# 206. Ink and Identity: What the Bible Really Says About Tattoos

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/wise-counsel-7060777/206-ink-and-identity-what-the-bible-really-says-about-tattoos
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/wise-counsel-7060777/206-ink-and-identity-what-the-bible-really-says-about-tattoos.md
Podcast: [Wise Counsel](https://stenobird.com/podcast/wise-counsel-7060777)
Published: 2026-03-09T11:22:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/robertsmithsound3/episodes/206--Ink-and-Identity-What-the-Bible-Really-Says-About-Tattoos-e3g000f
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/fc29aa48/podcast/play/116440527/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-2-5%2F419353441-44100-2-f36742832306.m4a
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Duration seconds: 594

## Resource

In this episode of Wise Counsel , host Robert Smith explores the often-quoted command in Leviticus 19:28 about tattoos. Is this a timeless ban on body art—or was something else happening in the ancient world? Drawing on insights from Dr. Michael S. Heiser and Dr. Carol Meyers, Robert explains how this command addressed pagan mourning rituals and covenant loyalty—not modern self-expression. Along the way, he connects this passage to the Bible’s larger story of worship, identity, and belonging.

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## Transcript

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