Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Get Tattoos?

Have you ever stopped to think about how we show the world the amazing person God made us to be? Sometimes it shines through our smile, the kind things we do, or even the art we choose to put out there. Our bodies are incredible gifts from God, aren’t they? And how we take care of them and present them often says a lot about what’s truly in our hearts. But what happens when our desire to express ourselves bumps up against our deeply held faith? How do we walk that path with wisdom and grace? Today, let’s explore a question that many sincere Christians ponder, especially when trying to understand all the wonderful variety in God’s family of faith: Can someone who follows the path of a Jehovah’s Witness choose to get a tattoo?

This question touches on personal choices, what the community thinks, and how we understand God’s precious Word. The answer isn’t always a simple yes or no. It means we need to look closely at certain scriptures, understand the guiding principles Jehovah’s Witnesses live by, and think about the real-life situations within their faith community. Come along with us as we explore this topic with an open heart, wanting to understand the perspective of Jehovah’s Witnesses on tattoos in a way that’s easy to grasp.

When we look at the official view of Jehovah’s Witnesses on tattoos, it’s good to know there isn’t a direct rule written down saying Christians absolutely cannot get them today. But, the practice is strongly discouraged. Why? Because of how they understand certain Bible principles and practical things mentioned in their writings.¹

The main scripture people talk about is Leviticus 19:28. In the New World Translation, which Jehovah’s Witnesses often use, it says: “You must not make cuts in your flesh for a dead person, and you must not make tattoo markings on yourselves. I am Jehovah”.³ their official writings explain that this command was part of a special Law God gave just to the people of Israel way back then.³ The whole point was to help the Israelites be different from the other nations around them, who often marked their skin with names or symbols of their gods, or did it when they were mourning someone who died.³

Here’s the key part: Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Christians today are not under that same set of rules, the Mosaic Law, that was given to Israel.³ So, that rule in Leviticus 19:28 isn’t seen as a direct command for Christians now. Because of this, their writings often say the decision is a “conscience matter”.¹

But we need to understand this carefully. Even though they say the Old Testament law isn’t binding, they still bring up Leviticus 19:28 a lot when talking about why tattoos aren’t encouraged.³ It seems like the verse isn’t used as a strict “don’t do it” rule more like a starting point to talk about bigger ideas they believe in, like respecting our bodies and staying separate from worldly ways. This approach – where something isn’t forbidden by law but is strongly advised against based on principles drawn from that law – can sometimes feel a bit unclear. Also, calling it a “conscience matter” might sound like there’s a lot of personal freedom sometimes the reality reported within the community is different, with real social pressure and possible downsides if someone does get a tattoo.¹

According to what Jehovah’s Witnesses teach, the answer is straightforward: No, that specific command in Leviticus 19:28 is not seen as directly binding on Christians living today.³ Their publications consistently explain that this rule was part of the big set of laws, the Mosaic Law, given only to the ancient nation of Israel.³

The background they give for this law is really important to how they see it. It was meant to make the Israelites stand out from the pagan cultures nearby who did ritual body marking, often tied to worshiping idols or mourning practices for the dead.³ Jehovah’s Witnesses point out that the reasons people get tattoos today and the culture around it are often very different from those ancient religious practices.³

Plus, they teach that Christians follow the “law of the Christ,” not the Law of Moses. They might use scriptures like Ephesians 2:15 and Colossians 2:14-15 to show that the Mosaic Law agreement ended when Christ made his sacrifice.⁶ Just like Christians don’t follow other specific rules from the Levitical code—like rules about food or not wearing clothes made of two different fabrics (Leviticus 19:19)—they also aren’t bound by the exact command against tattoo markings.¹⁵

But even though they clearly say the law itself isn’t binding, the principle they believe is behind the command is still very important to them. They shift the focus from the exact words of the law to what they see as its spirit: the importance of staying separate from worldly or pagan ways and showing respect for the human body as something God created.³ This way of looking at it lets the organization keep discouraging tattoos. They take the basic idea from the Old Testament law and use it as a guiding principle for Christians, even though the specific command is considered outdated.

Some people, including former members, have noticed this strong focus on Leviticus 19:28, especially when compared to the verse right before it, Leviticus 19:27, which talks about not cutting the hair on the sides of the head or trimming the edges of the beard.² Since the organization recently changed its view and now allows Jehovah’s Witness men to have beards, the continued strong emphasis on the tattoo rule in the very next verse makes some wonder about how consistently they apply principles from the Mosaic Law. It suggests that maybe the way things are interpreted and applied can sometimes be influenced by the group’s culture or what the leaders prefer, perhaps wanting to keep a certain look or standard for the group 1, rather than just based on how important the verse itself is compared to what’s around it.

When a Jehovah’s Witness thinks about getting a tattoo, they’re encouraged to go deeper than just asking if there’s a rule against it. They’re encouraged to use their “power of reason” (like it says in Romans 12:1), guided by several important Bible principles.³ These principles together shape how they see things and strongly nudge them away from the practice. Here are some key ones:

• Honoring God with Your Body: A central thought comes from Romans 12:1, which encourages believers to “present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God”.³ They see the body as a precious gift, wonderfully made by Jehovah.⁵ So, the question becomes: Does permanently changing your skin with ink really line up with treating your body with the respect God’s creation deserves?.³
• Modesty and Soundness of Mind: Based on 1 Timothy 2:9, which advises dressing with “modesty and soundness of mind,” this principle applies to everyone, men and women.³ Jehovah’s Witnesses are encouraged to look respectable, not drawing too much attention or just following worldly fads.⁹ Tattoos, especially big ones that stand out, might seem to clash with this idea.³
• Avoiding Stumbling Others: This is a big one! They think hard about how their choices affect fellow believers and the people they meet, especially when sharing their faith. Principles from Philippians 2:4 (looking out for others’ interests) and 1 Corinthians 10:32 (not causing others to stumble) are important here.³ A Witness is urged to ask: Could a tattoo make someone view me or the message I share negatively? Could it hold someone back spiritually or cause problems in the congregation?.⁴ The advice in 2 Corinthians 6:3-4, about not giving any reason for stumbling so the ministry isn’t criticized, is also considered.⁹
• Using Reason and Thinking Ahead: Proverbs 4:7 tells us to get wisdom, and Proverbs 21:5 warns that rushing into things leads to trouble, while careful planning brings success.³ Witnesses are advised to think about the long run – tattoos are permanent! They consider if they might regret it later as tastes or situations change, and how it might affect jobs or relationships. It’s about not making quick decisions based on trends.³
• Separation from the World: Drawing on ideas like those in 2 Corinthians 6:15-18, Jehovah’s Witnesses try to stay distinct from practices and attitudes they see as part of a world separated from God.⁶ Since tattoos have historical ties to paganism and are popular in secular culture, getting one might seem like blurring that line of separation.⁵
• Focusing on Inner Beauty: 1 Peter 3:3-4 encourages focusing on “the secret person of the heart” and the “quiet and mild spirit,” rather than just how we look on the outside.¹⁸ This principle suggests that true beauty and worth come from inner qualities, not outward things like tattoos.

While you could interpret any one principle in different ways (like what “modesty” means can change with culture), when you put all these principles together, they build a strong case against getting tattoos within the Jehovah’s Witness way of thinking.³ That principle about “avoiding stumbling others” can be especially powerful in real life. Because the community really values unity and making sure their public ministry is effective 7, worrying about how others might react becomes a strong reason not to get a tattoo. Someone might personally feel a tattoo doesn’t conflict with their faith knowing others might judge them or see it negatively can lead them to decide against it, just to keep peace and maintain their good standing in the group.¹¹ This shows how group expectations and caring about how the group is seen can really shape personal choices, even ones officially called matters of conscience.

You know, the reason tattoos are generally discouraged, even though there isn’t a strict Bible rule forbidding them for Christians, comes down to a mix of things. Mostly, it’s the combined impact of all those Bible principles we just talked about—honoring God’s creation, being modest, not causing others to stumble, thinking ahead, staying separate from worldly trends, and valuing inner beauty—that strongly guides Witnesses away from getting tattoos.³ And that historical connection to pagan worship adds a serious note of caution from a spiritual standpoint.³

But beyond these principle-based reasons, there’s a real cultural feeling within the Jehovah’s Witness community that looks down on tattoos. Many current and former members share that tattoos are often linked with being “worldly,” rebellious, or not spiritually mature, no matter what the official “conscience matter” label says.¹ Wanting to keep a respectable appearance and reputation, both inside the congregation and to the outside world when they’re sharing their faith, also plays a part.³ Some observers think this discouragement might also come from a desire to keep a specific “clean-cut” and conservative image for the group, maybe reflecting values from the mid-1900s in America when many of today’s organizational ways were taking shape.¹

Let’s look at the difference between the official teaching and what people often experience:

Aspect	Official Teaching (JW.org/Watchtower)	Practical Reality/Reported Experiences (Community Culture)
Binding Rule?	No specific rule says Christians can’t get tattoos (Lev 19:28 isn’t binding) 3	Often feels like an unspoken rule; strong cultural discouragement 1
Decision Basis	Your own conscience, guided by Bible Principles (like Rom 12:1, 1 Tim 2:9, Phil 2:4, Prov 21:5 etc.) 3	Strongly influenced by what the community thinks, fear of being judged, and wanting to be seen as “spiritual” or a good example 1
Consequences	No official punishment mentioned if the tattoo is modest, not pagan, and doesn’t cause stumbling (based on principles)	Getting talked to by elders, losing “privileges” (like praying publicly, giving talks, handling mics), facing disapproval, being seen as “rebellious” or “worldly” 1
Disfellowshipping?	Usually No, unless the tattoo has pagan/occult symbols or is part of ongoing “brazen conduct” 1	Very unlikely just for the tattoo, but could add to a negative view that might matter in other discipline situations 1

This discouragement helps keep the group distinct. By advising against something that’s becoming more common in the world 6, the organization reinforces its members’ feeling of being separate and having a unique identity.³ Following this unwritten rule about appearance helps the group stick together and present a united front.

Also, the difference between calling it a “conscience matter” and strongly discouraging it in practice gives the organization some flexibility. It avoids setting a strict rule that might not have direct New Testament support or be hard to enforce everywhere.¹ Yet, by consistently publishing articles that highlight the downsides 3, and giving local elders the power to counsel members based on broad principles 1, the organization effectively guides most members away from tattoos. This keeps control over the group’s image and behavior standards while allowing the leadership to say, truthfully on a technical level, that there’s no absolute ban.

Yes, Jehovah’s Witness publications, especially things written for younger folks like the “Young People Ask…” articles in Awake! magazine, give several practical warnings about the potential downsides of getting tattoos.⁶ These warnings focus on real-world consequences beyond just the spiritual side:

• Health Risks: They often talk about the physical dangers. Publications mention the risk of skin infections because tattooing breaks the skin’s natural barrier. They also warn that bumps called granulomas might form around the ink, or you could get raised scars called keloids.⁴ A big concern they raise is the risk of getting serious diseases spread through blood, like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV, if the tattoo equipment isn’t clean.⁴ They sometimes mention the Mayo Clinic as a source for this health info.¹⁸
• Permanence and Potential Regret: They really stress that tattoos are permanent. Witnesses are reminded that while a tattoo lasts forever, feelings, tastes, relationships, and even beliefs can change a lot over time.³ What seems cool or meaningful now might become embarrassing or something you regret later on. Plus, things like gaining weight or just getting older can stretch and change how a tattoo looks, maybe making it unattractive.¹⁸ They also point out how difficult, expensive, and painful tattoo removal can be—and it might not even work completely—as another reason to be careful.³ The fact that there’s a big tattoo removal business out there is seen as proof that many people do end up regretting their tattoos.³
• Reputation and How Others See You: Witnesses are warned that tattoos can affect how other people see them. This could impact friendships and, importantly for them, job opportunities.³ Publications suggest some people automatically link tattoos with negative things, like being rebellious, irresponsible, or living a party lifestyle.⁶ There’s also the idea that tattoos might take away from a person’s natural look or even make it seem like they’re trying to hide who they really are.¹⁸
• Making Hasty Decisions: Tied to the permanence issue is the warning against making quick, impulsive choices. Young people especially are cautioned not to get tattoos just to fit in, express temporary romantic feelings (like getting a partner’s name), show independence, or give in to peer pressure.³ They apply the wisdom of Proverbs 21:5 (“The plans of the diligent one surely make for advantage everyone that is hasty surely heads for want”) to encourage thinking things through before making such a lasting decision.³

Although these practical warnings are generally good advice for anyone thinking about a tattoo, in the Jehovah’s Witness context, they help reinforce the religiously based discouragement. The health risks connect to the principle of respecting the body God gave us.¹⁸ The warnings about regret and permanence highlight the importance of wisdom and thinking ahead.³ Concerns about reputation tie directly into the principles of being modest and not causing others to stumble.³ So, these practical points are woven into the bigger picture of Bible principles guiding Witnesses away from tattoos. The focus on how others might see a tattoo also subtly reinforces how much they value community opinion and keeping a group image that’s acceptable both within the group and to the public they meet in their ministry.¹⁸

Generally speaking, just getting a typical tattoo does not automatically mean a baptized member will be disfellowshipped (that’s the Jehovah’s Witness term for being excommunicated).¹ Disfellowshipping is usually reserved for committing a “serious sin” and then not showing genuine repentance or sorrow for it.¹⁹

The official list of things considered “serious sins” that could lead to a meeting with a judicial committee and possibly disfellowshipping includes major offenses like:

• Sexual immorality (like adultery, sex outside marriage, homosexual acts)
• Idolatry (worshiping idols)
• Apostasy (teaching things against official JW beliefs or rejecting the organization)
• Getting drunk often
• Stealing, fraud, extortion
• Murder or killing someone unlawfully
• Spiritism (dealing with spirits)
• Taking a blood transfusion
• Getting involved in politics or military service
• Abusing drugs
• Extreme physical uncleanness
• Verbal abuse (reviling)
• Smoking tobacco
• “Brazen conduct” or “loose conduct”.¹⁹

Getting a standard tattoo for personal or artistic reasons isn’t specifically on this list of main disfellowshipping offenses.¹³ Many accounts from current and former Jehovah’s Witnesses confirm that the usual results are less severe, often involving talks with elders or losing certain roles in the congregation, rather than being kicked out.¹ It’s even mentioned that some elders might have tattoos they got before becoming Witnesses.¹³

But there could be some exceptions or things that complicate the situation:

• What the Tattoo Shows: If a tattoo clearly showed pagan religious symbols, occult images, or maybe nationalistic symbols, it could potentially be seen as proof of idolatry, spiritism, or involvement in forbidden political activities, which are reasons for disfellowshipping.¹
• Brazen Conduct: This category is a bit subjective. It refers to actions that not only go against Jehovah’s standards but also show a disrespectful, defiant, or contemptuous attitude towards God’s laws and the elders’ authority.¹¹ If someone got a tattoo completely ignoring repeated advice, or if they showed it off in a way seen as deliberately provocative or disrespectful to the congregation’s standards, it’s possible (though reportedly rare for tattoos alone) that it could be seen as part of a pattern of “brazen conduct.”
• Unrepentant Attitude: Even for actions that don’t usually lead to disfellowshipping, having an unrepentant and defiant attitude when given counsel could make the situation more serious.

It’s also good to know that just being inactive (not going to meetings or preaching regularly) doesn’t mean someone can’t be disfellowshipped if the elders decide to form a judicial committee based on solid evidence of a serious sin.¹³

So, in short, while getting a tattoo itself is unlikely to get someone disfellowshipped, the type of tattoo or the attitude the person shows about congregation standards and advice could, in certain situations, lead to more serious discipline. The fact that tattoos aren’t on the explicit list of expellable offenses supports its technical status as a “conscience matter” at the highest disciplinary level. But, the existence of broader categories like “brazen conduct” gives local elders some room for interpretation. The main things stopping people are usually social pressure and losing roles within the congregation, rather than formal expulsion.

While getting a tattoo usually isn’t grounds for being disfellowshipped among Jehovah’s Witnesses, it can definitely affect how a member is seen within the congregation and often leads to having certain responsibilities, known as “privileges,” restricted or taken away.¹ This is especially true if the tattoo was gotten after baptism or if it’s easily seen.

Common Consequences:

• Loss of Privileges: These are roles or duties considered special honors within the congregation. A member with a tattoo might be seen as not qualified to:
• Pass microphones for audience comments during meetings.¹
• Run the sound system or other equipment.¹
• Give talks, demonstrations, or readings from the platform during meetings.¹
• Offer public prayers for the congregation.
• Serve in appointed roles like elder or ministerial servant, which require being seen as a good example (“exemplary”).
• Counseling from Elders: It’s quite common for a Witness who gets a tattoo to receive “counsel,” which is basically corrective advice or a gentle warning, from the local elders.¹
• Negative Perception: The person might be viewed differently by others in the congregation. They could be seen as:
• Spiritually weak or not very mature.¹
• Rebellious or someone who doesn’t follow the group’s ways.¹
• “Worldly” or influenced by outside trends.¹¹
• Lacking “soundness of mind” or good judgment.⁷
• Not setting a good example for others, especially younger members.¹
• Social Judgment: While it’s not formal shunning, some members might subtly keep their distance or look at the tattooed person with a bit of disapproval or suspicion.¹

Things That Matter:

• When it Happened: Tattoos gotten before someone became a baptized Jehovah’s Witness are usually viewed more leniently than tattoos gotten after baptism, when the person is expected to fully follow the group’s principles and standards.¹³
• Visibility and Type: A small, hidden tattoo might not cause as much fuss as large, very visible ones.¹ What the tattoo actually depicts is also crucial; anything seen as offensive, pagan, or nationalistic would be taken much more seriously.¹

You see, the system of “privileges” in the congregation is a powerful way to encourage conformity to the group’s standards, including unwritten cultural expectations like avoiding tattoos. Because these roles are visible signs of being in good standing and spiritually mature, the chance of losing them is a strong motivator for members to make choices that align with what the leadership expects.¹ By restricting privileges for those with tattoos, the organization sends a message: Although the choice might officially be up to your conscience, it’s not seen as “exemplary” behavior fit for those representing the congregation publicly. This effectively creates different levels within the group, where a member might still be in good standing (not disfellowshipped) but be limited in how much they can participate and influence things. This subtly reinforces the desired standard of appearance and behavior without having to resort to formal expulsion.¹

The Jehovah’s Witness view on tattoos—characterized by strong discouragement based on a mix of Bible principles and cultural norms—generally places them on the more conservative side compared to many mainstream Christian denominations today. But it’s good to remember that views across Christianity vary quite a bit, and some other conservative groups share similar concerns.

Jehovah’s Witness Stance (Quick Recap):

• Strongly discouraged not explicitly forbidden for Christians.¹
• Based on principles from Leviticus 19:28 (separation from paganism, respecting the body), modesty (1 Timothy 2:9), not stumbling others (Philippians 2:4), thinking ahead (Proverbs 21:5), and focusing on inner beauty (1 Peter 3:3-4).³
• Officially a “conscience matter,” but there’s major cultural pressure against it within the community.¹

Mainstream Protestant and Catholic Views:

• Leviticus 19:28: Most see this as part of the Old Testament ceremonial law specifically for ancient Israel, not binding on Christians under the new covenant.¹⁵
• Morally Neutral: Many denominations view getting a tattoo as morally neutral in itself. Whether it’s right or wrong depends on what the tattoo shows (Is it offensive, immoral, or anti-Christian?), the reason for getting it, and the person’s own conscience.¹⁶
• Christian Liberty: Tattoos often fall under the idea of Christian liberty. This means believers have freedom in areas not explicitly forbidden by New Testament moral law, as long as their choices don’t harm others or go against their own conscience (Romans 14).¹⁷
• Practical Advice: While allowed, practical advice about tattoos being permanent, costing money, and choosing appropriate images is common.¹⁵
• Specific Denominations: The Catholic Church doesn’t have an official rule against tattoos.¹⁶ Views within Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, and other Protestant groups vary widely many congregations and individuals accept tattoos, sometimes even featuring Christian symbols.¹⁷ Researchers have even studied how common religious tattoos are on Christian university campuses.³⁶

Other Conservative Christian Views:

• Some fundamentalist or very conservative groups might share the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ strong discouragement or even forbid tattoos.
• They might put more weight on Leviticus 19:28, interpret passages about the body being a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19) more strictly regarding outside changes, or focus heavily on avoiding worldliness, vanity, or association with rebellious groups.²²

Other Groups:

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) also generally discourages tattoos, similarly seeing the body as a sacred temple.⁴⁰

A key difference in the Jehovah’s Witness approach is how they rely on a group of connected principles (separation, modesty, stumbling, honoring the body, pagan links) applied together to build a strong case for discouragement.³ Also, the strong organizational focus on group unity, everyone agreeing (“speaking in agreement” 31), and presenting a distinct, uniform image to the world likely makes following appearance standards, including avoiding tattoos, more important than in denominations that allow more individual expression within broader shared beliefs. This emphasis on conformity is deeply rooted in their interpretation of scripture and community standards, leading to an environment where members feel a strong pressure to adhere to these beliefs. Jehovah’s Witnesses beliefs explained often highlight the importance of maintaining a clear distinction from what they perceive as secular influences, reinforcing their commitment to collective values and practices. As a result, individuals may prioritize community acceptance over personal preferences, further solidifying the group’s standards on appearance and conduct.

The fact that tattoos are becoming more normal and accepted in society, including among many people who call themselves Christians 6, creates a potential point of tension for Jehovah’s Witnesses, especially younger ones. They might see their peers, including other Christians, getting tattoos without obvious negative spiritual effects, which contrasts with the expectations in their own community.³⁶ The existence of Watchtower articles aimed specifically at young people on this topic shows they are aware of this cultural pressure and are continually working to reinforce the organization’s position.⁶

So, as we gather our thoughts, we see that for Jehovah’s Witnesses thinking about tattoos, the journey involves a lot of careful consideration, prayer, and paying attention to guiding principles. It’s generally not seen as following a strict “You must not” rule from the Bible for Christians today. Instead, it’s about listening to the gentle guidance of principles that are important in their faith community – principles that encourage honoring the wonderful body God gave us, showing loving care for the feelings and spiritual health of others, and making choices that show a heart truly set on pleasing God above everything else.

For Jehovah’s Witnesses, like for many Christians, the encouragement is to focus on growing the inner person – the “secret person of the heart” decorated with qualities like a “quiet and mild spirit,” which the Bible says is incredibly valuable in God’s eyes (1 Peter 3:4).¹⁸ As one young person quoted in their writings thoughtfully put it, maybe the best way to honor something or someone deeply loved isn’t with permanent ink with a life lived according to those values: “Instead of getting a tattoo, live what you believe”.¹⁸ May we all approach different viewpoints within the wider Christian family with understanding and respect, focusing on the shared desire to honor God in everything we do.

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