[Greek] στίγμα (stigma), [Latin] stigmata: tattoo, brand, mark, blot, scar, prick, social blot, scar of service, burn mark, sign of shame; Gal. 6:17
An awl was used to pierce the ears of a slave. An earring was given to show that the slave was attached to his master.
Background Information:
Greco-Roman culture: Branded marks were given to domestic animals, slaves, criminals, soldiers, and worshippers (followers). It was customary to brand cattle as a means to make theft more difficult. The man who bore the stigma, a sign of dishonor since antiquity, was given to robbers, criminals, slaves, and prisoners. Plato’s Laws IX, 854d states “Whosoever is caught robbing a temple, if he be foreigner or slave, his curse shall be branded on his forehead.” Caligula even branded the foreheads of some citizens who were condemned to forced labor in the construction of buildings and roads. The runaway slave was branded on the forehead with the letters “FUG”, meaning fugitivus (fugitive).
Desire for marks: In some situations, marks are given to denote membership in a group, tribe, or cultic deity. The recruit to the Roman army was marked by tattooed signs on the hand. This mark denotes loyalty to one’s superior. When a follower was given the sacred mark, he was dedicated to the god and became its servant. Therefore, this servant was put under the god’s protection. The servant of the god Dionysius (Bacchus) was given a tattoo of an ivy leaf. Dionysius was the god of the grape harvest. Then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently (Exo. 21:6).
Old Testament: Interestingly, this rarely corresponds to the Greek understanding of stigma. Instead of meaning stigma, this term means a little ball, a piece of jewelry, point, and moment. Other Hebrews term convey the notion of a mark expressing attachment to a man or to God. When a slave wanted to attach himself to his master, the slave’s ear was pierced by an awl at the door-post in God’s presence. The slave’s earring indicated a mark of slavery and sign of becoming protected by his master.
Sacral markings: Sacral markings are found in Jacob’s prophetic mission and in God’s commitment to Jerusalem. In Isa. 44:5 Jacob claims this one shall write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s.’ This alludes to the Babylonian custom of tattooing the slave’s hand. Likewise, God makes a confession of Jerusalem in caring for the city. In Isa. 49:16 God has written your name (Jerusalem) in His “hands.” This helps us to understand why the Feast of the Passover and Redemption of the Firstborn are to be taken seriously as if they were a sign. In Ex. 28:36 the head-plate of the high priest bears the inscription “Sacred to Yahweh.”
The mark of Cain: For his transgressions, Cain was given a mark (tattooed sign) by God. In Gen. 49:15 God marked Cain as His own possession and set him under His “protection”. God did not brand Cain as a murderer. Instead, Cain received a punishment worse than death. God took away Cain’s livelihood by forcing him to live his life with unfruitful works and guilt (of having killed his brother). Judgment would also fall on some of Cain’s descendants. The sacral sign is only legitimate and effective only when it is given (received) from God.
New Testament: Interestingly, this term occurs only once in Gal. 6:17. It is unclear whether or not Paul is speaking figuratively or literally. In a sense, Paul becomes a slave belonging to Christ. Slaves were often branded by marks burned into their flesh to show to whom they belonged. Likewise, marked followers were devoted to their pagan gods. Like Christ, Paul received stonings and floggings. Paul was also blinded on the road to Damascus for persecuting Jesus. Jesus is Paul’s master who will protect him.
Scripture:
“From now one, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.” Gal. 6:17
Paul, as a slave of Christ, has borne the wounds of Christ in both a literal and figurative way.
Conclusion:
Stigma, stigmata
I found that this term has a very rich and interesting backstory. Even, in ancient history, I suppose that branding livestock (cattle) provided a practical use for tattooing. In the Greco-Roman era (and other times), there often exists such cruelty in human nature. Branding and marking was used to diminish (belittle) one’s human dignity regarding slaves, prisoners, and criminals. Such acts of cruelty will later occur in concentration camps in the 20th century. Unfortunately, other forms of slavery still exist.
I think it is more interesting to discover the more “positive” aspects of the use of stigmata and marks in human history. Being willing to receive a mark was a very important way to show one’s devotion to a god. In the same way, a soldier’s tattoo (sacramentum) provides a visible and public means to show loyalty to one’s superior.
It was also interesting to learn how sacral marks coming from God were very important. These sacral marks indicate one’s attachment to God. This alludes to the slave’s bond to his master. God marks Cain for His providential purposes. 3Macc.2:29 makes reference to those who are registered to be branded with an ivy leaf of the god Dionysus.
It was fascinating to learn about situations in which a person would be willing to become a slave (indentured servant) for someone else. This would occur someone was forced to work off his debts and obligations. The piercing of the ear indicates that person’s attachment to his master. The doorpost alludes to the Exodus story when the Israelites were liberated from forced slavery. The blood alludes to the priest placing blood on the right ear of those being cleansed in the guilt offering (sacrifice).
Paul, as a slave, becomes attached to his Master Christ. Paul receives afflictions in his service for Christ. Paul becomes a willing slave for Christ.
In more recent contexts, people will sometimes still get tattoos to mark or remember an important event or person. For example, we all are very familiar with the guy who gets a tattoo of his girlfriend’s name. And sometimes there are regrets, but I think you get the point.