Last updated: 2026-04-15
Is Getting a Tattoo a Sin?
Quick Answer
No, getting a tattoo is disputed / nuanced in Christianity.
Author: IsItASin Editorial Team · Last updated: 2026-04-15
No, getting a tattoo is disputed / nuanced in Christianity. Leviticus 19:28 — 'Do not put tattoo marks on yourselves.' This is a disputed / nuanced matter in Christianity with clear guidance for believers.
What Christianity Teaches About Getting a Tattoo
Christianity considers Getting a Tattoo to be not a sin — a subject of guidance in the biblical tradition.
Wondering what other faiths teach?
Christian Denominations: How They Differ on Getting a Tattoo
Catholic Church
The Catholic Church has no official prohibition on tattoos. Pope Francis has spoken positively about tattoos as signs of belonging. The prohibition in Leviticus 19:28 is understood as part of the old ceremonial law.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Protestant Churches
Most Protestant denominations have no prohibition on tattoos. Many evangelical Christians cite Revelation 19:16 describing Jesus with a name written on his thigh. The Levitical prohibition is understood as ceremonial law, not moral law.
Holy Bible (Protestant canon)
Eastern Orthodox
The Orthodox Church has no formal prohibition on tattoos. Historically, some Orthodox Christians received tattoos as pilgrimage markers. The Levitical prohibition is understood within its ancient Near Eastern context, not as universal moral law.
Orthodox Church Tradition
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What Christianity Teaches About Getting a Tattoo
Most Christians do not consider tattoos sinful. The Levitical prohibition in Leviticus 19:28 is understood as part of the Old Testament ceremonial law that Christians are no longer bound by (Acts 15, Galatians). Christians who oppose tattoos typically cite 1 Corinthians 6:19 ('your body is a temple') rather than Leviticus. Many Christians even get religious tattoos (crosses, Bible verses) as expressions of faith.
Biblical References
- Leviticus 19:28 — 'Do not put tattoo marks on yourselves.'
- 1 Corinthians 6:19 — 'Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.'
- Galatians 5:1 — 'It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.' (Christians are not bound by ceremonial law)
Key Teachings
| Teaching | Scripture Reference | Practical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Do not put tattoo marks on yourselves. | Leviticus 19:28 | Apply this teaching to daily decisions. |
| Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. | 1 Corinthians 6:19 | Apply this teaching to daily decisions. |
| It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.' (Christians are not bound by ceremonial law) | Galatians 5:1 | Apply this teaching to daily decisions. |
What You Should Do
- Before getting a tattoo, consider your faith tradition's teaching and your personal conviction.
- Christian: Pray about your decision. If your conscience is clear and your design honors God, most denominations have no objection.
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Can I go to heaven if I have tattoos?
Yes.
Yes. In Christianity, salvation is through faith in Christ, not through outward appearance. Having a tattoo does not determine your eternal destination in any tradition.
Are Christian tattoos OK?
Most Christian denominations permit tattoos including religious ones.
Most Christian denominations permit tattoos including religious ones. Some individual churches may discourage them, but there is no mainstream Christian prohibition.
