One can easily read Leviticus 19:28 as a condemnation of any kind of tattooing or body modification. Although the two prohibitions are in proximity, “for the dead” follows cutting, not marking, leaving unclear whether body cutting and body marking are part of the same ritual or separate prohibitions. ![]() Jewish exegetes assigned it the meaning of “tattoo,” but we don’t know what the ancient process was. The meaning of the Hebrew for “marks” (qa`aqa`) is less than definitive it appears only in this passage in all of Scripture, so its definition is derived wholly from the context of this passage. 20:5) God should shun that appearance.Ĭutting one’s body for the dead could mean ritual self-laceration in grief, or some kind of body scarification in memory or propitiation. If a certain style of the hair, for example, marked one as a worshiper of a pagan deity, the followers of an exclusive (“jealous” in Ex. The appended “I am the Lord” says that this is about fidelity to Yahweh in an environment of competing deities. The obscurity of verses 27-28 (and possibly the obviousness of verse 29) suggests customs about which we have little knowledge, most likely those of the pagan peoples with whom the Israelites mingled. Verse 28 is preceded by prohibition of certain styles of cutting the hair and beard (as still practiced by Hasidic Jews) and followed by prohibition of prostituting one’s daughters. While some Levitical law is classified thematically, this passage is embedded in a grab bag of advice about husbandry, agriculture, occultism, the Sabbath, social justice, sex, and idolatry. As it has in recent years occasioned some discussion among Christians, too, we might look at it as a case study of how we use Scripture to address contemporary culture. I am the L ORD.” NIV) has long been used in some communities of the Jewish faith to discourage body art. Leviticus 19:28 (“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. Serious tattooing-anything beyond an anchor or a loved one’s name-was practiced by a tiny subculture, and no one called it art. At best, tattoos were for servicemen who recorded upon themselves (often to their regret when sober) their travels and amours. In my youth, skin art was associated with roustabouts in dockside bars, not educated professionals in offices. Research-as well as the booming business of tattoo removal-shows that a large number of those who get tattoos eventually wish that they hadn’t.Had someone 40 years ago assigned to me the part of futurist, near the top of the list of things I wouldn’t have predicted would be the widespread popularity of tattoos. And tattoos can be costly and painful to remove. “The plans of the diligent one surely make for advantage, but everyone that is hasty surely heads for want.” ( Proverbs 21:5) The decision to get a tattoo is often made in haste, yet it can have a long-term impact on relationships and employment. Examining your motives can help you to make a wise decision.- Proverbs 4:7. If it is because you want to follow a fad or to show membership in a certain group, remember that your feelings may prove to be less permanent than the tattoo. However, the Bible encourages Christians: “Present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason.” ( Romans 12:1) Use your “power of reason” to analyze why you want a tattoo. Some want to establish their identity or independence, while others get a tattoo in order to assert ownership of their body. ![]() We should respect the feelings of others and not draw undue attention to ourselves. modesty.” ( 1 Timothy 2:9, New American Bible) That principle applies to both women and men. The following Bible verses can help you to reason on the matter: ![]() Should a Christian get a tattoo or body art? ( Deuteronomy 14:2) While the Law given to Israel is not binding on Christians, the principle underpinning this law is worth serious consideration. The Bible mentions tattoos just once, at Leviticus 19:28, which says: “You must not put tattoo marking upon yourselves.” God gave this command to the nation of Israel, thus setting them apart from the neighboring peoples who marked their skin with the names or symbols of their gods.
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