BIBLICAL BRIEFS 2
The original word for ‘tattooing’ comes from the late 1700’s and therefore it is not a Biblical concept, although it has an acient ritualistic origin. In Lev. 19:28 the Bible forbids “tattoo marks on yourselves”, but in this verse it is a reference to certain pagan death rituals that people have done when they have lost a close friend or relative to death. (Also refer to 1 Kin. 18:28 for similar rites.) Furthermore, believers under the New Covenant are not bound by such laws as was the case with the nation of Israel under the Old Covenant. Therefore no explicit Biblical guideline regarding tattooing is given. Often it is argued that the believer should honor his body as temple of God (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and therefore not engage in this practice, but it is not necessarily applicable to tattooing. Ultimately tattooing will be approved or disapproved of by cultural opinion. Due to its permanence, responsibility and sober reflection should be done regarding this body modification, if so desired. Interesting though is that God says in Isa. 49:16 (AMP) to you: “Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands.”
Dr. Tom Gouws
