What You Need to Know About Tattoos | Ambassador Youth

Tattoos are everywhere. They are seen on celebrities, athletes, movie stars and maybe even people you know. Getting a tattoo can seem like a fun way to stand out or represent something meaningful.

Did you know that God directly addresses tattoos in the Bible? Leviticus 19:28 says: “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.”

God gave this command to protect His people from pagan practices and to set them apart for Him. But what does this verse mean for us today? It is not difficult to understand. Not printing any marks on our bodies means God does not want His people to get tattoos.

While they may seem harmless, tattoos come with lasting consequences. Anyone considering getting one would be wise to stop and ask: “Is this really the best way to express myself?”

Let’s explore God’s purpose for your body and discover meaningful ways to accomplish the same goals without permanent changes.

Tattoo Regret

Most people with tattoos regret at least one of them. A study from Advanced Dermatology shows that 78 percent of people wish they had not gotten a tattoo—or at least not the one they chose.

The study went on to say the most common reasons why people regret their tattoos are that they were an impulsive decision (35 percent), they had significant meaning at the time (29 percent), or they thought it would make them look cool (18 percent).

Many regret their tattoos as they grow older, their priorities shift or they experience stigma in workplaces or social settings. And the decision is hard to undo because tattoo removal is expensive. The average cost for removal is over $400.

These are some of the reasons why God’s command to avoid body art still makes sense today. He wants us to keep our bodies clean and pure, inside and out.

Historically, tattoos were part of pagan rituals. Egyptian tattoos, often found on mummies, were linked to fertility goddesses or protection during childbirth, according to research by the University College of London.

The command in Leviticus 19:28 reflects God’s intent for His people to stay away from these idolatrous practices and honor Him instead.

Your Body, God’s Temple

The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of God, meant to reflect His glory. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 6, “What? Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own? For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body” (vs. 19-20).

Seeing our bodies as God’s temple encourages us to treat them with care and respect, as something sacred and belonging to Him.

In the Old Testament, God’s Temple was His house, a place built to honor Him and reflect His glory. Imagine someone walking into that holy place and spray-painting graffiti all over the walls or carving their name into the stones. It would be shocking and disrespectful, no matter the intent of the person spraying or carving their message.

We should view our bodies the same way. Just as the physical Temple was sacred and belonged to Him, so do our bodies. When people choose to get tattoos, it is like defacing God’s house with graffiti—it dishonors the beauty and purpose He intended.

“Many regret their tattoos as they grow older, their priorities shift or they experience stigma in workplaces or social settings. And the decision is hard to undo because tattoo removal is expensive.”

Better Ways to Stand Out

There are many reasons people get tattoos—to honor loved ones, remember pets, support a favorite sports team, display an inspirational message or highlight their artistic side. While these motivations are understandable, there are better ways to achieve these goals without permanent alterations.

To honor loved ones, consider creating something like a personalized necklace or bracelet. A heartfelt photo album or a written tribute can also preserve memories in meaningful ways. For remembering pets, keeping photos and keepsakes such as a dog collar or a pet’s favorite blanket can be a comforting way to remember them.

Sports enthusiasts can show their passion by wearing team apparel or decorating spaces with memorabilia. Inspirational slogans can be displayed on custom-designed clothing, posters or journals that reflect personal values. For showcasing art, creative outlets like painting, photography or designing custom items offer unlimited opportunities for expression without altering the body.

Choosing these alternatives not only avoids the permanence of tattoos but also aligns with the idea of treating our bodies as sacred temples. These approaches help represent our uniqueness to others while reflecting God’s purpose and design.

A sign in front of Future Skin, a tattoo parlor in Ottawa, Ontario.

Getty Images

Lasting Impression

While tattoos aim to express individuality or honor special moments, there are more meaningful alternatives that align with God’s purpose for our lives. The ultimate way to stand out to God comes from how we live and the choices we make to honor Him.

If you ever feel like you want to get a tattoo, talk to your parents about this subject. They care deeply about all the decisions you make. They want the best for you and can offer valuable guidance to help you live in a way that honors God and reflects His purposes for your life.

Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Keep your body holy and acceptable to God and remember His view of tattoos.