#Bible verse tattoos for men skin#

It was probably common for the pagans to mark their skin with the name of a false god or with a symbol honoring some idol. The reason for the prohibition of tattoos in this passage is not stated, but it is likely that tattooing was a pagan practice connected with idolatry and superstition. We cannot leave the discussion of tattoos without looking at the Old Testament law that prohibited tattoos: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. ◦ Whatever does not come from faith is sin (Romans 14:23), so the person getting the tattoo should be fully convinced that it is God’s will for him or her. What message does the tattoo send, and will it aid or detract from representing Christ and sharing the gospel? ◦ We are Christ’s ambassadors, delivering God’s message to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20). How much modification of that temple is appropriate? Is there a line that should not be crossed? Is there a point at which the proliferation of tattoos on one body ceases to be art and starts becoming sinful mutilation? This should be a matter of individual reflection and honest prayer. The believer’s body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). ◦ Our bodies, as well as our souls, have been redeemed and belong to God.

The tattoo itself may not be a sin, but the motivation in getting it might be. Motivations for getting a tattoo such as “to fit in,” “to stand out,” etc., fall short of the glory of God. ◦ God sees the heart, and our motivation for anything we do should be to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31). A person who desires a tattoo to garner attention or draw admiration has a vain, sinful focus on self. ◦ “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). For a minor to get a tattoo in violation of his or her parents’ wishes is biblically unsupportable.

◦ Children are to honor and obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1–2). Here are some general biblical principles that may apply to getting a tattoo: Because of Scripture’s silence, getting inked falls under the category of a “gray area,” and believers should follow their convictions in the matter, respecting those who may have different convictions. Therefore, we cannot say that getting a tattoo is a sin. The New Testament does not say anything about whether or not a believer in Jesus Christ should get a tattoo.