The primary verse addressing tattoo is Leviticus 19:28

The primary Bible verse addressing tattoos is Leviticus 19:28, which states: "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD" (NIV). This Old Testament prohibition was likely intended to distinguish Israelites from pagan mourning rituals, and its application to modern Christians is widely debated, often focusing on motivations of modesty and body stewardship

Show modern Christians is widely debated, often focusing on motivations of modesty and body. 

Key Details Regarding Tattoos in the Bible:

• The Verse: Leviticus 19:28 is the only explicit mention of tattoos in most Bible translations.
• Context: The prohibition was part of a set of laws forbidding practices associated with pagan cults, specifically cutting or marking the skin to honor the dead.
• Interpretation: While some interpret this as a strict ban, others argue the restriction was situational to that culture, focusing more on the "cutting" or idolatrous aspect rather than modern decorative tattoos.
• Other References: Sometimes cited is Revelation 19:16, which describes Jesus with a name written on his robe and thigh ("King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), though this is often interpreted metaphorically or as a marking on clothing.
• Modern Principles: Christians often look to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit) to determine if a tattoo honors God. 

Note: Leviticus 19:28 is translated as "print marks" in the KJV, as the word "tattoo" did not enter the English language until the late 1700s. 

“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” What does the Bible say about tattoos? That's it—that one line in ...

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