Leviticus 19:28

KJV

Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall not make {H5414} any {H3793} cuttings {H8296} in your flesh {H1320} for the dead {H5315}, nor print {H5414} any marks {H7085} upon you: I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't cut gashes in your flesh when someone dies or tattoo yourselves; I am ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:28 stands as a profound divine injunction within the Holiness Code, compelling the Israelites to differentiate themselves unequivocally from the idolatrous and despairing customs of the surrounding Canaanite nations. This command specifically prohibits physical alterations to the body—namely, ritualistic cuttings and indelible marks—when associated with mourning for the dead or other pagan rites. The underlying principle asserts God's exclusive claim over His people and their bodies, demanding a life of holistic holiness that reflects His character and sovereignty over life, death, and identity.

### CONTEXT

* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19 is a pivotal chapter, often referred to as the "Holiness Code," which elaborates on the foundational command given in [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"), "You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy." This chapter transitions from the more ritualistic laws of sacrifice and priesthood to practical ethical and moral directives that permeate daily life. Verse 28 is situated among a series of prohibitions (e.g., against consulting mediums in [Leviticus 19:31](/leviticus/19-31 "Leviticus 19:31 - Do Not Turn to Mediums")) and positive commands (e.g., honoring parents in [Leviticus 19:3](/leviticus/19-3 "Leviticus 19:3 - Reverence for Parents and Sabbath")) that collectively define what it means for Israel to be a consecrated nation, distinct in their worship, ethics, and even bodily practices. The inclusion of this command underscores that holiness is not merely internal piety but extends to outward expressions, including how one treats the physical body and mourns the dead.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was saturated with pagan religious practices that often involved extreme expressions of devotion or grief. Self-mutilation, such as cutting the flesh, was a common ritual among various peoples, including the Canaanites and other polytheistic cultures. These acts were performed for a variety of reasons: to appease deities, to demonstrate intense sorrow during mourning rituals, to invoke divine favor, or even to express loyalty to a tribal god. For instance, the prophets of Baal notoriously "cut themselves with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them," in a desperate attempt to elicit a response from their god ([1 Kings 18:28](/1_kings/18-28 "1 Kings 18:28 - Baal Prophets' Self-Mutilation")). Similarly, tattooing or "printing marks" could signify allegiance to a particular deity, serve as a protective charm, or denote social status, effectively usurping God's exclusive claim over His people. By forbidding these practices, God was not merely regulating outward behavior but fundamentally challenging the underlying worldview that fostered such acts—a worldview rooted in fear, superstition, and a lack of trust in the sovereign God who governs life and death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis

* **Cuttings (Hebrew, _sareret'_):** This term refers to incisions, lacerations, or gashes made in the flesh. In the ancient Near East, such practices were deeply embedded in pagan mourning rituals for the dead, often believed to appease chthonic deities, express extreme grief, or even to release the spirit of the deceased. It could also be a form of sympathetic magic or an attempt to manipulate the spiritual realm. For Israel, such acts were a profound rejection of God's sovereignty over life and death, implying a despair inconsistent with the hope of a people whose God is the ultimate giver and sustainer of life.

* **Marks (Hebrew, _qa'aqa'_):** This word specifically denotes indelible, engraved, or tattooed marks on the skin. While the precise nature of these marks in antiquity is debated, they likely included symbols, names of deities, or tribal insignia. These "marks" served as permanent declarations of allegiance, identity, or protection, often linked to idolatrous worship or pagan superstitions. By prohibiting them, God underscored that Israel's identity and allegiance were to be solely and visibly to Him, not to any human construct or false deity. Their bodies, as His creation, were to bear no marks that contradicted this singular devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead":** This clause directly addresses the pagan practice of self-laceration as a mourning ritual. In cultures surrounding Israel, it was common to cut oneself as an expression of intense sorrow, an attempt to appease underworld deities, or a demonstration of devotion to the deceased. For Israel, this practice was forbidden because it implied a despair over death that was inconsistent with their faith in the God of life, who had promised resurrection and who held ultimate authority over all life and death. It also distinguished them from those who believed in capricious gods requiring such extreme appeasement.

* **"nor print any marks upon you":** This prohibition extends to permanent body markings, widely understood as tattoos. These marks, often religious or tribal in nature, served as visible declarations of allegiance to pagan gods, magical charms, or signs of belonging to a particular cult or group. God forbade these marks to ensure that Israel's identity, both internal and external, was solely derived from and dedicated to Him. Their bodies, created in His image and set apart for His purposes, were not to bear symbols that rivaled or diluted their exclusive covenant relationship with the LORD.

* **"I [am] the LORD":** This concluding divine formula is the ultimate basis for the command. It asserts God's absolute authority, sovereignty, and uniqueness. It is not merely a statement of identity but a declaration of His covenant relationship with Israel, reminding them that their obedience stems from His very being and His rightful claim over them. This phrase underscores that the prohibitions are not arbitrary but flow from the character of God Himself, who is holy and demands holiness from His people.

#### Literary Devices

Leviticus 19:28 employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Prohibition**, explicitly stating what the Israelites "shall not" do, which is characteristic of much of the Mosaic Law, establishing clear boundaries for holy living. This is reinforced by **Repetition** of the negative command ("shall not make," "nor print"), emphasizing the absolute nature of the prohibition. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition**, placing the forbidden pagan mourning rites and body markings directly against the ultimate authority of "I [am] the LORD." This stark contrast highlights the incompatibility of such practices with the worship of the one true God. Finally, the concluding **Divine Formula**, "I [am] the LORD," serves as a powerful **Assertion of Authority** and a **Motive Clause**, grounding the command not in human reasoning or societal norms, but in the very identity and sovereignty of God Himself, thereby making the command non-negotiable and divinely mandated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Leviticus 19:28 profoundly articulates God's desire for His people to embody a radical distinction, not merely in ritual but in every aspect of life, including their physical bodies and their approach to death. The prohibition against self-mutilation and pagan markings underscores the sanctity of the human body as God's creation and property, which is not to be desecrated or used in ways that honor false deities or express despair over death. It fundamentally challenges the ancient Near Eastern worldview that sought control or comfort through physical acts of appeasement or identification with pagan powers. Instead, Israel was called to trust in God's sovereignty over life and death, finding their identity solely in Him. This command is an outward manifestation of an inward commitment to exclusive worship and a rejection of syncretism, ensuring that Israel's visible practices aligned with their covenant relationship with the LORD.

* [Deuteronomy 14:1](/deuteronomy/14-1 "Deuteronomy 14:1 - Children of the LORD")
* [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple")
* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While the direct context of Leviticus 19:28 addresses specific pagan mourning rites and idolatrous body markings of the ancient world, its underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to consider how we express our identity, manage our grief, and present our bodies in a way that honors God. It calls us to a holistic holiness, reminding us that our physical bodies are not merely personal property but are created by God and, for believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we are to be discerning about practices that might blur the lines between Christian identity and worldly values, or that express despair rather than hope in God's sovereignty over life and death. The command fosters a deep reverence for life and a trust in God's ultimate plan, encouraging us to find our security, identity, and comfort solely in Him, rather than in outward symbols or rituals that might compromise our witness or allegiance.

#### Questions for Reflection

* **How does the principle of "holiness" from Leviticus 19:28 inform our understanding of body stewardship in contemporary culture?**
* **In what ways might modern expressions of identity or grief inadvertently reflect a reliance on worldly philosophies rather than trust in God?**
* **How can believers ensure their outward appearance and actions consistently reflect their inward devotion to Christ and their distinct identity as God's people?**

### FAQ

**Does Leviticus 19:28 forbid all tattoos for Christians today?**

Answer: While Leviticus 19:28 explicitly prohibits "cuttings" and "marks" in the context of pagan mourning rituals and idolatrous practices prevalent in the ancient Near East, the direct application to modern tattooing is a subject of ongoing theological discussion. The original intent was to distinguish Israel from paganism and to prevent practices that dishonored God or expressed allegiance to false deities. Modern tattoos typically do not carry these specific pagan associations. However, the underlying principles of the verse—such as the sanctity of the body as God's creation, the call to holiness, and the avoidance of practices that could cause stumbling or dishonor God—remain relevant. Believers are encouraged to prayerfully consider their motivations, the symbolism of the tattoo, and how it might impact their witness, always striving to honor God with their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, as taught in [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple").

**Why was self-mutilation for the dead such a common practice in the ancient world?**

Answer: Self-mutilation, including cutting the flesh, was a widespread practice in the ancient Near East, deeply rooted in various pagan religious and mourning customs. These acts were often performed as extreme expressions of grief, intended to appease or communicate with the deceased or underworld deities. It was believed that such sacrifices or displays of sorrow could influence the spirits of the dead or elicit favor from the gods. For instance, the prophets of Baal engaged in self-laceration to try and compel their god to respond ([1 Kings 18:28](/1_kings/18-28 "1 Kings 18:28 - Baal Prophets' Self-Mutilation")). This practice also reflected a worldview where death was often seen as a terrifying, final separation, leading to desperate attempts to exert control or find comfort outside of a sovereign, loving God. By forbidding these practices, God was calling Israel to a different way of relating to death and grief, one rooted in trust in His ultimate authority and promise of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Leviticus 19:28, with its prohibition against pagan body markings and mourning rituals, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The law's demand for a distinct and holy people, whose bodies bear no allegiance to false gods or despair, is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is the [epitome of holiness](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Our Holy High Priest") and bore no blemish of sin or pagan affiliation. More significantly, Christ's sacrifice on the cross addresses the very root of the despair and idolatry that fueled such ancient practices: the fear of death and the human attempt to find identity or appeasement outside of God. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered death, offering a [living hope](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - Living Hope Through Resurrection") that utterly transforms how believers grieve, replacing pagan despair with the assurance of eternal life and resurrection ([1 Thessalonians 4:13-14](/1_thessalonians/4-13 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 - Hope for the Bereaved")). Furthermore, in the New Covenant, the believer's body is no longer merely God's creation but becomes a [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, God's Temple"), purchased by Christ's blood and therefore belonging entirely to Him. This new identity in Christ means that our bodies are to be presented as [living sacrifices](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice"), bearing the "marks" of Christ's ownership through spiritual transformation rather than external, pagan symbols. The true distinction of God's people is now inwardly wrought by the Spirit, manifesting in lives that glorify God in every aspect, including how we honor our bodies and face the reality of death, all through the lens of Christ's victory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 14:1

¶ Ye [are] the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.

Leviticus 21:5

They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.

1 Kings 18:28

And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.

Jeremiah 16:6

Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall [men] lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:

Leviticus 21:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people:

Mark 5:5

And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

Jeremiah 48:37

For every head [shall be] bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands [shall be] cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth.