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Do Commandments On Tattoos and Hair Still Apply?

Posted by arsindelve, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

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If our appearance, in any way, presents an obstacle to anyone knowing we are a Christian or allowing us to lead them to Christ, then we have an obligation to set it right.

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In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul gives some pretty specific instructions about hair length and covering our hair. Leviticus 19:28 commands, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD." Do these commands still apply today? Can't someone worship Jesus just as well with long hair, earrings or tattoos?

I think it's important to acknowledge that we have to be sensitive of the time and culture to which the author was addressing their comments. Underneath every custom or culturally accepted practice is some truth of law or principle. Culture, customs and societies change, but God certainly does not and his commandments and laws do not. Our challenge is to determine the law or principle that is underneath the surface of these customs. In other words, hair is just hair and is no big deal, but what deep truth of God's nature is Paul trying to express in this teaching? Whatever that truth is, it never changes so regardless of what century we're in, we have to get to the bottom of it.

In almost every case, when Paul or another apostle commands us to obey some cultural custom, the goal is to demonstrate that we are children of God and to distance ourselves from the pagans. This was a very serious issue in the 1st century. Many new Christians had been gentiles and/or pagans, and the early Church leaders want to ensure that they do not slip back into their old ways. Beyond that, it was also important that they did not have any kind of external appearance that would make people think that they are still worshiping their old idols, even if they're not. This is the main reason for the decree for men not to have long hair, not to get tattoos, not to have body piercings, and many others. These were things the pagans did, so any new Christians who still looked that way would cause others to be concerned.

Rightly or wrongly, people judge by appearances. As Christians, we need to avoid doing anything that would cause others to be uncomfortable with us. This is particularly true when we are witnessing to non-Christians.

As a man, I could deliver the Gospel very well with tatoos, long hair, a nose ring and all the rest. The same is true of a woman with a shaved head and a dozen nose rings. However, if I dress this way, there will be some people who will never be able to get past the image. There would always be some that would see that "look" and think I must be a criminal or a devil-worshiper. They probably would not listen to a word I had to say.

So, I believe God is commanding us to look the part, respect our bodies and understand that others will judge our appearance, so we need to present a good image. The essence of those commandments given to us from Paul and Moses thousands of years ago still apply today, even if the cultural specifics might have changed. We must not give anyone a reason to think that we have slipped into "pagan" ways. Likewise, we must not give any non-Christians a reason to judge us and reject us before we have a chance to present the Good News. If our appearance, in any way, presents an obstacle to anyone knowing we are a Christian or allowing us to lead them to Christ, then we have an obligation to set it right.

Comments


thank you for this article, i have just started doing a study on tattoos, and body piercings this article is conformation that God wants me to continue.some of the stuff i have been reading about like the origin and meanings of tattoos disturbed me a little and i thought that i should stop,but your article encourged me . thank you
4/27/2008 4:08:41 PM - anonymous


I have a tatoo myself and i did not get it done for the dead. I do not agree with ppl getting things that are vulger put on their bodies but i think that it can be used as a tool for witnessin to ppl that thinks all christians look down on them for havin tatoo's.. Somtimes when someone does something when they are younger that they regret, such as tatoo's or piercings, they let it hold them back from going to church and learning.. Christians need to remember that they should not be judgemental of someone based on apperance alone.. thank you for listening
4/30/2008 3:46:41 PM - anonymous


What if my tattoos are christian based? If they read "Power for Christ" and " Strength in Him"?

5/2/2008 4:03:50 PM - anonymous


I myself have many tattoos, I believe the subject was covered fairly, I thank you for your comments.
5/3/2008 2:03:36 PM - anonymous


I do think that it is important to remember that it was a cultural issue... Not that we should be marking our body with signs of false idols... But that it can be a witnessing tool!!! That point was well made by someone previously. So to those Christians that will judge re-read your Bible... And to those that are not yet christians, remember that times have changed tremendously!!!
5/6/2008 1:14:34 AM - anonymous


I believe people should really evaluate the reasoning behind getting a tattoo. Our bodies doesn't belong to us, but to God. If a friend leased their beautiful home to you, would you draw on the outside of it?
5/7/2008 12:55:01 PM - anonymous


I am a Christian, born and raised, and I too have large tattoos on both arms in honor of family relatives that have passed on to be with the Lord. I agree with the author in that my tattoos may cause someone to mis-judge me and doubt the seriousness of my walk with the lord, and perhaps had I been serving the lord (in spirit and in truth) prior to my getting the tattoos, I would have not gotten them. But, I too see where people who have tattoos can use them as tools to witness to those in the world, as they may be more incline to accept us that have tattoos, rather than a "squeaky-clean looking" person, not to say anything bad about the latter. I think God overlooks a lot, and we probably should follow the example he sets before us, and simply accept one another regardless as to how we look, and just share the good news with unconditional love with out judging one another for how we may look. God Bless!
5/9/2008 2:55:22 PM - anonymous


I have been thinking about getting 1 cornthians 13:4 tattoed on my forearms.It would be reminder to me,and a wittness to others.God looks on the heart of men not on the outside.The only one we should listen to is the holy spirit,it may be a sin to some and not to others.In all things we should bring glory to him.God bless.
5/19/2008 2:53:03 PM - anonymous


A relative regales others with his belief that anyone who has tattoos is going straight to hell. He also believes that if anyone has any "holes pierced in their skin or body parts removed" they, too, are going straight to hell - this includes a hysterectomy or appendix operation, body piercings and even amputations. This used to upset his children but they are now biblically astute enough to put these scriptures into context. Thanks for your insight.

Anonymous in Texas
5/21/2008 3:40:16 PM - anonymous


Anonymous in Texas,

Whenever I hear someone say some variation on, "going straight to hell", that is a powerful warning that the person has not truly understood the meaning of grace and mercy. Isn't God alone the judge of who loves Him and is deserving of His mercy? How can any man know the heart of another man? Is it possible that we can know for certain than anyone who has a tattoo has turned their back on God? Of course not! It's ridiculous. A tattoo is just a tattoo - it's not a one way pass to damnation. My feeling is that, in general, God would prefer that we not plaster our bodies with tasteless ink (I think He might be indifferent to small, tasteful tattoos). If we choose to do so anyway, God may feel some disappointment, but He will not loves us any less, and He will not abandon us as long as we love Him. Would any human father throw his son into a fire because he got a tattoo? Never, and God is a much better father than any of us.

Anyway, that's my rant about people who go on about how God casts people into hell for insignificant sins. It's very insulting to God.

I'm glad you were able to keep your perspective about it, and I'm glad his children can see from the scriptures how loving and amazing God really is. Thanks for your comment.
5/22/2008 7:00:11 AM - arsindelve, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries


Several people have asked about faith-based tattoos. I think that one person's comment above hit the nail right on the head - listen carefully for the calling of the Holy Spirit. Personally, it's not my style to get a tattoo, even one with a Christian message. However, if someone got a Bible verse on their arm and they can tell me that, through careful prayer, they could feel the Holy Spirit leading them to it, I would not give it a second thought.

I will also concede that depending on whom you associate with, it can draw attention to the Gospel and could be a powerful witness, but again, it has to be the desire of the Holy Spirit. We should not try to guess the will of God, we should ask Him and seek it in prayer.
5/22/2008 7:06:01 AM - arsindelve, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries


This article and the comments help a lot. For a couple years, I have been contemplating getting a tattoo "James 5:16" under a cross on my shoulder. The subject came up with reference to a Christian friend of mine who is a Marine and was telling me about the historical significance behind "Don't Tread on Me." My parents flat out refused. I feel that if I do get one, they will disown me or shun me from the family. This article clarifies a lot of things for me. They are not against piercings at all, my mom has 4, I have 3 and both of my younger sisters have 3. They wouldn't give me a chance to explain the my reasoning behind me wanting the tattoos.
5/25/2008 10:34:50 PM - anonymous


remember that times have changed tremendously!!! was posted above.
Does this give us the right to just go with the flow?? To disregard what the Bible says because after all God did not know that times would change!! This makes no sense to me, just an excuse to do what "WE" feel like doing and have a reason for doing it. When God inspired the prophets to write the Bible, He knew from day one to the very end how we would live and the changes of the seasons and all. He did not say, "this is not for the people living in the 21st century" and so on. Thank you and may God give each one of you the answers to all of your questions. Have a Blessed day :.)
5/29/2008 5:22:52 PM - anonymous


God is the same now and for ever, He does not change. From age to age He is still the same. So if your battling with a question about hair, tattoo, how to dress or any other question we should remember this fact. In the bible the only clear cut exception to the rule of men growing hair was Samson other than that no man was given authorization for growing hair or having a tattoo and for women there is no exception. Some people would say they have permission from the Holy Spirit to do things but you have to remember that the Holy Spirit does not go against the bible. So if you have a feeling that God is leading you to do something that is not in the bible you should question the spirit speaking. Remeber that the devil can appear as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Be careful my brothers and sisters of the faith and God be with you on this journey
6/2/2008 2:45:27 AM - anonymous


My older brother is a christan and so is my whole family and i and. Robert has a bunch of tatoos and i told my cousin that i wanted to get two. and she gave me the worst look in the whole world and told me that i wasnt going to go to Heaven if i got a tattoo. This Article really helped me clear things and i will get my two tattoos because they are about god and how he has influenced my life in so many good ways that i can't even imagin. well thanks again for the article
6/2/2008 1:03:43 PM - anonymous


perhaps it is our motives to getting tattoos and piercings which are the most important? to honour god or to honour oursleves?
were christians instructed then in this passage not to get tattoos so they would be set apart from others for God? if so, then surely it is the content of our tattoos which does that?
6/2/2008 2:18:35 PM - anonymous


When we look at leviticus 19:28 we have to look at the whole chapter.In verse 27 it tells us not to cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.These were laws given to the jewish people.Read acts 15:19-20 concerning gentiles.We are no longer bound by law but saved by grace.Jesus said,I did not come to do away with the law but to fullfill it.So if we are wraped in christ we need not worry.God has allowed me to be a part of leading many to christ with my tattoos and all.In fact,I was able to wittness to the man who gave me my last tattoo.God cares more about the inside than the out.I do not beleive that the devil would want you to get the word of God tattooed on your body.Remeber the law is fullfilled in what christ has finished.Thank God for his Grace,none of us could live by the law.God bless all.
6/5/2008 2:54:12 PM - anonymous


Hmmm Very well placed article. I personally have 1 tatoo and have 2 more on the way. Before i got my first one ( a celtic cross on my right arm) I did an indepth study on biblical teaching. I was now however as concerned with the passage in leviticus because well I am not under the law. Paul clearly states many time we are no longer under the law so unless your Jewish and haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your saviour the old testament law has passed away and the new covenant of Jesus Christ remians. I understand thatpeople will judge you cause well think of how far off people are who don't know the peace of God :) I respect your end desions not to get tattooing . Oh and I am glad you didn't have anyone stating the ignorant opinion using 1 Corinthians talking of your body being the temple of God ( reading the entire beggining one will notice the entire passage deals with abstaining from Fornication and now defiling your body with a whore)
6/5/2008 5:21:11 PM - anonymous


My fifteen and a half year old daughter wants a Christian tattoo so that she can use it to bring attention to Christ!!! At first I said "NO!!!" Then I began to study and pray about it! My daughter is a very strong Christian that witnesses every single day at school and I believe that the Holy Spirit would convict her if this was a sin!! I also began to see the contradictions in our theology...the verse in Lev. also talks about piercings and yet woman have been getting their ears pierced for years with no one thinking anything about it!!My daughter explained that people in High school will see it and doors will be opened to questions about her LORD and SAVIOR!! She will never regret it because she will never regret her relationship with Jesus Christ!! I am truly considering it! I am a youth director and I have seen many totally sold out Christians with tattoos!!! Remember the bible also says that "Man looks at the outward appearance, but GOD looks at the heart!!!"
6/6/2008 10:23:13 PM - anonymous


Ehpisians 2:15 says, christ has done away with the law and commandments.I am not sure I would let my fifteen year old daughter get a tattoo.I personally would wait until she was eightteen.I am glade my parents did not let me do something like that at fifteen.If she truely is a servant of christ,she will obey you as a parent and wait.I pray you make the right decision.May the God of love and Grace Bless you all.
6/8/2008 6:56:39 PM - anonymous


I think this whole tattoo thing is more about obedience to God. If God wants it like that then He should have it like that. Too bad if you like it and you think tattoos is a great way of witnessing. Youre not God. Just be obedient like Abraham when he was ready to sacrifice his son. He just followed and did what God asked him of it. Instead of asking a lot of questions. Or saying why Lord and saying that he can instead raise his son to grow up and preach The Word to others. Thats one thing we sometimes as Christians bypass and its obedience. And also is it just me or am I reading that verse wrong. Cause as I recall it the verse goes like this. You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh FOR THE DEAD, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord." Lev 19:28 NKJV According to my understanding the first part before the comma is for the DEAD. Basically its saying dont cut your self for the dead. Then after the COMMA it says NOR TATOO ANY MARKS ON YOU. It does not say do not tattoo any marks on your self for the dead. Its speaking in general DO NOT tattoo your self AT ALL. Even if its witnessing or what even sounds like a great idea. Just be obedient to God and stop trying to do things the way "you" think is best.
6/13/2008 9:57:07 PM - anonymous


Does a tattoo put your salvation in jeopardy? I think not. However i see no evidence that a tattoo is being obedient to Gods will. Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I do not change. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. That might help with Leviticus 19:28. Tattoos were a pagan ritual many times with names of idols and gods on them. Ezra 10:11 we are to separate our selfs from sin. I find in my walk with the Lord that if the world is going one way and quickly as is the craze to be tattooed, by going the exact opposite way I find much more peace and connection with god then going with the flow of the world. Remember Matt 7:13 Enter by the narrow gate; wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are mamany who go in by it.
6/16/2008 12:30:04 AM - anonymous


You can look good on the outside,but inside you are full of dead mans bones.If we still lived by the old law you could not wear clothes with two kinds of cloth. I know people struggle with tattoos,unfortantly they are still bound by law.People need to not quote scripture out of context,thats what they do with lev 19:28 God bless
6/17/2008 1:03:18 PM - anonymous


There are many people who are always waiting for the next thing to react against, to feel annoyed or disturbed about-and it never takes long before they find it. Religion can open doors or close you off altogether. (Eckhart Tolle) GOD's love for us is so much deeper than any of us can imagine. The bible tries to explain it, but HIS love is so AMAZING (and I'm getting excited just thinking about it) that words cannot describe. I just cannot see HIM loving us any less about a tatoo! Yes, I have 4 tatoos that I think are beautiful. Does GOD love me any less? No! The GOD I serve is a loving and forgiving GOD and looks past those things. I did get my tatoos when I was younger, but I don't live with regrets. Life is a learning experience and I keep moving and don't look back. Nor can I worry about how someone else feels about it especially when I know only GOD's judgement counts. So if you want to be hung up about it, so be it. I'll be praying for you. "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?"
6/26/2008 9:50:18 AM - anonymous


is there any way that you can provid more bible verses that talk about tatoos?? i have one, but i got one before i knew that it said it in the bible and i dont have enough money to get it removed. so what should i do about it??
6/28/2008 5:34:52 PM - anonymous


My niece has been contemplating having a tattoo and that has sent chills down my spine. We have been brought up to honor the word of God and now because of various perceptions of what is acceptable for christians and what isn't our young people are being miss guided. The word of God NEVER changes. More now than ever we are to test every spirit to know if it is of God. If Christ was tempted by satan using scripture who are we that he will not use some profound reasoning for the acceptance of tattoos or body piercings. Brothers and Sisters be sober, be vigilant, for your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour.(1 Peter 5:8) Let us stand out from the croud. Let us stand and be counted. We have been bought with a high price so that we can be "Christ like". Before we do anything let us ask ourselves: WHAT WOULD CHRIST HAVE DONE? WHAT PRINCIPLES OR GUIDELINES HAS HE LEFT FOR US IN HIS WORD? Remember we are fearfully and wonderfully made!
.......Have a blessed day.
7/4/2008 9:52:57 AM - anonymous


The key idea to remember is that all scripture should be taken in context. We often quote a verse alone to make a point or offer an encouragement.
The verses regarding long and short hair were about looking like a man or a woman. A woman is not to present herself as a man, and a man not as a woman.
My understanding of the verse about tattoos is about not following pagan rituals in honoring the dead/idols. The piercings were about rituals too.
Unless our point is to honor somebody other than our Lord Jesus Christ, where is the harm? Every person is going to have a different story about why they choose to get their ears pierced or a tattoo, the fact of the matter is we all agree to disagree when somebody says they've prayed about it and come up with a different answer than I/you did when we prayed about it. It is ultimately a personal decision one must live with... regrets or no.
7/10/2008 12:11:10 AM - anonymous


I haven't decided what I believe about this particular subject yet, but I am in the process of looking into Truth for myself on the topic. I believe that the religious people of this world will always judge others until Jesus comes back....... whether it's for a tattoo or something else. God looks at our heart and our motives. He wants to keep our hearts and motives pure. It's all about the heart.
7/12/2008 10:49:31 AM - anonymous


Wow, after reading all of the comments, i'm more confused than before... I'm a cross country and track runner and I was contemplating getting eagle wings tatooed on the outside of my ankles(for the verse we shall rise on wings as eagles, we will run and not grow weary, walk and not faint). I have pierced my ear, but i don't know about the tattoo. I agree with God's word never changes, but what about all the other laws that we no longer abide by? 1 Cor. 10:23-24 Paul says "Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything is constructive. No body should seek his own good, but the good of others(this is not the one talking about sexual immorality). I think the person should really pray and ask God what would be best for them. As for me, I want to be in the very center of God's will for my life, and I only want what God wants for me...I do know that God is using my running to prepare me for my ministry. I would like to honor him with the eagle wings, but is that out of my own selfish desires or for His glory alone? Everyone should spend time asking God what He wants for them...and I don't believe any of that mess that you will be going straight to hell for a tattoo or a piercing. God is a forgiving God, and through Jesus, we are enabled to spend eternity with God, no matter what we have done in our past, as long as we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior and we are living for him.

Run2Win 1 Cor. 9:24
7/24/2008 4:53:37 PM - anonymous


For me I believe that conviction by the Holy Spirit is personal. Life is a growing process. We are all like children we have to grow and learn for ourselves. There are growth stages in our lives. Of course God speaks to us and all of us one time or another go the other way, but that doesn't mean He loves us any less. The bible says "we ALL fall short to the glory of God". Does it say that he will not love us. Of course not. He says for us to keep our eyes on the prize. People are always making things complicated. WE are to love one another. Instead of showing in words, let's show in action. Many look at the wrongs of others, so they will not have to look at themselves. Every one has a cross to bear, let us carry our crosses and allow the Holy Spirit to deal with us, in Jesus Christ. Remember there's POWER in the blood. Be blessed and enjoy life the right way. God speaks to those who want to listen. It's a personal relationship we are to seek.
7/25/2008 1:39:51 PM - anonymous


Before we become Christians we live in the world as pagans and do what ever is popular. Tattoos are permanent and very costly to remove.When we grow in our new found faith in Christ we want to let people know how much we love Him. Therefore we are limited by these markings. I know of one person who is sold out to Jesus but has a tatoo of satan on his chest. It is hard for him because it reminds him of his ugly past.When he goes out to talk to people about Jesus he has to hide his tattoo.But God is good because He does not see this person as ugly,but a child of His and a new person.
7/26/2008 11:44:53 AM - anonymous


Appearance and attraction is important... so is cleanliness. I agree that my body is the God's temple and like someone said above... You do not paint permanent paint outside of someone's beautiful home the let you live in. I believe it is very important and probably the most important thing in our Lives to remember is to keep God first. Seek first the Kingdom of God and the Holy Spirit will lead you and guide you to do God's will in your life. I have to get up each morning and say "Good Morning to my God and meditate, pray and read with Him before I speak to anyone else or do anything else". This keeps more focused in my walk with Christ than anything.

I do not believe Christ condemns those who did this before they knew or were saved but I do believe that once you KNOW... and are SAVED... You have to put off the OLD MAN .. and Put on the NEW MAN... It may not happen all at once for everyone to do this... It has not with me... But I am learning that the closer I draw to Him... the closer He draws to me. The more I seek Him for all I do ....the more I do things right... The more I do things right... the better I feel about myself... PEACE. It is not between all of us and each other. It is between each one of us individually with God. No one can walk your walk with Christ and change your heart and mind to love HIM and to know HIM but YOU!

God bless you all with your walk with Christ tatoos, piercings and all and may the Holy Spirit guide your hearts and minds to KNOW how GOD feels about this and not how you yourselves feel... and you base your decision on living your life on the Holy Spirit leading you and guiding you in each and every decision you make in and with God's will for your life.
8/1/2008 8:17:24 AM - anonymous


i am seroiusly confused because i want to get a temporary tattoo that would last a week or maybe a month but as the bible says do not tattoo yourselves this could include real or fake which really confuses me. a tattoo is a tattoo it doesnt matter real or fake and some people say we dont follow the old testament anymore and this brings my confusion even futher.
8/3/2008 2:17:23 PM - anonymous


Scripture is Scripture and a commandment is a commandment. You are most likely feeling this way because the Holy Spirit is dealing with you not to do this. Above all else, please obey His Spirit. He is only looking out for you.

Messiah said that if you love Him, obey His commandments. He is the Creator of this world, therefore, He is also the giver of the commandments to Moses upon Mt. Sinai. So, when Messiah said, if you love Me, keep My commandments, He was speaking of all of them, not just the ones we want to keep.

8/11/2008 6:46:29 PM -