Is it Against The Bible To get a tattoo?

Question

im a pentecostal christian and im 24 years old. A few weekz back i lost a friend who i knew since elementary school days. He wasnt a friend more like a Brother. I wanted to get a tattoo saying R.i.P to him on my shoulder but i wanted to know if it was against the bible. It probably is but i just feel lik ei should do this cause he been their thru some hard times with me.

Answer 1

You really can't build a doctrine solely on one verse. The only verse that says anything like that is Leviticus 19:28
It says not to cut your flesh for the dead or print marks upon you. So, now we have to look and see what is meant by that by examining the culture of the day It was a common practice to cut for the dead, or print images to gain power over enemies. But as for honoring your friend I think you will have to ask God about it in prayer.
You can't base a doctrine on just one verse
edit: I looked around at Bible gateway and it seems that most translations say to not mark, print, or tatoo the body. Young's Literal Translation, however says this
And a cutting for your soul do not make in your flesh,and a writing- a cross mark- do not put on you; I am Jehovah.
New Century Version says
Do not cut yourself to show your sadness for one who has died and do not put tatoos on your body. The literal translation does not say tatoos; it says writing- a cross mark

Answer 2

Sorry about your loss. It is hard to lose someone so close. Last I knew tattoos weren't really invented in that area (all the places in the Bible) or time. So I think you are alright there.

If I can make a suggestions instead of getting a R.I.P. try getting something that meant a lot to him. Or something that you two had in common. It is bad mojo to have R.I.P and/or someones name. That was you have something good to be reminded by.

Answer 3

The Old Testament (Mosaic Law) forbids such things. However, the New Testament makes it plain that Gentiles are only required to obey 4 points of the Mosaic Law - and this is not one of them.

Some Christian sects continue to teach that tattoos are forbidden, using the Old Testament verse to support their teaching. Nevertheless, I am persuaded by Paul in the New Testament that this is not applicable to Gentile Christians.

Another point: some sects teach that tattoos are sin because 1) they mar the body that God gave you or 2) they are potentially dangerous, and God would not want you to risk your life over such a thing. These teachings are more persuasive than the "we have to follow the Old Testament verses that I pick out" justification.

If you believe your sect provides accurate teaching, then you should follow those teachings. If you believe that your sect is in error, then switch churches and do what you think is best.

Jim, http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com

Answer 4

I am very sorry to hear of your loss, especially of someone so young. It is against the Bible to "desecrate" your body which is seen as a vessel for your soul that you are just borrowing. Under Jewish law (I think oral law, not directly from the Bible), tattoos are considered to be a desecration and in fact, traditionally, people with tattoos were not permitted to be buried in Jewish cemeteries.. Maybe you can find another way to memorialize your friend such as to get a necklace with his initials on it or make a donation to a charity he supported (maybe something related to the cause of his death). Your friend will always be with you in your heart and soul and it is probably not necessary for you to put it on the outside as well.

Again, I'm really sorry for your loss and I wish you comfort and healing during the difficult time.

Answer 5

The only way I know of that someone could say it's against the bible is if they say the 'your body is a temple and should be treated with reverence' thing. But, not one place in there, does it state that markings on the body are forbidden.
I have a tat, and the end of this month I'll have another. On the second anniversary of my Grandpa's passing I am getting a yellow rose tat in his honor, since that was his fav flower. And, once my Grandma passes, a humming bird (her fav thing) will be added. I could care less who or what it could be against...it's my body. You're definately old enough to make your own decisions man.

Answer 6

In Deuteronomy it talks about not marking your body. It is true that we no longer live under the law of the Old Testament, rather we are under the new covenant that is God's grace. Does this mean if you do get a tattoo you are not a Christian or not going to heaven? By no means NO, that is not true!!! But do keep in mind that God calls our bodies His temple and what kind of temple is fit for the King of Kings. The decision is up to you.

Answer 7

You have already seen the references to particular Scripture in this forum. I ask you now, "Do you want to obey God's Word or not?" Will He forgive you if you do it anyway? Yes. However, the memory of it and the mark of it would be with you for life. How much do you love God? If you love Him, you will obey His commands. Look at what Paul and the rest of the New Covenant Scriptures say balanced against the Scriptures of the Old Covenant. You will find your answer there, moreso than in a forum.

Answer 8

Or, just not, as the bible says, do what some of the people have suggested with the necklace and that. But don't forget, if you go to heaven, you can tell them that you were gonna get a tattoo for them, but you decided not to. I'm sure they'll still love ya :-)

Answer 9

It is, but it's up to YOU to determine what is relevant to your own life. If following the words in the bible mean more to you, than don't get a tattoo... if honoring your friend with a tattoo means more to you, than get the tattoo. I personally would find a better way than to get a permanent marking on my body, but not because the bible says you shouldn't.

Answer 10

if you are worried about the people in the church and what they would think about it i would just go ahead and do it. if they know you and know why you did it, it would probably be a not so controversial thing to do.

As far as the bible goes, it is how you interpret it. If you are a stern believer in the "your body is a temple" thing, than yes, it goes against the bible.
if you are a liberal interpreter of the bible, than no, it is not a sin.

Just do what feels right to you.