Topical Bible: Marking Your Body

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The topic of marking one's body, particularly through tattoos or other forms of body modification, is addressed in the Bible with specific references and broader principles that guide Christian thought and practice. The primary scriptural reference concerning body markings is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus.

Leviticus 19:28 : "You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD."

This verse is part of the Holiness Code given to the Israelites, which includes various laws intended to set them apart from the surrounding nations. The prohibition against making cuts or tattoo marks is often understood as a directive to avoid pagan practices associated with mourning rituals or idolatry. The context suggests that such markings were linked to religious or superstitious customs that were contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

In the New Testament, while there is no direct mention of tattoos, the principles of honoring God with one's body are emphasized. The Apostle Paul writes about the body being a temple of the Holy Spirit, which has implications for how believers should treat their bodies.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 : "Do you not know that your body is a temple 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 glorify God with your body."

This passage underscores the importance of viewing the body as sacred and belonging to God. The call to glorify God with one's body can be interpreted as a directive to consider carefully any actions that alter or mark the body, ensuring they align with a life dedicated to holiness and reverence for God.

Additionally, the principle of modesty and avoiding conformity to worldly patterns is highlighted in the New Testament. Believers are encouraged to live in a way that reflects their distinct identity in Christ.

Romans 12:1-2 : "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

This exhortation calls Christians to a lifestyle that is countercultural, focusing on spiritual transformation rather than outward conformity. The decision to mark one's body should be weighed against the call to live as a living sacrifice, dedicated to God's service.

In summary, while the Bible does not provide an exhaustive list of rules regarding body markings, the principles of holiness, reverence for God, and non-conformity to pagan or worldly practices provide a framework for considering such actions. The emphasis is on honoring God with one's body and ensuring that any decision aligns with a life of worship and dedication to Him.

Topical Bible Verses

Leviticus 19:28
You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks on you: I am the LORD.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
Topicalbible.org

Library

The Letter and the Spirit
... he sits judging each man by the letter of the law; watching and marking down every ...
But as your body cannot live unless it be healthy, so your soul cannot live ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xiii the letter and.htm

Washed to Greater Foulness
... How many are being deceived by this want of marking a difference where a vital ... put
the truth before you as plainly as I can by speaking of your body in order ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/washed to greater foulness.htm

Faustus Seeks to Bring into Ridicule the Orthodox Claim to Believe ...
... In thus marking God by calling Him the God of Abraham and Isaac and ... This your heresy
prevents you from doing, for it invariably represents the body and the ...
/.../faustus seeks to bring into.htm

Epistle Lxxx. Cyprian to Sergius, Rogatianus, and the Other ...
... who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell ... faith, and meditating day and night,
with your whole heart ... you a dwelling in the prison, and, marking out the ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxxx cyprian to sergius.htm

Of Saint Francis
... and work out a fit repentance for your sins; and ... and with gentle movements of his
body, tail, and ... whereat the townsfolk sorely grieved, sith marking him pass ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/of saint francis.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by Paul.
... at which the ship is sailing, and thus by marking out his ... of peace sanctify you wholly:
and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter vii entire sanctification as.htm

Letter Xlviii. To Pammachius.
... of my work, have I not, after marking out the ... or twice married, to aid my efforts
with your prayers." Jovinian ... The wife hath not power of her own body, but the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlviii to pammachius.htm

Lights and Shadows.
... His body was to be transfixed to a malefactor's cross ... the Saviour's explanation,
"It is for your sake!" He ... been scanning that sick-chamber"marking every throb ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/vii lights and shadows.htm

The Gospel Refuge.
... Covering his head and body, he darted out, following ... heal your wounds," and drive
your tears and ... Refuge-Cities, "telling all the towers, marking the bulwarks ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/iii the gospel refuge.htm

Letter cvii. To Laeta.
... he had been made like the beasts in body and in ... bereaved both of your husband and
of your children.' All ... pass in due time, a speedy death marking the penitence ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cvii to laeta.htm