“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.”
This verse is found in the Book of Leviticus, which is a part of the Old Testament and contains a collection of laws and regulations given to the Israelites by God through Moses. Leviticus 19: specifically focuses on various instructions related to holiness, ethical conduct, and social relationships.
Leviticus 19:28: addresses two specific practices: making cuttings in the flesh for the dead and printing marks upon oneself. Let’s examine each of them individually:
- “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead”: This prohibition refers to a pagan practice where people would cut themselves as an act of mourning or as a way to show devotion to the deceased. The Israelites were instructed not to engage in such practices because they were associated with pagan rituals and idolatry. God wanted His people to distinguish themselves from the surrounding nations and follow His commandments instead.
- “Nor print any marks upon you”: This phrase is often interpreted as a prohibition against tattooing or permanently marking one’s body. Again, the context here is likely related to pagan practices and cultural customs that involved marking the body for religious or superstitious reasons. The Israelites were to avoid such practices and maintain their distinctiveness as a holy people set apart by God.
It is important to note that these instructions were given to the ancient Israelites as part of the Mosaic Law, which served as a covenant between God and His chosen people at that time. As Christians, our relationship with God is primarily based on the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. The teachings of the New Testament provide guidance for believers today.
While Leviticus 19:28: remains a part of the biblical text and is relevant for understanding the historical context and God’s instructions to the Israelites, Christians interpret and apply the teachings of the Old Testament in light of the New Testament. In the New Testament, we find principles that emphasize love, grace, and the freedom found in Christ.
Ultimately, Christians have diverse views on whether the prohibition against tattoos in Leviticus 19:28: is applicable to believers today. Some interpret it as a cultural and ceremonial law specific to the Israelites, while others view it as a principle that encourages modesty, reverence, or the avoidance of practices associated with idolatry. As with any biblical interpretation, it is essential to prayerfully seek guidance and wisdom from the Holy Spirit and to study the Scriptures in context.
