Leviticus 19:28

Keep My Statutes · Leviticus 19:19–37
Read Leviticus 19

Translations

Modern
You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.
Traditional
Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.
Literal
And a cutting for a soul you shall not make in your flesh, and a tattoo mark you shall not put on yourselves. I am YHWH.
Latin
Et super mortuo non incidetis carnem vestram, neque figuras aliquas aut stigmata facietis vobis. Ego Dominus.

Original

Hebrew
English
You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.

Notes

cuts in your bodies: Cutting oneself was associated with Canaanite mourning practices (Leviticus 21:5; Deuteronomy 14:1). The word translated as "tattoo" might mean painting the body, a practice also associated with paganism.

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Law of Moses Leviticus, Book of Mourning Neighbor

Topics

Altering the Body Branding Cutting: (The Flesh for the Dead): Forbidden Evil Spirits Funeral Getting a Tattoo Getting Tattoos Harming your Body How we Dress Jewelry Men Wearing Earrings Modest Apparel Mourning for the Dead: Cutting the Flesh Our Appearance Piercings and Tattoos Plastic Surgery Self Harm Self Injury Self Mutilation Silly Women Sorcery: Forbidden Tattooing: Forbidden Tattoos The Body The Dead: Heathenish Expressions of Grief For, Forbidden The Way we Dress Thoughts of Suicide Wearing Earrings Wearing Jewelry