Are Tattoos Sinful?
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Remember the following three truth’s from our beloved Scriptures!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD
which I command you, neither shall ye
diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם (the LORD your Eloleichem) which I command you”. Davarim -
Deuteronomy 4:2.
“This is My Name FOREVER, and this is My Memorial to ALL Generations”. Shemot - Exodus 3:15. (JPS).
“I am יְהוָה, that is My Name; and My glory
will I not give to another”. Yeshayahu - Isaiah 42:8. (JPS).
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What the
Torah have to say about it?.
With Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
For many years tattoos have been soaring in popularity in the general communities. Therefore, countless people world wide have at least one tattoo. And sadly those between the age of 18 to 29 are more likely to have more than one tattoo, some even have their bodies covered with them. Thus in the modern word of sheer sinfulness, tattoos are certainly no longer taboo than they were in decades past when they were simply not socially acceptable!
But, let us now look at our Torah and see what אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) had to say? Thus we will read Vayikra - Leviticus 19:28. (JPS).
וְשֶׂרֶט
לָנֶפֶשׁ, לֹא
תִתְּנוּ
בִּבְשַׂרְכֶם,
וּכְתֹבֶת
קַעֲקַע, לֹא
תִתְּנוּ
בָּכֶם:
אֲנִי, יָהּוָה
“You shall not make gashes in
your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves: I am יָהּוָה (the LORD)”. Vayikra - Leviticus 19:28.
The Hebrew phrase כְּתֹבֶת קַעֲקַע - the transliteration of same is, ‘Ke’tovet ka’aka’ is often interpreted as referring to tattooing permanent markings on the skin.
However as I have
checked every single Hebraic source, including a “Hebrew Lexicon” clearly
states that the Torah clearly states that קַעֲקַע means
“Tattoo”. The related word כְּתֹבֶת - ‘Ke’tovet’ is
also found in the verse, means ‘writing’ or ‘inscription’.
Hebraic Interpretation:
Let us now look at the classical הֲלָכָתִי - ‘Halakhic’ viewpoint:
Tattooing is prohibited according to the Torah, especially when it is done voluntarily.
And why can’t we do it?:
Our body is considered a divine creation and for us to alter it for our own pleasure, or whatever, is seen as a totally disrespectful act, and going against אֱלֹהִים (Elohim’s) word. Of course, we should really know that tattoos are historically associated with ‘Pagan and idolatrous practices’ thus if someone obtains one voluntarily they have gone against our beloved Torah!
We should understand that the “Covenant of circumcision” - בְּרִית מִילָה - “Brit Milah” is viewed as the sole bodily sign of the Divine relationship; any other markings placed on the body, or piercing will dilute its significance!
As I said just before, in ancient times, it was customary for idol-worshippers to tattoo themselves as a sign of commitment to whatever their deity was. On many occasions our beloved Torah forbids practices that emulate pagan customs, considering that following their traditions is the first step towards subscribing to their idolatrous beliefs and worse!
Cultural and Historical Layers:
Of course we all know what was done during the Holocaust; the forced tattooing of our beloved Jewish breathren who mostly perished in various concentration camps certainly added another painful layer of symbolism. There are some Jews who choose tattoos as acts of remembrance, even replicating family members’ Auschwitz numbers. But please remember that is still against אֱלֹהִים (Elohim’s) wishes! In addition, I find it so sad that many women, let alone certain men these days, have their ears or other parts pierced. Remember that piercing was part of idolatrous ones in ancient history.
Remember that Maimonides, our 12th-century scholar of Jewish law and thought, explains that one of the reasons for the prohibition against tattoos is “a faithful Jewish response to pagan mourning practices, etc”.
General Views:
Orthodox Judaism absolutely maintains the prohibition of tattoos and so it should be!
However, the Reform and Progressive Movements tend to of course differ about true Torah, and certain rabbis will argue that tattoos can be expressing their Jewish identity or honouring loved ones may be spiritually meaningful. What a lot of Hogwash (excuse the expression), but it says what they do!
Medical exceptions:
Tattoos for health reasons (e.g, radiation alignment, etc) are generally permitted under the principle of פיקוח נפש - “Pi’kuach ne’fesh” - “preserving life” which overrides most prohibitions.
In conclusion what about Vayikra - Leviticus chapter 19
and verse 28?
That verse is interpreted as a prohibition against permanently marking the body, for it was a practice which hailed from ancient pagan rituals, thus it is completly forbidden!
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In Conclusion, a Question to Deepen the
Conversation:
Which part of this study or a line
has touched you the most? And how do you feel, are you doing as a
well being a faithful Jew upholding as many of our Mitzvoth’s? I am well aware
that the modern world sadly contains far too many problems as well as
enticements including piercing and tattoo’s, which
usually tends see lives sadly off track with our blessed faith. Thus, the
various struggles that may be taking place in your life in today, can so often
have sad and cruel effects upon your life? But, we do have one great hope,
Elohim said clearly ...
“Return unto Me,
and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת יְהוָה (the LORD
of hosts)”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi
3:7b. (JPG).
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“Hebraic Studies” motto
is as follows;
“The More
Torah, the More Life”,
For our Elohim is the One who gave us our ... Life!
May the Shalom (Peace) of צְבָאוֹת-יָהוָה (the LORD of hosts) be with
you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well
as the ‘מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue
saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Te’fee’lah (Prayers) and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah (blessings) before food and drinks, etc!
Rabbi,
Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
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