Bible Verses

The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Tattoos

Created:
January 15, 2025
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Updated:
January 29, 2025
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Author:
Joseph Cox

Curious about what the Bible says about tattoos? You're not alone. Many people wonder if their ink aligns with their faith.

Let's dive into some scripture and see what insights we can uncover together. You might be surprised by what you find!

50 Bible Verses About Tattoos

10 Bible Verses on Tattoos and Identity

Genesis 1:27
  • "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." — Genesis 1:27
  • "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." — Psalm 139:14
  • "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." — 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
  • "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." — Galatians 2:20
  • "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." — Ephesians 2:10
  • "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." — 1 Peter 2:9
  • "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." — 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." — Romans 12:2
  • "And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him." — Colossians 3:10
  • "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." — Jeremiah 1:5

10 Bible Verses on Tattoos in Scripture

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." — Leviticus 19:28
  • "One will say, ‘I am the Lord’s’; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; another will write with his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and name himself by the name of Israel." — Isaiah 44:5
  • "And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." — Revelation 19:16
  • "See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me." — Isaiah 49:16
  • "You are the children of the Lord your God; you shall not cut yourselves nor shave the front of your head for the dead." — Deuteronomy 14:1
  • "So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them." — 1 Kings 18:28
  • "And the Lord said to him, 'Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.'" — Ezekiel 9:4
  • "From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." — Galatians 6:17
  • "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." — Jeremiah 31:33
  • "It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the Lord’s law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt." — Exodus 13:9

10 Bible Verses on Tattoos and Holiness

1 Peter 1:16
  • "Because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'" — 1 Peter 1:16
  • "And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine." — Leviticus 20:26
  • "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." — Romans 12:1
  • "For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness." — 1 Thessalonians 4:7
  • "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." — Hebrews 12:14
  • "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." — 2 Corinthians 7:1
  • "And that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." — Ephesians 4:24
  • "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." — 1 John 3:3
  • "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." — Matthew 5:48
  • "If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." — 1 Corinthians 3:17

10 Bible Verses on Tattoos and Tradition

Matthew 15:3
  • "He answered and said to them, 'Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?'" — Matthew 15:3
  • "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." — Colossians 2:8
  • "Making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do." — Mark 7:13
  • "Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers." — 1 Peter 1:18
  • "Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle." — 2 Thessalonians 2:15
  • "And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers." — Galatians 1:14
  • "Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you." — 1 Corinthians 11:2
  • "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." — 2 Timothy 3:16
  • "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." — Romans 15:4
  • "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." — Acts 17:11

10 Bible Verses on Tattoos and Beliefs

Romans 14:23
  • "But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin." — Romans 14:23
  • "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31
  • "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." — Colossians 3:17
  • "But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak." — 1 Corinthians 8:9
  • "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind." — Romans 14:5
  • "Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble." — 1 Corinthians 8:13
  • "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way." — Romans 14:13
  • "To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." — 1 Corinthians 9:22
  • "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." — Philippians 4:8
  • "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify." — 1 Corinthians 10:23

What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos

The Bible offers a rich tapestry of insights on the topic of tattoos, touching on themes of identity, holiness, tradition, and personal beliefs. In Genesis 1:27, we are reminded that we are created in God's image, a powerful affirmation of our inherent worth and uniqueness. This theme of identity is echoed in Psalm 139:14, where we are described as "fearfully and wonderfully made." These verses encourage us to see our bodies as sacred and valuable, a reflection of divine craftsmanship.

Holiness is another significant theme, with verses like 1 Peter 1:16 urging us to "be holy, for I am holy." This call to holiness is not just about external appearances but about living a life that honors God in all aspects, including how we treat our bodies. Romans 12:1 further emphasizes this by urging believers to present their bodies as a "living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God."

Tradition and personal beliefs also play a crucial role. Matthew 15:3 challenges us to consider whether our actions align with God's commandments or merely follow human traditions. Similarly, Romans 14:23 and 1 Corinthians 10:31 remind us that whatever we do, including decisions about tattoos, should be done in faith and for the glory of God.

Ultimately, the Bible encourages us to reflect deeply on our choices, ensuring they align with our faith and values. By meditating on these scriptures, we can make informed, compassionate decisions that honor both our beliefs and our bodies.

How to Apply Tattoos Bible Verses in Daily Life

Applying the teachings of tattoos in daily life starts with self-reflection. Consider how your choices, including tattoos, align with your faith and values.

Here are some actionable steps to guide you:

  • Reflect on Identity: Meditate on verses like Genesis 1:27 and Psalm 139:14 to remind yourself of your inherent worth and divine craftsmanship.
  • Embrace Holiness: Strive to live a life that honors God, as urged in 1 Peter 1:16 and Romans 12:1. This includes how you treat your body.
  • Question Traditions: Evaluate whether your actions follow God's commandments or merely human traditions, as suggested in Matthew 15:3.
  • Act in Faith: Ensure that your decisions, including getting a tattoo, are made in faith and for the glory of God, as highlighted in Romans 14:23 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.

By incorporating these teachings, you can make choices that honor both your beliefs and your body.

Explore more prayers and Bible verses on PrayersFor or use our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.

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