In the Hebrew Bible, God's view on tattoos is presented as a prohibition. Specifically, ancient scriptures forbid the practice of marking one's body.
The Biblical Stance on Tattoos
The Old Testament, particularly the Hebrew Bible, includes a directive against tattooing. This prohibition is rooted in specific ancient texts, reflecting the cultural and religious landscape of the time.
Prohibition in the Hebrew Bible
One of the most direct statements concerning body markings is found in Leviticus 19:28, which states: “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.” This verse clearly outlines a command against making specific types of marks or incisions on the body.
Historically, scholars have interpreted this command primarily as a warning against the practices of neighboring pagan cultures. These cultures often engaged in various forms of self-mutilation or body marking as part of their mourning rituals or religious worship, practices that were contrary to the monotheistic worship promoted in the Hebrew Bible.
To summarize the key elements of this biblical perspective:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Source | The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) |
| Verse | Leviticus 19:28 |
| Command | Explicitly prohibits making "gashes in your flesh for the dead" and "incising any marks on yourselves." |
| Context | Historically understood as a warning against adopting the mourning rituals and idolatrous practices of surrounding pagan societies. |
This interpretation suggests that the prohibition was not merely about aesthetic choice but was deeply intertwined with religious identity and the avoidance of practices associated with other deities or pagan mourning customs.
