Leviticus 19:28 Meaning and Explanation
“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not cut or mark your body in mourning for the dead.
The Context of Leviticus 19:28
Prohibits mourning mutilations and body marking.
What Does Leviticus 19:28 Mean?
Cutting the flesh and marking the body were common mourning practices in the ancient Near East. Israel is forbidden these practices, perhaps to avoid association with pagan customs or to maintain bodily integrity as belonging to God. The body is not to be disfigured for any reason, even grief.
This prohibition may also protect against magical practices where blood and marks could be seen as having spiritual force. By forbidding such marks, the command affirms that the body is sacred to God and must be protected from mutilation, whether for mourning, magic, or any other purpose.
Leviticus 19:28 in the Original Language
ketav (כְתַב), 'mark' or 'print' — to write, engrave; here, permanent marks or tattoos made on the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 19:28
What does Leviticus 19:28 mean?
Do not cut or mark your body in mourning for the dead.
What is the context of Leviticus 19:28?
Prohibits mourning mutilations and body marking.