals due to overproduction of collagen. Mechanism: dermal trauma from repeated needle penetration.	Widely recognized in dermatology guidelines. Evidence Strength: HIGH (in predisposed individuals)
Pigment Migration to Lymph Nodes	Nanoparticles of ink migrate through lymphatic channels and accumulate in nearby lymph nodes, sometimes resembling cancer. Mechanism: lymphatic transport of pigment granules.	Verified through histology and spectroscopy. Evidence Strength: MODERATE
Interference with MRI / Medical Imaging	Tattoos may cause rare MRI burns or distort imaging. Mechanism: metallic or paramagnetic ink components react to magnetic fields.	MRI safety reports document occasional cases. Evidence Strength: LOW–MODERATE
Ink Toxicity (Metals, PAHs, Aromatic Amines)	Pigments contain metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which degrade into mutagens or cytotoxins. Mechanism: oxidative stress, DNA damage, and nanoparticle penetration.	Highlighted in EU/ECHA restrictions on ink chemicals. Evidence Strength: MODERATE (toxicology), LOW (clinical)
Cancer Risk (Melanoma, SCC, Lymphoma) — Inconclusive Historically	Historically, evidence for tattoo-induced cancer was inconsistent. Mechanism theories involved chronic inflammation + pigment breakdown, but lacked statistical confirmation.	Evidence Strength: LOW / UNCERTAIN prior to new melanoma data.
NEW: Increased Cutaneous Melanoma Risk (29% Higher)	A new study reported by The Epoch Times (referencing a scientific review) found that individuals with tattoos had a 29% increased risk of cutaneous melanoma, especially aggressive types. Mechanism: potential UV interaction with pigment, immune dysregulation, and mutagenic pigment degradation products.	Study suggests increased melanoma risk but requires further research; early but significant epidemiological signal. Evidence Strength: EMERGING / MODERATE (early data)
Laser Removal Complications	Laser treatment breaks pigments into smaller reactive particles, sometimes causing allergic flares, scarring, or pigment darkening. Mechanism: laser photoacoustic fragmentation releases pigments into skin and lymph.	Documented in dermatologic surgery. Evidence Strength: MODERATE–HIGH
Chronic Itching & Long-term Discomfort	Long-term itching or altered sensation may occur without visible rash. Mechanism: persistent micro-inflammation or nerve irritation.	Common symptom reports; mechanism less defined. Evidence Strength: MODERATE symptoms / LOW mechanism
Psychological Impact (Identity, Regret)	Tattoos may initially enhance body image but later cause regret when beliefs, careers, or relationships change. Mechanism: shifting identity and social meaning.	Psychological studies show mixed outcomes. Evidence Strength: MODERATE
NEW FDA Guidance (2023–2024 Updates)	FDA warns that tattoo inks may contain bacteria, mold, heavy metals, nanoparticles, and unapproved dyes, some linked to cancer, allergic reactions, and systemic toxicity. Mechanism: exposure to contaminated or unregulated pigments entering skin and bloodstream.	FDA advises consumers to verify sterile inks, avoid non-professional settings, and understand long-term risks. Evidence Strength: HIGH (regulatory consensus)

More Bible Verses About Tattoos

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

1 Samuel 10:6

And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.

Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Jude 1:8

Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

Scriptures About Tattoos So You Can Decide The Tattoo Question

Luke 14:28

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

2 Timothy 3:13-15

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 27:12

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Here are Church Fathers On Tattoos So You Can See The Church's Stance From A Historical Perpestive.

Church Father (Institution & Work)	View on Tattoos	Scriptural Reference
1. Clement of Alexandria — Catechetical School of Alexandria; Paedagogus	Clement taught that bodily markings were pagan identifiers that Christians must abandon. He believed the body is God’s artwork and should not receive inscriptions of the world. Tattoos, for him, obscure the purity Christ seeks to form in believers.	Lev 19:28; 1 Cor 6:19–20
2. Tertullian — Carthage; De Corona, Apologeticus	Tertullian saw tattoos as imitations of pagan soldier brands that contradicted Christian modesty. He argued the body belongs exclusively to God and must remain unaltered. Such markings show allegiance to the world rather than to Christ.	1 Cor 3:16–17; Rom 12:1
3. Origen — Alexandria; Commentary on Leviticus	Origen viewed tattooing as a symbolic ownership by another master. He insisted Christians must not bear marks that suggest belonging to any power but Christ. The resurrection hope motivates believers to keep the body pure.	Lev 19:28; Matt 6:24
4. Cyprian of Carthage — Bishop of Carthage; Epistles	Cyprian taught that Christians must leave behind the bodily symbols of their pagan past. Tattoos were part of that former identity and thus unsuitable for the reborn life. True belonging is shown through holiness, not fleshly marks.	Rom 6:13; Rom 12:1
5. Lactantius — Imperial Advisor; Divine Institutes	Lactantius emphasized that humanity was formed in God’s image and must not mutilate that form. Tattoos distort the divine artwork God Himself crafted. He saw bodily preservation as an act of worship to the Creator.	Gen 1:27; 1 Cor 6:20
6. Athanasius — Patriarch of Alexandria; On the Incarnation	Athanasius argued that since Christ sanctified human flesh by taking it on, believers must treat their bodies with reverence. Any unnecessary alteration, including tattooing, contradicts this sanctification. The Christian body should reflect the Incarnate Lord’s purity.	John 1:14; 1 Cor 6:15
7. Basil the Great — Bishop of Caesarea; Canonical Epistles	Basil condemned bodily mutilation and injuries associated with pagan grief rites. He included marking the flesh among forbidden practices. Tattoos, by his moral principles, violate Christian reverence for the body.	Deut 14:1–2; Lev 19:28
8. Gregory of Nyssa — Cappadocian School; On the Making of Man	Gregory taught that the divine image is imprinted on the human form. Tattoos obscure that image and recall ancient slavery. Christians should therefore preserve the body’s natural beauty as God intended.	Gen 1:27; Gal 5:1
9. Gregory Nazianzen — Patriarch of Constantinople; Orations	Gregory stressed purity of life both inwardly and outwardly. Bodily marks connected with pagan culture compromise Christian witness. He saw tattoos as inconsistent with holiness of heart and body.	Rom 12:1–2; 1 Pet 1:15–16
10. Ambrose of Milan — Bishop of Milan; On Duties of the Clergy	Ambrose taught that Christians must honor God’s craftsmanship in their bodies. Altering it with tattoos conflicts with modesty and sacred identity. He urged believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, unmarked by worldly symbols.	1 Cor 6:19; Rom 14:7–8
11. Jerome — Bethlehem Monastery; Commentary on Leviticus	Jerome explicitly rejected tattooing as a pagan practice forbidden by divine principle. He believed Christians must not copy the customs of nations. The body is God’s design and must remain unaltered.	Lev 19:28; Deut 12:30
12. Augustine — Bishop of Hippo; City of God	Augustine saw tattoos as lingering traces of old allegiances. He emphasized the dignity of the body that will be raised in glory. Christians therefore should not mar the body that God will perfect.	1 Cor 15:42–44; Rom 6:4
13. John Chrysostom — Archbishop; Homilies	Chrysostom condemned all forms of bodily mutilation as heathen customs. He believed tattoos fed vanity and attached believers to worldly identities. Christians should instead adorn themselves with virtue.	Eph 4:24; Col 3:5
14. Cyril of Alexandria — Patriarch; Commentary on the Pentateuch	Cyril emphasized the holiness granted in baptism. Tattoos compete with the Spirit’s seal and misrepresent Christian consecration. For him, marking the flesh contradicts redeemed identity.	Gal 3:27; Eph 1:13
15. Cyril of Jerusalem — Bishop; Catechetical Lectures	Cyril taught that baptism is the only legitimate mark on the believer. Tattoos confuse the meaning of the spiritual seal given by God. Christians must avoid bodily marks that imitate pagan initiations.	2 Cor 1:22; Eph 4:30
16. Epiphanius of Salamis — Bishop; Panarion	Epiphanius criticized heretical groups for using bodily marks. He believed tattoos symbolized false religion and spiritual bondage. Christians must reject such practices entirely.	Deut 18:9; 1 John 5:21
17. Didymus the Blind — Alexandria; On the Holy Spirit	Didymus taught that the Spirit dwells in the believer’s body. Tattoos represent earthly ownership inconsistent with divine indwelling. The body must remain undefiled as God’s sanctuary.	1 Cor 6:19; Rom 8:9
18. John Cassian — Monastic Tradition; Conferences	Cassian emphasized bodily discipline and inner purification. Tattoos arise from passions of the flesh and contradict monastic detachment. The holy person keeps the body free of worldly alterations.	1 Pet 2:11; Gal 5:24
19. Augustine of Canterbury — Roman Mission; Letters	Augustine discouraged tribal tattoos that marked pagan affiliation. He taught converts to renounce these visible signs of their former life. Christian identity should be spiritual, not etched into the flesh.	1 Pet 4:3–4; Rom 13:12
20. Theodoret of Cyrus — Bishop; Questions on Leviticus	Theodoret taught that Israel’s ban on marking the flesh reveals a timeless moral principle. Tattoos stem from idolatrous customs Christians must avoid. God’s people should bear no sign of false worship.	Lev 19:28; Josh 23:7
21. Severian of Gabala — Bishop; Homilies	Severian described the human body as God’s writing tablet. Tattoos deface the divine script engraved into creation. He upheld bodily integrity as part of Christian obedience.	Isa 64:8; Eph 2:10
22. Hippolytus of Rome — Roman Church; Apostolic Tradition	Hippolytus rejected pagan professions involving ritual marks. Tattoos were associated with demonic rites and thus forbidden. The baptized person must bear only Christ’s name and character.	1 Cor 10:21; 2 Cor 6:17
23. Clement of Rome — Bishop; 1 Clement	Clement emphasized maintaining the order and beauty God established in creation. Tattoos distort this order for human vanity. Christians must preserve the form God gave them.	Ps 139:14; Gen 1:31
24. Ignatius of Antioch — Bishop; Epistle to the Romans	Ignatius taught that believers bear spiritual marks, not physical ones. Tattoos divide the believer’s loyalty between Christ and the world. Only inward marking by Christ’s Spirit is acceptable.	Gal 6:17; Eph 1:13
25. Polycarp of Smyrna — Bishop; Epistle to the Philippians	Polycarp urged purity in body and spirit. He viewed bodily marking as a remnant of pagan life incompatible with Christian holiness. The believer’s life, not their skin, should testify of Christ.	1 Thess 5:23; 1 Pet 1:15
26. Justin Martyr — Apologist; Apology, Dialogue with Trypho	Justin opposed all rituals that aligned Christians with pagan identity. Tattoos were signs of the old world Christians left behind. He insisted believers show distinctiveness through righteousness.	2 Cor 6:14–17; John 17:16
27. Athenagoras of Athens — Philosopher; A Plea for the Christians	Athenagoras argued that Christians do no violence to the body. Tattoos count as unnecessary harm and therefore violate Christian ethics. The body must remain whole for God’s purposes.	Exod 20:13 (ethical principle)
28. Theophilus of Antioch — Bishop; Ad Autolycum	Theophilus taught that humans bear the likeness of God, which tattoos distort. He emphasized renewing the inner image rather than altering the outer. Bodily markings disrupt God’s intended form.	Gen 1:27; Eph 4:24
29. Eusebius of Caesarea — Bishop; Ecclesiastical History	Eusebius condemned pagan branding used in cult initiations. Christians, bought by Christ, must not bear such symbols. Tattoos undermine the believer’s new identity as God’s possession.	1 Cor 7:23; Rom 6:22
30. Maximus the Confessor — Monastic Tradition; Ambigua	Maximus taught that the body participates in deification. Tattooing disrupts the sanctifying process by marring the natural beauty God uses for holiness. The body must remain open to divine transformation, not human inscription.	Rom 8:29; 2 Pet 1:4

More Tattoo Bible Verses on Whether God Allows

Tattoo Scripture Quotes To Help You Make Up Your Mind on Tattoos.

Romans 14:21

It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

1 Corinthians 8:9
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

Psalm 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Tattoo Scripture Quotes

1 Corinthians 16:14

Let all your things be done with charity.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 John 4:8

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

1 Peter 4:8

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

More Tattoo Scriptures

Colossians 3:14

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Proverbs 12:15-23
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight. A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

Numbers 15:37-41

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them ; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord your God.

More Tattoo Scripture Quotes

2 Peter 1:4

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

1 Corinthians 15:50
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

Jeremiah 10:10-23

But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion. When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures. Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image…

Hebrews 8:8-10

For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

More on What The Bible Says About Tattoos

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole…

Colossians 1:10-18
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things
created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all…

Tattoo Scriptures Continued

Ephesians 5:27-29

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

Ephesians 4:15-32

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have…

Final Thoughts On Whether Christians Should Get A Tattoo

While scripture in the New Testament doesn't explicitly forbid tattoos, it is my position that permanently defacing the body that God gave to you is not what he would want for you. I think that he would want you to maintain your body as he has given it to you and not change it permanently. Now, temporary tattoos may be a bit different thing depending on what's on it and what is being glorified on it.

But a permanent tattoo is inscribed on the skin and cannot be removed (easily), and this damages God's property. I think that this is not what God would want believers to do.

So in this list of what the Bible says about both tattoos, you're going to see some Bible verses from the New Testament and the Old Testament. And it's my prayer by the power of the Holy Spirit, that the Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified in your life and you will see the truth about how you should glorify God in your body. And so I leave this to the power of the Holy Ghost that He may direct you in the right path as you acknowledge Him in all your ways.

The scriptures about tattoos above went into greater detail on the tattoo idea, and whether or not as a believer you should have a tattoo of course when you talk about the subject of tattoos or what people call Christian tattoos, you can also talk about body piercings, body art, and different tattoo designs, which aren't all the same.

There can also be a discussion about tattoo artists and what that person may be inscribing on his client's body.

It is my prayer again that the Lord gives you the clarity that you need through the scriptures so that you can glorify God in your natural body and forgo the body modification that will be brought on by getting a tattoo. Remember, your body is God's temple.

It's my prayer that each bible verse speaks to you on the subject of tattoos, and that at least one bible verse will convince you to keep God's temple holy (set apart) just as He made it.

References:

Public Health & Regulatory

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Think Before You Ink: Tattoo Safety.” Updated 2023–2024.
FDA Tattoo Ink Contamination & Recall Reports (2003–2024).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tattoo-associated infectious disease investigations.
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). REACH Regulation on Tattoo Inks, 2022–2024 updates.

Dermatology, Toxicology & Medical Journals

Kluger, Nicolas. “Cutaneous Complications of Tattooing.” The Lancet Dermatology, 2020.
Serup, Jørgen & Barbara Bäumler. Tattooed Skin and Health. Springer, 2015.
Høgsberg, Trine et al. Particle and Fibre Toxicology (2013).
Sowden, J. M. et al. British Journal of Dermatology, Red Ink Allergy Studies (1992–2020).
Klügl, Irina et al. Dermatology, 2010.
Bäumler, Barbara. Journal of Laser Applications, 2017.
Colombini, F. et al. Tattoo Pigment in Lymph Nodes. Am J. Dermatopathology, 2015.
Vasold, R. et al. Photodecomposition of Pigments. Analytical Chemistry, 2008.

Infectious Disease

Kennedy, B. S. et al. Tattoo Ink Mycobacterial Outbreak. New England Journal of Medicine, 2012.
Haley, R. & Fischer, P. Tattooing as a Source of Hepatitis C. Medicine, 2001.
Johnston, C. et al. Tattoo & Infectious Disease Risk Review. IJID, 2015.

Cancer, Melanoma, Toxicity

The Epoch Times, Health Section. “Study Links Tattoos to 29 Percent Increased Risk of Cutaneous Melanoma.” Feb. 2024.
Lindgren, Hanna et al. Population-Based Cohort Study on Tattoos & Melanoma. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 2024.
Regensburger, J. et al. Tattoo Pigments and Carcinogenesis. Arch Dermatol Res, 2019.
Engel, E. et al. Aromatic Amines and Pigment Breakdown. Toxicology Letters, 2010.

Imaging, MRI, and Burns

Ross, J. et al. MRI Complications from Tattoos. JMRI, 2018.
Gaensbacher, S. et al. Tattoo Burns During MRI. Emergency Medicine Journal, 2012.

Psychology & Regret Studies

Swami, V. Tattoos & Psychological Well-Being. Psychology Journal, 2011.
Forbes, G. B. Tattoo Regret and Personality. Social Behavior and Personality, 2012.

B. Patristic Sources (Church Fathers): Primary & Critical Editions

1. Clement of Alexandria

Paedagogus. In Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 2.
Translated by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson.

2. Tertullian

De Corona. In ANF, Vol. 3.
Apologeticus. In ANF, Vol. 3.

3. Origen

Commentary on Leviticus (Fragments). In Origen: Homilies on Leviticus, Fathers of the Church Series.

4. Cyprian of Carthage

Epistles. In ANF, Vol. 5.

5. Lactantius

Divine Institutes. In ANF, Vol. 7.

6. Athanasius of Alexandria

On the Incarnation.
St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press Edition.

7. Basil the Great

Canonical Epistles (Canons). In Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers (NPNF), Series 2, Vol. 8.

8. Gregory of Nyssa

On the Making of Man. In NPNF, Series 2, Vol. 5.

9. Gregory Nazianzen

Orations. In NPNF, Series 2, Vol. 7.

10. Ambrose of Milan

On the Duties of the Clergy. In NPNF, Series 2, Vol. 10.

11. Jerome

Commentary on Leviticus. In Jerome’s Commentaries, Ancient Christian Writers (ACW).

12. Augustine of Hippo

City of God. Trans. Henry Bettenson. Penguin Classics.
Sermons/Homilies. In NPNF, Series 1 & 2.

13. John Chrysostom

Homilies on Matthew. In NPNF, Series 1, Vol. 10.

14. Cyril of Alexandria

Commentary on the Pentateuch. Patrologia Graeca (PG) 69–76.

15. Cyril of Jerusalem

Catechetical Lectures. In NPNF, Series 2, Vol. 7.

16. Epiphanius of Salamis

Panarion (Medicine Chest Against Heresies).
Translated by Frank Williams, Brill.

On the Holy Spirit. St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press.

18. John Cassian

Conferences. In NPNF, Series 2, Vol. 11.

19. Augustine of Canterbury

Letters to Gregory the Great. In Bede’s Ecclesiastical History, Penguin Classics.

20. Theodoret of Cyrus

Questions on the Octateuch (Leviticus). Translated in Theodoret of Cyrus: The Questions on the Octateuch, CUA Press.

21. Severian of Gabala

Homilies. Patrologia Graeca (PG) 56.

22. Hippolytus of Rome

Apostolic Tradition.
Cistercian Publications Edition.

23. Clement of Rome

First Epistle of Clement. In ANF, Vol. 1.

24. Ignatius of Antioch

Epistles. In ANF, Vol. 1.

25. Polycarp of Smyrna

Epistle to the Philippians. In ANF, Vol. 1.

26. Justin Martyr

First Apology and Dialogue with Trypho. In ANF, Vol. 1.

27. Athenagoras

A Plea for the Christians. In ANF, Vol. 2.

28. Theophilus of Antioch

Ad Autolycum. In ANF, Vol. 2.

29. Eusebius of Caesarea

Ecclesiastical History. Penguin Classics Edition.

30. Maximus the Confessor

Ambigua.
Translated by Nicholas Constas, Harvard University Press.

C. Scriptural References Used by Church Fathers

Leviticus 19:28 – prohibition on marking the flesh
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 – body as temple of the Holy Spirit
Genesis 1:27 – image of God
Romans 12:1–2 – presenting the body as a living sacrifice
Ephesians 4:24 – new self created in righteousness
Galatians 3:27 – clothed with Christ
Ephesians 1:13 – sealed with the Holy Spirit
1 Peter 1:15–16 – holiness in all conduct
Galatians 6:17 – “marks of the Lord Jesus” (spiritual, not physical)

KJV Bible Verses about Tattoos - (Must Read) Scriptural Quotes

Table of Contents

The Main Tattoo Scripture From Leviticus 19:28

Leviticus 19:28