The most beautiful thing I've ever seen entered my vision years ago when I came across a photograph of a girl who had tattooed 1 Corinthians 13 down the entire length of her back. The tattoo is beautifully inked, the photograph perfectly captured, and the message universal. There is an ongoing debate over whether or not Christians should get tattoos. Although I'm Catholic, I'm not extremely religious by any means, so unfortunately I can't cite the opposing arguments here (something about your body being a temple and not making any cuttings into your flesh). I think it's a creative way of keeping favorite or important scriptures in the forefront of your mind as a constant reminder to live the values that matter most. Ultimately, it is a decision you'll have to make for yourself, but here are some examples that might help sway you in one direction or another.
Hebrew Bible Tattoos
Hebrew is the language of the Jewish people and is one of the official languages of Israel. The core of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible), and most of the rest of the Hebrew Bible. Since ancient times, Hebrew has been referred to as Leshon HaKodesh ( ) which translates as "The Holy Language". It is a common choice for biblical tattoos. This hub will include a specific focus on Hebrew Bible verses, but for more information on Hebrew tattoos and translations in general, you can go here: Tattoo Ideas: Hebrew Words & Phrases.
Latin Bible Tattoos
Latin is now considered to be a dead language, but at one point it was the universal language spoken in Europe as far back as the first century. Although it is nearly extinct from mainstream society, some Christian clergymen still speak it fluently and it is taught at universities. The Roman Catholic church is the largest organization that still uses Latin semi-officially. Some services are still held in Latin, especially in the Vatican. For a hub that speaks to Latin language tattoos and ideas in general, please click here.
Fortunately, translations of Bible verses into Latin are easy because they've already all been written centuries ago. Common verse translations can be found below the pictures.
Latin Bible Verses
John 14:6 "Jesus saith to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me" -- dicit ei Iesus ego sum via et veritas et vita nemo venit ad Patrem nisi per me
Ephesians 2:8 "For it is by grace you have been saved, throughfaith andthis is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." -- gratia enim estis salvati per fidem et hoc non exvobis Deienim donum est
John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill anddestroy; I havecome that they may have life, and have it to the full." -- fur non venit nisi ut furetur et mactet et perdatego veniut vitam habeant et abundantius habeant
Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for andcertain ofwhat we do not see." -- est autem fides sperandorum substantia rerumargumentum nonparentum
John 8:32 ""Then you will know the truth, and the truth willsetyou free." -- et cognoscetis veritatem et veritas liberabit vos
Psalm 130 "From the depths, out of despair" -- de profundis
Travelling is my life
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