Exploring Marking Practices in the Ancient World and its Relation to Slavery

Leviticus 21-22 overlaps a great deal with earlier material in Leviticus. This episode focuses on certain mourning rites and Israel’s need to maintain a holiness distinction from pagan religions in that regard. Of special interest in this episode is Lev 21:5 (cp. Lev 19:26-28), a passage many use to condemn tattooing.

papers referenced: Roberts A New Parallel to 1Kgs18 Gevaryahu Lev1928 Tattooing or Branding