Does the Old Testament Apply?
Nearly 1 in every 3 adults in the United States has at least one tattoo.[1] More than that, approximately 1 in every 5 adults has more than one tattoo.[2] In other words, research reveals that tattoos are very common in today’s society. This being the case, we as Christians might wonder, “Is it okay for a Christian to have a tattoo?”
One of the first places that many will turn in their Bibles when this question is asked is Leviticus 19:28 – “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD” (NKJV). The difficulty, however, is that this verse is in a context of being different from the idolatrous practices of the pagans.[3] In our culture, tattoos in general are not connected to idolatrous worship practices. Moreover, we as New Testament Christians are no longer bound to the Law of Moses (cf. Matt. 5:17; Rom. 7:4-6). With this in mind, the restriction on tattoos under the Old Law is not binding on us as Christians today. While Leviticus 19:28 is not a restriction for us today, the New Testament still has something to say regarding tattoos. While we are not going to find the term “tattoo” in the New Testament, there are certain New Testament principles that we ought to apply to our consideration.
Next week, we will consider two principles from the New Testament that we ought to apply to the question concerning Christians and tattoos. As we consider the principles of modesty and stewardship, lord willing, we will be able to reach a biblical conclusion on the matter of tattoos.
[1] Katherine Schaeffer & Shradha Dinesh, “32% of Americans have a tattoo, including 22% who have more than one,” Pew Research Center, 15 August 2023, https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/15/32-of-americans-have-a-tattoo-including-22-who-have-more-than-one/, Accessed 15 October 2024.
[2] Ibid.
[3] John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament, Accordance electronic ed. (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2000), 134.
By: Preston McElyea