by Tattoos have been a method of expression for a long time. They are popular in many cultures, where some tattooed their bodies to show respect for their heritage. But what does the Bible say about tattoos in Revelations? Is it something that the Christian church approves of? Let’s find out!
There are many mentions of tattoos in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. Many find this section of the Bible the most symbolic since it includes powerful messages and vivid imagery. Body markings are only some of the symbols that make this book stand out.
God communicates with believers through messages in Revelations. He emphasizes the importance of the religion’s values and how easily people dishonor them. But does the church forbid tattoos, or is it a matter of personal preference?
What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos in Revelations?
It is believed that John The Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation. He allegedly included complex passages that can be interpreted in various ways. This book is called The Apocalypse Book because it includes visions of the ending world.
John also included messages of hope to warn believers of an incoming apocalypse, highlighting the importance of faith and prayers. In addition to mentioning angels, he also wrote some words about how people wear markings on their bodies.
It’s not easy to determine what does the Bible say about tattoos in Revelations since it can have multiple meanings. Tattoos can show devotion to one’s faith. On the other hand, body markings can be seen as a sign of rebellion against God and the church’s teachings.
Wrong worship
One interpretation of tattoos in Revelations is worshipping the wrong God. Many believers think that those who choose to get tattooed worship the beast and are antichrists. They go against everything God tries to teach them and what he sacrificed himself on the cross for.
Warning
Some people consider the mentions of tattoos in the Book of Revelation as a warning sign. The tattoo passages in this book can be seen as a reminder of the consequences that follow after disobeying God’s will and religious rules.
Evil desires
Most commonly, followers of the Christian religion interpret tattoos in Revelations as embodying evil desires. Some see people with tattoos as Satan’s followers. The beast may coach the antichrists to act on their evil desires without regret or fear of God’s punishment.
Bible Verses Referencing Tattoos in Revelations
As mentioned above, several biblical verses include the symbolism of body inking. To determine what does the Bible say about tattoos in Revelations, take a look at the following passages extracted from the most mysterious biblical section.
Revelation 7:3-4
Honoring the devil is one reason why some people choose to get tattoos. This verse is a warning for all children of Christ to avoid falling into temptations easily. The beast can trick people into thinking that his beliefs are more valuable than those of the Christian church.
Revelation 13:16-17
This verse compares tattoos to Satan’s brandings. Here, God teaches his people of the beast’s practice to brand his followers on their bodies so they are marked for life. He also says this tattoo-like mark is put on visible places like the forehead and hands.
It’s believed that people of various social statuses have Satan’s mark to show their loyalty and devotion to him and his beliefs. This way, they show respect and willingness to follow the beast’s commands.
Revelation 14:9-11
In this passage, God rejects every marking put on people’s bodies that symbolizes the beast’s name or number. He deems tattoos as unacceptable, and those who get them have given up on faith and their belief in God’s power.
Revelation 19:2-3
This verse includes a personal message from God. He directly addresses people with tattoos, saying that repentance is their only salvation. Additionally, he says they shouldn’t get more tattoos because this practice goes against everything he preached for.
Revelation 21:4-5
God forgives his people but also makes judgments to teach them a lesson. In this passage from the Book of Revelation, he regards tattoos as offensive and rebellious against him. Tattoos will only remain as painful images of the sins committed after God delivers his punishment.
Revelation 21:8
This verse speaks about irrational decisions people make and how easily they fall back into bad habits. God warns believers that getting tattoos is one way of disobeying him and that they might regret that decision for the rest of their lives.
Revelation 22:11
As a last message from God in Revelations, he says that people shouldn’t rely on other gods. They shouldn’t show respect for them by getting tattoos. They can only restore their Christian faith and devote entirely to the church through prayers.
Additional Bible verses referencing tattoos
Biblical passages about tattoos can also be found in other sections of the Bible. They are included here to give you an even clearer image of tattoos’ representation and regard by Christians and the church.
Genesis 4:15
Cain murdered his brother Abel and asked God for forgiveness. He was very remorseful, so God decided to consider his honest repentance and protect him from evil people. Therefore, the Holy Spirit put a mark on Cain as a sign that if anyone tried to kill him, they would be punished by God.
Ezekiel 46:9
This verse reminds people to come to God seeking help and repentance. Once they know their sins, they can’t return to their bad habits. Similarly, if people with tattoos regret their actions, they shouldn’t get another tattoo in the future.
Isaiah 11:5
Unlike other verses rejecting tattoos in the Bible, this passage supports them only under one condition. If believers want to get tattoos on their bodies, they should represent the Lord and his divine glory.
Leviticus 19:28
In ancient times, markings were put on enslaved people. Some people even got them as a remembrance of a deceased loved one. Therefore, this verse says that people shouldn’t have any markings on their skin because it symbolizes the time of slavery and suffering.
Proverbs 16:2
Some might believe in their righteousness due to keeping God in their prayers and attending church. This verse says that God notices every act of disobedience against religion, like getting a tattoo.
Tattoos in Revelations Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
Whether people do it for fashion style purposes or to convey a particular meaning, getting tattoos also have significant symbolism in spirituality. Some people get them to express their spiritual beliefs, and they prefer to wear them on their skin.
But is this practice considered largely symbolic since everyone does it? Or is it just a way for people to express themselves creatively? Anyone can make their conclusions. To help you with that, here’s a few propositions.
What is the spiritual meaning of tattoos in Revelations?
Tattoos mentioned in Revelations can be connected to various meanings. The most commonly believed one is visual manifestation. Many believe that getting a tattoo is an everlasting reminder of the importance of their devotion to Christ, manifesting health, happiness, and priorities in life.
The symbolism of tattoos in Revelations
The book of Revelation presents certain symbolisms in the Bible. They can also be interpreted spiritually to represent meanings relatable to one’s life. Let’s look at some of the most famous ones.
Self-expression
Some people get tattoos to express their beliefs. Tattoos silently communicate one’s spiritual values to others. When done consciously, they can be seen as a symbol of protection in many cultures.
Rebellion
In contrast to symbolic tattooing, antichrist individuals get them to show rebellion against God and the church’s teachings. This practice is deemed unintentional in the spiritual world since it doesn’t convey a particular meaning. It only represents a rebellious message.
Loyalty
Many people consider tattoos as symbols of loyalty to one’s religion or culture. Some get tattoos to show commitment to their tradition and embody patriotism. Others get a biblical verse or a religious symbol marked on their bodies as a sign of loyalty to their faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tattoos considered a sin in the Bible?
Many religions, including Christianity, have regarded the practice of getting tattoos as immoral. However, the Bible says you sin if you do something with malice and intend to hurt someone. Therefore, tattoos are not always seen as sinful.
Did Jesus Christ have a tattoo on his thigh?
Over the years, many have misinterpreted Revelation 19:16 as Jesus having a tattoo on his thigh. But the phrase “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” is not clearly described as being marked on his body. Instead, the passage can be interpreted as Jesus wearing a robe with this saying.
What is the mark of the beast?
The Bible’s symbolic description of the beast includes horns and evil eyes. But his mark or branding is given more significant symbolism by biblical scholars. The number 666 is mentioned in the Book of Revelation as the beast’s mark.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article helped you learn what does the Bible say about tattoos in Revelations and how you can interpret their meaning. There are biblical explanations for almost anything you can think of, which is why many rely on the verses’ symbolism.
Getting tattoos is not always seen as a way of disobeying God and the values you believe in. Although the Bible doesn’t favor body markings, it also doesn’t completely forbid them.
