Tattoos and piercings have been around for centuries. For some, they are forms of art, expressions of identity, or even memorials. For others, they raise questions about morality and spirituality.
What does the Bible really say about tattoos and piercings? Is it wrong to have them? Can Christians wear them and still honor God?
This blog post isn’t here to give you quick yes-or-no answers. Instead, we’re diving deep into the Word of God—looking at 35 Bible verses that can help us think, reflect, and decide.
Whether you’re considering a tattoo, already have one, or just seeking understanding, the Bible offers comfort, wisdom, and direction.
Let’s look at what Scripture has to say.
1. Leviticus 19:28
“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”
Explanation:
This is one of the most direct references to tattoos in the Bible. God gave this command to the Israelites as a way to separate them from pagan practices. The context shows a concern for holiness and honoring God with the body.
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Explanation:
Paul reminds believers that their bodies belong to God. This verse calls us to think carefully about how we treat our bodies—including decisions about tattoos and piercings.
3. Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Explanation:
Worship isn’t just about songs or sermons—it includes how we live and care for our bodies. This verse encourages us to live in a way that reflects God’s holiness.
4. 1 Samuel 16:7
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Explanation:
While people may judge based on looks, God sees the heart. This verse reminds us not to focus too heavily on appearances, including tattoos or piercings.
5. 1 Peter 3:3-4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self…”
Explanation:
Peter speaks to the importance of inner character over outward appearance. This guidance can be applied when considering how much value we place on body modification.
6. Isaiah 49:16
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”
Explanation:
Though metaphorical, this verse shows how God uses imagery like engraving to describe His deep love and remembrance of His people.
7. Ezekiel 16:12
“And I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head.”
Explanation:
Here, God describes His blessings to Jerusalem using the image of jewelry and adornment. It’s a poetic expression, showing that outward beauty isn’t inherently wrong.
8. Genesis 35:4
“So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak at Shechem.”
Explanation:
This passage connects jewelry to idol worship, but the focus is more about abandoning false gods than the jewelry itself. The context matters.
9. Exodus 32:2
“Aaron answered them, ‘Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.’”
Explanation:
This verse is part of the story where the Israelites create the golden calf. The earrings were used to make an idol, which reminds us to examine our motives behind what we wear or do to our bodies.
10. Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Explanation:
True worth doesn’t lie in appearance but in a reverent and faithful heart toward God. It’s a timeless principle, especially in today’s image-focused world.
11. Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
Explanation:
While we have freedom in Christ, we are also called to use it wisely—not just to please ourselves, but to serve and love others.
12. Matthew 23:27
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs…”
Explanation:
This rebuke was about hypocrisy—looking good on the outside while being spiritually dead. It reminds us that God cares more about inner transformation.
13. Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble… think about such things.”
Explanation:
This verse invites us to keep our minds and lives centered on what is good and pure. It can help guide personal choices like tattoos or piercings.
14. Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Explanation:
Focus your heart on eternal things, not just worldly appearance. This helps keep our identity grounded in Christ, not in trends or culture.
15. Isaiah 3:18-23
“In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces…”
Explanation:
Isaiah speaks about pride and vanity. The passage reminds us to check our hearts when we adorn ourselves.
16. Deuteronomy 14:1
“You are the children of the Lord your God. Do not cut yourselves or shave the front of your heads for the dead.”
Explanation:
This command was to separate God’s people from pagan mourning rituals. It’s a call to holiness, not self-harm or destructive expressions.
17. James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Explanation:
Submission to God helps guide all of our decisions, including how we treat and present our bodies.
18. Psalm 139:13-14
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”
Explanation:
These verses speak to the intentional and beautiful design God has for each person. It encourages self-worth and body respect.
19. Galatians 1:10
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?”
Explanation:
When thinking about tattoos or piercings, it’s worth asking—who are we trying to please?
20. 1 Timothy 2:9
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety…”
Explanation:
This verse points to modesty—not just in clothing but in overall appearance, reflecting a heart of humility.
21. 1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Reject every kind of evil.”
Explanation:
A reminder to be cautious about influences and decisions that may pull us away from God’s best for us.
22. Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Explanation:
This verse emphasizes the importance of inner life over outer appearance. What’s in your heart matters most.
23. Hebrews 10:22
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings…”
Explanation:
God desires sincerity, not just outward displays. Our external choices should reflect our internal devotion.
24. Romans 14:12
“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”
Explanation:
We’re each responsible for our actions and choices—including what we do with our bodies.
25. Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Explanation:
This verse reminds us that timing and purpose matter. Make decisions prayerfully, not impulsively.
26. Titus 2:7
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good.”
Explanation:
Be a role model through your choices. Let your actions—including body art—reflect goodness and faith.
27. 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Explanation:
Our identity is new in Christ. Even if you have a past filled with choices you now question, God offers renewal.
28. 1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Explanation:
This verse gives a great test: can you glorify God with your tattoo or piercing? Let that be your guide.
29. Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Explanation:
Keeping Scripture close helps us make wise, God-honoring decisions in all areas of life.
30. Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”
Explanation:
When unsure, trust God’s wisdom above personal feelings or trends.
31. Romans 13:14
“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Explanation:
We’re called to live by the Spirit, not just what our physical selves want. This can include decisions about appearance.
32. John 7:24
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
Explanation:
This verse warns against judging others based on how they look. Let’s extend the same grace we hope to receive.
33. Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters…”
Explanation:
We must choose whom we serve. Our decisions—including those about our bodies—should reflect loyalty to God.
34. Ephesians 5:1
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children.”
Explanation:
Imitating God means living in love, holiness, and wisdom. Our choices should reflect His image.
35. Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”
Explanation:
This verse encourages believers to live fully for Christ. That includes how we express ourselves physically.
Final Thoughts: Reflect Before You Ink or Pierce
As you can see, the Bible doesn’t give a simple checklist about tattoos and piercings. Instead, it offers deep wisdom about our hearts, motives, and identity in Christ. The real question is: Are your choices drawing you closer to God, or away from Him?
Let these scriptures guide your heart. Whether you’re considering body art or simply seeking clarity, God’s Word offers peace, direction, and purpose.
What are your thoughts? Have any verses stood out to you?
Share your experiences or favorite verses in the comments. Let’s grow together in faith and wisdom.