Hope of Israel Ministries (Ecclesia of YEHOVAH):

The Bible and Tattoos

Compiled by John D. Keyser

In Leviticus 19:28 YEHOVAH God says, “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD.”

Some commentators say the statement forbidding tattoos only refers to pagan customs for the dead. For example, the writers of the Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary believe that there is nothing “morally wrong” with tattooing, but that “these practices then, and also now in some places, were parts of heathen ritual” (vol. 1, 1994, p. 150).

Other commentators disagree. The Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament, for example, says in reference to this verse, “The prohibition…of tattooing…had no reference to idolatrous usages, but was intended to inculcate upon the Israelites a proper reverence for God’s creation.” The Jewish understanding of this command is that “the prohibition against all forms of tattooing regardless of their intent, should be maintained” (MyJewishLearning.com, “Tattooing in Jewish Law”).

To gain a more complete perspective, let’s consider how other passages and principles relate to this subject.

Our Creator tells us: “Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 20:7). “Consecrate” means to be purified and set apart from the world -- as clean and holy people in service to YEHOVAH God.

Tattooing has a very long history among the pagan cultures of the world, for different reasons at different times. But YEHOVAH God called His chosen people Israel to come out from the world and be different in many ways.

Tattoos may be more accepted today, but it was not until the late 20th century that tattoos gained great popularity in the United States. Prior to that, tattoos were seen mostly on military men, criminals, bikers or other “tough” people.

Carnal Christians side-step the injunction in Leviticus 19:28 by arguing that the commandment is for Old Testament Israel and not for New Testament Christians. Does that mean that bestiality and child sacrifice which are forbidden in Leviticus are for Old Testament Israel and not for New Testament Christians? The New Testament does not have to spell out all sins. Smoking, for instance, is not mentioned in the Bible anywhere; but does it mean that smoking is not a vice or sin?

Some people object to using Old Testament scripture as a reference to tattoos since the New Testament is silent about these things. However, in the New Testament we are even called to a higher law. We are to have YEHOVAH's  laws written in our hearts. When we remain close to YEHOVAH God and obey Him, He can instruct us in things that are not good for us. As mentioned above, the Bible does not say, "You shall not smoke" -- or "Drug addition is bad for you;" we know that these things are destructive to the human body. The New Testament instructs us to glorify YEHOVAH God in our bodies. This would include not marring our bodies with tattoos -- as the principles in the Bible clearly tell us it is wrong to defile our bodies.

Today's Youth and Tattoos

Young people today get body art for a variety of reasons. Some do it because they want to fit in, while others succumb to peer pressure. Many are testimonies to the power of the media’s influence on our choices. For some youth, it is a mark of shock and rebellion. For others, tattoos make them feel sexier. Some simply see tattoos as works of fine art to adorn their human canvases.

One of the big problems in parenting today is allowing one's children to mark or tattoo their bodies. Christians can look at someone like Adam Levine and immediately discern that his almost full-body tattoos are not of YEHOVAH God, but these same Christians may get a small tattoo themselves -- or allow their children to have one -- and not think anything about it. Years ago young men in the military had to go to foreign lands to get a tattoo, now tattoo parlors are everywhere because our nation has opened up its doors to many heathen practices and false religions.

Parents who have said "no" to teen tattoos need not feel alone. A new U.S. survey finds that 78 percent of parents wouldn't even consider allowing their teenager to get inked. The nationally-representative poll asked parents of children between the ages of 13 and 18 for their attitudes about tattoos. Most, 75 percent, thought the earliest a teen should be allowed to have a tattoo was at age 18 or older, according to the results published by the C. S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health. A recent Pew Research Center study found that some 38 percent of young people aged 18 to 29 have at least one tattoo.

You have probably seen the ads on TV from toy makers offering to sell washable ink transfer kits so that children can mark their bodies with designs. Now you may think that this harmless enough but, in reality, this is Satan and his minions preparing or setting up our children early in life to receive real tattoos when they grow up.

The big problem is that parents have been taken out of the equation when it comes to educating their children. YEHOVAH God places this responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the parents, and the Bible provides guidance on educating children, emphasizing the importance of teaching them about YEHOVAH God and His works. Proverbs 22:6 advises parents to raise children in the way they should go, ensuring they do not depart from it when they are old. Additionally, Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands parents to love the LORD with all their heart, soul, and strength, and to teach these words diligently to their children.

The Bible also highlights the moral component of education, suggesting that there is a right path to follow and a wrong one, and parents should not let their children stumble about blindly but should lead them in the godly way. It is important to teach children about YEHOVAH God and His works, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, which instructs parents to pass along what they have seen and heard to their children. And to do this effectively there must be two parents in the home, something that is sadly lacking in society today.

The Bible stresses the importance of educating children in a way that includes teaching them about YEHOVAH God, His works, and moral values, while also emphasizing the role of parents in guiding their children's education. And the only way this can be successfully accomplished today is by home schooling, which is able to reduce the influence of Satan's corrupt world by keeping government schooling out of the equation.

Peer pressure has played a major role in tattoos down through history. Whether due to identification with a tribe, pagan god, military group, prison group or gang, sports figures, entertainment icons or circle of friends, people often get tattooed for identity and acceptance. But YEHOVAH God tells His called-out people, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:15-16).

The Health Risks of Tattoos

Some argue that a tattoo is merely an adornment like jewelry. But jewelry can be quickly removed or changed; a tattoo cannot. Many have been tattooed (often under the influence of alcohol and peer pressure) later to regret it. Not surprisingly, tattoo removal is now a big business. But attempted removal is expensive, uncomfortable and not always successful; and scarring or skin variations often remain.

Tattoos carry several health risks, including infections, allergic reactions, and skin problems. Infections can theoretically be transmitted through unsterilized tattoo equipment or contaminated ink, such as surface infections, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, and HIV. Tetanus risk can also be a problem.

Allergic reactions to tattoo ink are also common, and some people may develop rashes or other skin irritations. Additionally, there are concerns about the long-term effects of tattoo ink pigments, which are often derived from toxic heavy metals that could raise the risk of DNA damage, cancer, inflammation, oxidative stress, and weakened immune function.

A recent study found that many tattoo inks contain undisclosed additives or pigments known to pose health risks, such as polyethylene glycol and 2-phenoxyethanol, which can cause side effects like flatulence, nausea, and skin irritation.

The Mayo Clinic (a highly respected medical center in the United States) has documented these potential health problems connected with tattoos. Due to permanence and risk factors, most U.S. states either prohibit or require parental approval of the procedure for minors.

But even if tattooing continues to gain wider acceptance, is that proof of acceptance in YEHOVAH God’s eyes? Despite increasing popularity, tattoos have far from unanimous approval. Many employers still do not want to see tattoos on their employees and representatives due to a negative stigma or image. In the professional world tattoos are still considered by many to be unprofessional and could keep an applicant out of some career opportunities.

The Witchcraft Roots of Tattooing

Witchcraft, in all its mystical and mysterious intrigue, has been a source of fascination for centuries. The idea of harnessing supernatural powers, casting spells, and communing with spirits has captivated the minds of many. And with the rise of the modern witch movement, the aesthetics of witchcraft have become more mainstream and embraced by people from all walks of life. One of the ways in which this fascination with witchcraft is reflected is through tattoos. Witch tattoos, also known as occult tattoos, have a rich history and carry deep symbolism. They are not just designs etched onto the skin, but rather a reflection of one’s beliefs, values, and connection to the spiritual world.

In many cultures, tattoos have been used as a form of talisman or charm to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Similarly, witch tattoos can serve as a symbol of protection, helping the wearer feel safe and empowered in their spiritual journey.

Charisma Magazine recently published an article on their website titled “The Dark Side of Tattoos.” In it, the author presented a case that when people are tattooed, they wind up oppressed by evil spirits. He pointed to many cultures around the world who tattoo their bodies as a form of worship. Some of them have designs on their faces meant to make them look like their pagan deities. Others do so to appease their gods. In short, tattooing has a worshipful purpose in many pagan cultures and, as such, it flies in the face of the One True God.

Tattoos were associated with shamans or magic-men (witch-doctors). A shaman is an intermediary between the natural and the supernatural worlds, who is in direct contact with spirits who are invariably evil. Tattooing was often a magical rite, linked to scarification and blood-letting, and the tattooing process involved complex rituals and taboos, known only to the shaman and his tribe.

In tattooing the skin is punctured and the blood is drawn. Licking the blood during tattoo operations is not unknown. The puncturing was considered the "opening of inlets for evil to enter." Tattoos were therefore channels for demonic possession. Even today, certain tattoo artists burn incense and light candles during tattoo operations, while others allow "demons to guide the tattoo needle over the client’s body."

Tattoos have always reflected a note of unabashed rebellion and marked deviancy. Hence tattoos were used to mark criminals, adulterers, traitors, deserters, the deviant and the outcast. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans did not tattoo themselves, but they branded slaves and criminals with tattoos. The Latin word for "tattoo" is "stigma" -- which is a distinguishing mark cut into the flesh of a slave or a criminal, and was considered a mark of disgrace or reproach. By the early 1900s public opinion against tattoos was so strong that tattooed persons were considered freaks and found mostly in sideshows and circuses.

In addition to Leviticus 19:28, the Bible also warns us not to disfigure our bodies in the following verses:

1 Kings 18:28: "So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them."

Deuteronomy 14:1-2: "You are the children of the LORD your God; you shall not cut yourselves nor shave the front of your head for the dead. For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth."

What is being spoken of here was a witchcraft rite done to mourn or remember the dead. Also, as a "special treasure" of YEHOVAH God that is "above all the peoples" on the earth, we should not be practicing the customs or traditions of the other nations. Therefore, tattooing, cutting one's body, and shaving one's head in defiance have their origin in witchcraft practices. Tattoos definitely have their "roots" in witchcraft.

Reputed Bible scholars and commentators have made in clear that the moral commandments in Leviticus are for all time and not just for Israel in the Old Testament age. Leviticus 19:28 says, "You shall not make any cutting in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you. I am the LORD." On this the Commentary by Matthew Henry, Merrill Unger and Jamieson, Fausset and Brown makes it amply clear that tattoos are forbidden by YEHOVAH God. It is to be noted that while "cuttings" are qualified by the phrase "for the dead." "marks" (or tattoos) have no such qualification. Which means that all tattoos (Christian and otherwise) are evil in YEHOVAH’s eyes.

One of the arguments made by carnal Christians is that Leviticus 19:27 forbids haircuts. What Leviticus 19:27 is talking about is "rounding the corners of your head" and "marring the corners of your beard." These were heathen practices. One such practice was to cut the hair so that the head resembled a celestial globe. It is called a "tonsure," a practice of heathens to honor their gods. The cutting of the flesh was demonstrated by the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.

It is not to be forgotten that the demon-possessed man in Mark 5 was in the habit of cutting himself with stones. Cutting and masochistic self-flagellation is also practiced by Muslims during their festival of Muharram. In short, the injunctions in Leviticus 19:26-28 are a strong condemnation of heathen practices -- witchcraft, astrology, cutting, tattooing, tonsures, etc.

In 1 Samuel 15:23 we are told that "rebellion is like the sin of witchcraft." Tattoos sported by today’s youth have been the mark of rebellion and hatred of authority (besides, rejection of all moral values). In YEHOVAH’s eyes, the sin of tattooing is like witchcraft. We have already seen the origins of tattoos in witchcraft and shamanism. It remains to be researched whether this "witchcraft" has also led to widespread demon-possession. Tattoos are not "body decoration;" they have nothing to do with fashion and beauty; but rather they are sinister signs of moral decay and infiltration by evil spirits into modern society.

History shows that tattoos have always been associated with paganism, shamanism, heathen (Baal worship), occult mysticism and demonism. The tattoo has never been associated with Christians, until the present decadent religious times. Wherever the Christian faith made its entrance, the tattoo made its exit.

Our Bodies Are a Temple

Would you be happy if a stranger sprayed graffiti on the side of your house? What if it was a very skilful artist that did it? You would still be furious regardless. It is considered vandalism regardless of whether it looks good or not. Similarly, getting “Christian” symbols such as the cross, or Bible verses tattooed on your skin is still vandalism against the temple of YEHOVAH God.

Your body is the temple of the LORD. OUR SKIN IS OUR TEMPLE WALLS. Just as in Ezekiel’s time (Ezekiel 8:9-10) the Temple walls were covered with these images, the modern lukewarm Christian thinks they can cover themselves with these tattoos of creeping things, images of nature and animals, demonic artwork, and such, and think that YEHOVAH God will just look the other way. Be not deceived. YEHOVAH is not mocked. This is abominable idolatry to cover the walls of your temple (skin) with these images.

The Messiah wants a bride with no spot or wrinkle, so why would you let people put ink into your flesh such that you will carry its mark forever? Does that make any sense? There is no place for tattoos on YEHOVAH's people Israel! Here we are copying everything the world does. The Philistines had a king so Israel wanted one. The world does heavy-metal music, "Christians" come up with metal bands. The world comes up with tattoos, believers think they have a God-given right to one as well. Whatever happened to being the “peculiar people” the Bible calls for? What happened to being the city on a hill? There is nothing more pathetic than the cowardly Christian who tries to fit in with and copy the world.

When a nation failed in battle, the priests engraved the name or occult symbol of their god Baal into their flesh to have more access to his power. They hoped that by doing this, they would create a stronger covenant with their god, and that he would answer their prayers by raining down fire on their enemies. Many tattoos are of pagan symbols, even supposedly “Christian” ones.

The Star of David for example, is the same symbol as a hexagram. A hexagram is a type of portal drawn by occultists for conjuring demons into this world. Not exactly something you want on your skin. A common Trinity symbol actually originated as the binding for the Celtic god Odin, thus making you his personal property and possession when you are marked with his symbol.

The upside-down cross is a major symbol of Satanists and if you get a cross tattoo on your arm it will be hanging upside down when you lift your hands to YEHOVAH God in worship -- thus you commit blasphemy.

The Christian “fish” symbol also originated in paganism as the “Vesica Pisces.” Early Christians used a variant on this pagan symbol because the Romans would not suspect it like they would a cross. You can get a “lion” design to signify the “lion of the tribe of Judah,” but satan who “walks as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” could be taking ownership of this one as well (1 Peter 5:8).

We should not be putting these symbols and drawings on our bodies. Tattoos are a sign of ownership like a slave being branded. You open a gate to demonic influence when you unknowingly get their symbols tattooed on you. An Israelite-Christian heading for YEHOVAH’s Kingdom already has intense warfare against him; there is no room for error in allowing extra gates for demonic attack. Getting covered in tattoos can set yourself up for failure and you may no longer be able to resist the added demonic attacks and temptations from Satan.

As tattooing continues to gain wider acceptance among so-called Christians, is that proof of acceptance in YEHOVAH God’s eyes? When YEHOVAH God created pre-Adamic man, He spoke these words recorded in Genesis 1:31:

"Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day."

When YEHOVAH God created the human body, He pronounced that He was pleased with His creation. As such, YEHOVAH desires that our bodies be a reflection of His own majesty. So when people tattoo their own bodies they are diminishing that majesty and tampering with what YEHOVAH created. Therefore, we should never mark our bodies because that diminishes YEHOVAH's reflected majesty. Also, our bodies are the temple of the holy spirit, as Paul points out in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the holy spirit that is in you, that 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."

Having tattoos on our bodies certainly does not glorify YEHOVAH God. Also notice 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." 

Fashioned in YEHOVAH God’s own image, our bodies are precious gifts from YEHOVAH God. Refraining from unnecessary cuttings or marking them with tattoos shows respect for our bodies and our Creator.

Is Leviticus 19:28 Applicable to Today?

As noted earlier, commentators are divided over whether the prohibitions against “cuttings in your flesh for the dead” and tattooing “any marks on you” as recorded in Leviticus 19:28 are applicable today. Some mistakenly dismiss this passage because it is in the Old Testament, and they wrongly think that all laws of the Old Testament have been replaced with new laws. Others say it only applies to pagan practices for the dead; and therefore, it doesn’t apply to Christians who want a tattoo as body adornment or as a symbol of their Christian faith.

In response to these claims, it is important to remember that the instructions given to ancient Israel also apply to us today. Psalm 119:160 says, “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.” Throughout his ministry, the Messiah upheld YEHOVAH God’s law as revealed through the prophets in the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17-19; John 17:17).

Paul wrote: “All Scripture [not just the New Testament] is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Concerning ungodly conduct (part of the context of Leviticus 19:28), YEHOVAH God also makes it clear that He does not approve of His people using pagan customs to worship Him (Deuteronomy 12:29-31). This is why Hope of Israel Ministries does not observe Christmas and Easter. Instead, we observe the holy days commanded by YEHOVAH God. Rather than following the customs and practices of the society around us, we are to be representatives of the coming Kingdom of YEHOVAH God -- and of the Messiah himself. The belief that we are free to incorporate pagan practices into Christianity is misguided thinking. YEHOVAH God takes a dim view of His people Israel's attempts to Christianize practices rooted in the non-Christian world.

Even if the reference to tattoos in Leviticus 19:28 is directed solely to the way pagans mourned for the dead (something that cannot be definitely proven), the above-noted scriptures make it clear that avoiding tattoos is the only choice for YEHOVAH's people. In order to please YEHOVAH God, we must walk -- live our lives -- in faith (2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:6) that we are following His commands because “whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).

Rather than following the customs and practices of the society around us, we are to be representatives of the coming Kingdom of YEHOVAH God -- and of the Messiah himself. “And do not be conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). “Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate', says the LORD. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17).

Based upon the evidence from YEHOVAH’s Word and these principles, we believe that His people Israel should not get tattoos. If a Christian already has one, it is his or her decision whether to leave it alone, cover it up or have it removed.

We are to become like YEHOVAH God and His Messiah so that we reflect them on this earth. What would the Messiah do? I simply cannot imagine Yeshua the Messiah, who is my example as an elder brother and savior, having tattoos on his body. The only scars on his body were the ones put there by evil men who crucified him. They were not self-inflicted, but because of the sins of his Israelite sheep, he willingly went to the tree and died. The Temple Guard hammered nails in his wrists and stoned him as he hung on that tree and bled and died so that we of Israel can be forgiven of our sins. He died taking the punishment for our sins, was buried and raised from the dead so that we of Israel can have eternal life in his Father's Kingdom.