Let me clearly state that this is NOT an indictment of people who have tattoos. Many of my family members and friends have tattoos. Most people who have tattoos have simply followed the current culture of tattooing. But then there are those sincere Christians who erroneously justify tattooing with the following two scriptures:
“…and He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16 NKJV).
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands…” (Isaiah 49:16 NIV).
Listed below are seven facts that reveal the importance of knowing biblical Jewish history which explains these two scriptures.
1. Scripture states actual facts and also uses symbolism. However, many people interpret all Scripture literally, according to modern day behaviors, practices, and the world’s system. For that reason, underlining historical meanings and interpretations found in the Old Testament that relate to the New Testament are missed. Therefore, some falsely rationalize that the meanings of the words, written and engraved, indicate tattoos. However, the Book of Leviticus discredits those suppositions.
2. Regarding—engraved you on palm of My hand—the word “engraved” in Hebrew is Chaqaq, which means to cut out; in English, it means to be cut or carved, permanently fixed in the memory, or a record. The nails driven into Jesus’ hands carved out His flesh and bone. Those scars are a constant reminder and an eternal and fixed record of every person for whom He died. We know this, because He said, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you [by My shed blood]; I have called you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1 ESV). He knows your name, and He is not “man” who forgets.
3. In exploring these scriptures, we discover that in ancient biblical times, a king would be covered with a robe that had his title woven or embroidered into the garment (Psalm 93:1; 2 Chronicles 18:9; Revelation 19:16). And his title was also engraved upon his blade, its hilt, or scabbard, which hung from a band at the waist to thigh level. A sword placed over the thigh symbolized strength and power (Exodus 32:27; Judges 3:16, 21; Psalms 45:3). So, the king’s sword and robe that draped over his thigh displayed not only his strength and power, but it spoke of his sovereignty over his kingdom. When Jesus returns as THE SOVEREIGN KING, all mankind will see His robe draped over His thigh that will read: KING OF KINDS AND LORD OF LORDS.
4. Jesus honored the Mosaic Law which forbid tattooing. “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28). The early Israelites were surrounded by the pagan Canaanite culture that tattooed themselves to appease their gods and show their commitment to those deities. Tattoos were considered pagan, idol worship, and a desecration of the human body that God created in His image. Even today, many cultures embrace tattooing as a form of demon worship. And many see a tattoo as a visual expression of their beliefs, personality, and even in memoriam.
5. Jesus, a Jew, carefully followed the Mosaic Law, which was given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. This law had several prohibitions, one being the cutting or marking the body. Secondly, for thousands of years and even today, Jews follow tzniut (too-ute) which is modesty in dress. For Jesus to expose His bare thigh, sporting a tattoo, would be a sin against the Mosaic Law and tzniut. And Scripture repeatedly affirms that Jesus never broke any Old or New Testaments laws. So, we can be assured that Jesus would never violate His own Mosaic Law.
6. Many argue that the Mosaic Law can be ignored because it is Old Testament. However, Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets, [written in the Old Testament]. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot (what is written down) or one tittle (smallest word) will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever, therefore, breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-19 NKJV).
7. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” Then Paul further urges that “…in view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2). And it is in reading the life-changing truth of God’s Word, that the mind is renewed to a place of desiring God’s will.
The question remains: Does God approve or disapprove of tattooing? It depends on the intention of the heart. “For the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Therefore, Christians must ask if their tattoos are drawing people to Christ or to themselves. Although God would have us not deface our bodies because we are made in His image, He graciously gives us all freedom to choose.
PRAYER: FATHER, I thank you for the amazing freedom that You give me to choose. I pray that You will place within my heart the desire to follow You, Your will, and Your purposes in all my choices and decisions. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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