Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo has said there is no verse in the Bible that clearly describes tattoos as a sin, arguing that the practice has existed throughout human history and across different cultures.
The senior pastor made the remarks during an interview on TVC Entertainment, where he challenged the belief held by some Christians that tattooing is forbidden by Scripture.
According to him, tattoos are not a new trend but have long been part of human civilisation, including in Nigeria, where tribal marks were common among older generations.
“It has always been part of human culture, not even just Nigeria. Everywhere in the world, there are tribal marks. There are different marks,” he said.
Explaining his position, Okonkwo referred to Isaiah 49:16, where God says, “I have inscribed you on my hands.” He said the passage used an illustration that people of that era could easily understand.
“Even God used an example because the culture could relate with people putting tattoos to remember. So He was saying, look, I have also tattooed you. That means I can never forget you,” he said.
The pastor also cited the Book of Revelation, saying it contains a reference to Christ having a name written on His thigh.
“They mentioned in Revelations that Christ also tattooed the name on His thigh,” he said.
Speaking on Leviticus 19:28, a verse often quoted in debates about tattoos, Okonkwo argued that the passage was addressing a different issue.
“What it says is that don’t do inscriptions to the d+ad. It has nothing to do with tattoos,” he said, adding that the next verse also discusses shaving.
He further compared tattoos with microblading, a cosmetic procedure that many women undergo.
“Women do microblading. It’s okay. Then tattoo is wrong. Microblading is a form of tattoo,” he said.
Okonkwo also said many practices once rejected by some Christian groups are now widely accepted after deeper understanding of biblical teachings.
“People fought to say this thing has nothing to do with Christ. Let the ladies wear their trousers. Let the women have their makeup… Before, You can’t look good. You can’t even have perfumes. There are places they didn’t have perfumes. There was a time you couldn’t even have television,” he concluded.