בס”ד
In a world where self-expression is central, we sometimes forget that our bodies are not simply our own, but a precious gift from G-d. What does the Torah say about getting tattoos, and does that apply to Noahides as well?
In this blog, we’ll walk through what the Torah says about tattoos, why they are prohibited, and why Noahides should also refrain from them.
What Does the Torah Say About Tattoos?
We read in Leviticus 19:28
| 28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor imprint any marks upon you: I am the L-RD. | כח וְשֶׂרֶט לָנֶפֶשׁ, לֹא תִתְּנוּ בִּבְשַׂרְכֶם, וּכְתֹבֶת קַעֲקַע, לֹא תִתְּנוּ בָּכֶם: אֲנִי, ד’ |
The Torah explicitly prohibits getting tattoos.
The Sages explain that this specifically refers to:
- Making a cut in the skin,
- Filling the wound with ink or pigment,
- So that a permanent drawing or inscription is left in the skin.
Rashi clarifies that the word “ka’aka” (קעקע) refers to a permanent mark that is engraved deeply into the skin.
Ibn Ezra adds that tattoos were historically linked to pagan mourning rituals, where people would mark themselves in sorrow for the dead.
Why Are Tattoos Prohibited?
According to classical sources like Sefer HaMitzvot and Sefer HaChinuch, tattooing is prohibited due to its historical connection with idol worship.
Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz (Shenei Luchot HaBerit) writes that pagan priests used to tattoo themselves as a sign of loyalty to their idols. The Torah forbids such practices to keep the Jewish people holy and separate from pagan customs.
Rav Moshe Feinstein (Yoreh De’ah 2:53) stresses that the prohibition remains valid even if tattooing is no longer directly linked to idol worship today. The Torah forbids the act itself, regardless of the intent.
What About Noahides?
Though Leviticus addresses the Jewish people, there are also universal divine commandments for Noahides. Two of these are directly relevant:
1. The Prohibition of Idol Worship
Practices connected to idol worship are prohibited for Noahides.
This is also emphasized in The Divine Code (4th Edition, Part II, Ch. 11, Topic 15, p.197), where Noahides are reminded that tattooing was originally linked to marking someone as a slave of an idol, and therefore, it is prohibited.
One might argue that today, almost no one gets tattoos to show they belong to an idol. However, tattooing remains forbidden, even without the idolatrous intent. The Torah looks not only at the current purpose but also at the origins of a practice. Since tattooing is rooted in idolatrous rituals, it remains forbidden for Noahides.
2. The Prohibition of Self-Harm
Additionally, tattooing is prohibited because it involves self-inflicted harm.
Rambam (Maimonides) writes in Laws of Injury and Damages 5:1:
“Just as it is forbidden to harm another person, it is also forbidden to harm oneself.”
A person is not the true owner of their own body; their body is a gift from G-d.
Just as one does not have the right to damage another’s property, one does not have the right to damage their own body without a valid reason.
Tattooing — which involves permanently marking and injuring the skin — violates this responsibility.
Therefore, it is not appropriate for someone who seeks to serve G-d, including Noahides.
What About Temporary Tattoos?
Henna tattoos and other temporary forms of body art, which are not embedded beneath the skin and fade away over time, are not prohibited. They do not cause permanent harm and are not connected to idol worship.
Summary
- Tattooing is prohibited due to its historical connection with idol worship.
- Noahides are forbidden from participating in practices related to idol worship.
- Self-harm is forbidden, as our bodies are a gift from G-d that we must respect.
- Temporary markings that do not permanently alter the skin are permitted.
Anyone who follows the Noahide laws and seeks to serve G-d with purity and respect should refrain from getting tattoos.
Closing Thought:
“Instead of marking our bodies with human-made signs, let us mark ourselves through acts of justice, kindness, and reverence for our Creator.”
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for his feedback
Sources:
Din Torah,
The Divine Code 4e edition p. 196
Rashi on Leviticus 19:28:2-3
Ibn Ezra on Leviticus 19:28:3
Mishneh Torah,
Foreign Worship and Customs of the Nations: 12
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