Tattoos are a topic that many Christians think about today. Some people believe tattoos are a form of personal expression, while others wonder what the Bible says about marking the body.
Because of this, many believers search the Scriptures to understand God’s view on this subject. The Bible teaches us to honor God with our bodies and to seek wisdom in every decision we make.
Looking at Bible verses can help us understand principles about our bodies, faith, and living a life that pleases God. These 49 Bible verses will help guide you as you think about tattoos from a biblical perspective.
49 Bible Verses About Tattoos
1. Leviticus 19:28
“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”
3. 1 Corinthians 6:20
“You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
4. Romans 12:1
“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.”
5. 1 Samuel 16:7
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
6. 1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
7. 1 Peter 3:3
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment.”
8. 1 Peter 3:4
“Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.”
9. 1 Timothy 2:9
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety.”
10. Colossians 3:17
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
11. Galatians 5:13
“Serve one another humbly in love.”
12. Romans 14:23
“Everything that does not come from faith is sin.”
13. Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.”
14. Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
15. Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
16. Genesis 1:27
“So God created mankind in His own image.”
17. Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
18. James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God.”
19. Matthew 5:16
“Let your light shine before others.”
20. Matthew 22:37
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart.”
21. Matthew 22:39
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
22. Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world.”
23. 1 Thessalonians 5:21
“Test everything; hold on to what is good.”
24. Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
25. Philippians 4:8
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, think about such things.”
26. Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
27. Isaiah 43:1
“I have called you by name; you are mine.”
28. Isaiah 49:16
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”
29. 1 Corinthians 3:16
“You yourselves are God’s temple.”
30. 1 Corinthians 3:17
“If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person.”
31. Galatians 6:7
“A man reaps what he sows.”
32. Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good.”
33. Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork.”
34. Ephesians 4:1
“Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
35. 1 Peter 1:15
“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.”
36. 1 Peter 1:16
“Be holy, because I am holy.”
37. Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart.”
38. Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do.”
39. Micah 6:8
“Act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with your God.”
40. Matthew 6:21
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
41. Luke 16:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”
42. John 14:15
“If you love me, keep my commands.”
43. John 8:31
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.”
44. Romans 8:28
“In all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”
45. 2 Corinthians 5:17
“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.”
46. Hebrews 12:1
“Let us throw off everything that hinders.”
47. James 4:8
“Come near to God and He will come near to you.”
48. Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.”
49. Psalm 19:14
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord.”
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Tattoos
The Bible directly mentions tattoos in Leviticus 19:28, where God told the Israelites not to mark their bodies. This command was given in a specific cultural and religious context, where such markings were connected to pagan practices.
While Christians today may interpret this verse differently, the Bible clearly teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with honor and respect. More importantly, Scripture focuses on the condition of the heart rather than outward appearance. God desires people who love Him, follow His ways, and live holy lives.
Before making any decision about tattoos, believers are encouraged to seek wisdom, pray, and ask whether their choices glorify God and reflect their faith.
Say This Prayer
Thank You for creating me and for the gift of my body and life. Please give me wisdom and understanding as I make decisions in my life. Help me to honor You in everything I do and to live in a way that reflects Your love and truth.
Lord, guide my heart so that my choices bring glory to You. Teach me to follow Your Word and to seek Your will above all things. Fill me with Your peace and help me walk faithfully with You every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
David is the founder of devotionnest.com, a site dedicated to Bible Verses and clever wordplay. He loves turning language into laughter and making words wonderfully witty.