LEVITICUS 19:28; 21:5

 Q: These verses seem to teach that tattoos are forbidden for a believer. Is that true?

The word “qa aqa” appears only here in the Bible and means literally “to cut,” but taken with the surrounding words indicates a cutting that left a mark imprinted in the skin. This could have been a form of branding, scarring, cutting or a process where ink was inlaid into the skin; there is not enough data to fully define exactly what this word meant.

The practice of making deep gashes on the face and arms and legs in time of bereavement was universal among the heathen, and it was deemed a becoming mark of respect for the dead, as well as a sort of propitiatory offering to the deities who presided over death and the grave, [or to provide life blood to the dead themselves. The defacement was also possibly so that spirits of the dead could not recognize the mourners and seek revenge on them.] It it probable that a strong propensity to adopt such marks in honor of some idol gave occasion to the prohibition in this verse; and they were wisely forbidden. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., Fausset, A. R., Brown, D., & Brown, D. (1997). A commentary, critical and explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments.

However we translate the word “qa aqa” though, in this passage, it is certainly used in the context of cultic religious worship. The prohibition against “qa aqa,” (translated tattoo) was to keep the Israelites from being involved or affiliated with cultic worship practices.

Con Argument: Two commentators I consulted asid that the prohibition applies today. Allen Ross and G.J. Wenham both feel that the prohibition goes beyond mourning customs since God created man and pronounced him good, we should not mar the body God has given us. The body of the believer belongs to Christ, therefore “glorify God in your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:20)

Three Arguments in Favor of Tattoos

Argument 1: The tattoo of today is much different than it was for those who originally received the Pentateuch. Today tattooing is a decorative means of self expression and personal decoration. In our current culture people modify their appearance for beauty in many ways such as clothing choice, makeup, plastic surgery, haircutting and coloring, weight loss, body-building, and ear piercing. Some of these practices have a history in ancient ritual and false religion, but in our cultural context they do not denote a connection with evil or false faith. In the same way, tattoos today do not link the wearer to cultic worship practices and are not generally practiced for ancient religious purposes. Tattoos today are for mainly for ornamentation.

Argument 2: A further reason to believe Christians are free to tattoo their bodies is that New Testament believers are not bound by the Old Testament laws to gain or regain right relationship with God. If we were to obey the laws of the Old Testament, we would also be bound by rules that would restrict shellfish and pork eating, various hairstyles, wearing of clothes made from two different fabrics, even eating cheese on hamburgers. Both specific passages in Leviticus also include prohibition against rounding off edges of the beard or shaving part of the head.

Argument 3: Some also feel that modifying the body somehow defiles God's creation, but if this was true would it be right to pierce ears, correct a club foot, cut hair, clip nails, get a tan or use orthodontia? Each of the previously mentioned practices modifies the way we were originally created, some permanently.

Argument 4: There is nothing inherently wrong with marking the body. All depends on the purpose.

Genesis 4:15 God puts a mark (sign) of protection on Cain so that no one will harm him.

Ezekiel 9:4-5 God puts a mark (tav) of protection on believers before slaughtering others.

Revelation 3:12 God will write names on believers

(Although in Revelation, the mark (charagma) of the beast designates those who worship Satan.) Many Christians today are tattooing themselves not in tribute to a false idol or anti-Christian deity, but with love for the one true God and Creator. Many today utilize this permanent marking a way of giving glory to God. Some find that Christian tattoos attract questions about faith and provide opportunities to give God glory by allowing the story-telling of His love to those who aren’t convinced yet.

As a tongue-in-cheek argument, I once cited Galatians 6:17: “From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.” Paul compares his scars to brand marks of a slave indicating who his owner is.