It is becoming more and more common to see tattoos and body piercings today, ranging from the mild (a small tattoo on the wrist, or diamond stud in a nostril) to the maximum (no square inch of flesh left uncovered, and enough metal to set off detectors at the next county's airport). Faced with abuses of the body like the latter, some have remarked to the offender, "you know you are going to Hell because of that, right?"--noting the scripture, "You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD" (Lev 19:28).
Before making such statements, and recognizing that this is the only passage in scripture that mentions tattoos, we need to consider the context of our proof-text. First, the context deals with various ways in which nations around them practiced magic, idolatry, or observed superstitions; this command would have been with reference to these practices--and so would very likely have nothing to do with most tattoos in our society.
Furthermore, it was given to the children of Israel under the Mosaic covenant--in fact, just a few verses after a command dealing with guilt offerings (sacrifices). Now, unless we are willing to start offering sacrifices ourselves, we ought not to use this verse as a command that condemns tattoos today.
Interestingly, we do see the practice of "body piercing" under the old covenant: if a servant was to be released, but would have preferred to remain in the household of his master, he would be physically marked to show it: "...you shall take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also you shall do likewise to your maidservant" (Deut 15:17). In fact, God used the custom of the day to indicate how He had favored Jerusalem: "I also put a ring in your nostril, earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head" (Ezek 16:12). Nose-rings and earrings were apparently not uncommon, at the time.
However, before we all run out and get a tattoo, or pierce some portion of our anatomy, lets consider some other passages. How should we adorn ourselves?
Speaking specifically to wives, but in this instance applicable to all: "Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God" (1 Pet 3:3,4). Peter is not saying that it is wrong to wear jewelry; but he is pointing out that it is far more important to beautify the inside than the outside. Far too often, we spend a great deal of time working on the wrong features: the face rather than the heart. We spend more time trying to develop bigger biceps than the spiritual muscle that will see us through the tough times as christians.
God, through Paul this time, also said, "Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness" (1 Tim 2:9,10). Our lives should be decorated with the true beauty of faith in action: good works.
Dealing again with tattoos and piercings, (and aside from questions like: "do I want this on my body at age 75"--skin elasticity changes, and Bertha may no longer be my "girl") we need to honestly consider our motives: Am I doing this to draw attention to myself? Is it to be a part of the "in" crowd? Just to be different? To rebel against authority (parents, etc...)? All of these would be indicative of improper motivation.
Will it be in (or drawing attention to) an immodest location? If so, chances are good that we should re-examine our motives! There is such a thing as the "attire of a harlot"--one who has adorned herself in such a way as to lure a man to sin (Prov 7:10); and that can be done without actually ever physically touching: Jesus said, "...everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Mt 5:28).
While the scriptures do not necessarily condemn getting a tattoo or having our body pierced, we need to seriously consider why we would do it. You see, God has claim on every part of us--both inside, and out; and we should use what he has given us to bring Him glory. "For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Cor 6:20).
Really, there is a beauty that only God can give, and that is the one we really need; we can find it in Psalm 149:4--"For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation" (NKJV). Here, the psalmist spoke of physical salvation, but the christian is made lovely with salvation from sin--what could be more beautiful?
