34 Inspiring Christ Tattoo Designs With Meanings

These attractive tattoo designs don't just reflect your faith but also look pretty dope.

Reviewed by Rian Othus, Tattoo Artist
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE
Edited by Subhrojyoti Mukherjee, MA (English)
Fact-checked by Shreya Mukherjee, MA (English)  • 

If you are looking for Jesus Christ tattoo designs with meanings, we have your back. Religious art, such as Christian tattoos, is a raging trend these days. These religious tattoos involve more than just the face of Christ. The trend is such that you would find people getting tattoos of crosses, rosaries, and significant Biblical events and figures. Body art focused on religion always holds special symbolism. They are themed around attributes of Christianity like hope, inspiration, honor, love, salvation, redemption, devotion, and forgiveness. We have curated 33 beautiful Jesus Christ-inspired tattoo designs in light of this trend. Take a look!

Best Christ Tattoo Designs With Meanings

1. Jesus Tattoo On The Forearm

Image: Instagram

The forearms are one of the most popular places to get inked. They offer the perfect canvas to portray your personality. These tattoos are easy to flaunt and can be concealed in sleeved tops when you want to avoid the attention. This tattoo of the profile face of Jesus, along with a heart, looks elegant on your arm. The light shade plays a contrast on light skin tones.

2. Tribal Cross Tattoo

Image: Instagram @divine.rituals

Tribal tattoos have their own fan base with the distinct use of black ink and curved edge designs. This attractive cross tattoo has a hint of Maori tattoo art and fits vertically on the forearm. The dark black ink makes it perfect for every skin tone.

3. Jesus Tattoo On The Foot

Image: Instagram @pdr.tattoo

Your feet lead you to your destination and symbolize traveling. They also depict the connection between the body and the soul in a few cultures. This Jesus tattoo idea which depicts Him before crucifixion on the flat area above your toes symbolizes that Jesus is leading your way and making sure you are on the right path. The gray ink makes it suitable for every skin tone.

4. Katy Perry’s Jesus Tattoo

Image: Instagram @katyperry

Katy Perry, the popular singer and songwriter, has ‘Jesus’ written in cursive font on her left wrist with a rainbow-colored background. She got this tattoo done to represent her connection with God. This simple yet attractive tattoo looks nice on the wrist or forearm.

5. Rosary Tattoo

Image: Instagram @kevin_heere

Rosary tattoos are feminine and look elegant. The beaded design with the cross not only decorates your skin but also exhibits your belief in Christianity. The black beads with white highlight and shading make this tattoo suitable for all skin tones.

6. Cross Tattoo On The Wrist

Image: Instagram @true_gent

This tiny cross on the wrist can portray your love for Christ and is the one for you if you like miniature designs.

7. Yeshua Tattoo

Image: Instagram @laissa_tattoo

Yeshua is Jesus in Hebrew. Justin Bieber sports a Yeshua tattoo on his left ribcage. The thin font of this tattoo makes it ideal for your collarbone. Team it up with a small heart tattoo to show your love for Christ.

8. Jesus Fish Tattoo

Image: Instagram @markedwardstattoo77

Christ followers who believe in the resurrection have a strong affinity toward fish cross tattoos. This abstract, rugged cross with a fish design can be placed on your side rib and flaunted in crop tops.

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This design is called a Fisherman’s Cross and is designed as a daily reminder to go forth boldly and tell others of the kingdom of God as Jesus told Simon (Peter), “Go and proclaim the kingdom of God”.

9. Virgin Mary Tattoo

Image: Instagram @docktattoonyiregyhaza

The Virgin Marywas popular among seafarers as a symbol of protection and the life left behind. She is the mother of Jesus Christ and symbolizes hope and comfort in troubled times. This is a hyper-realistic tattoo of the Virgin Mary on the sleeves with a dove below the profile. It is suitable for lighter skin tones.

10. Cross Tattoo On The Thumb

Image: Instagram

Not every tattoo design has to be big. This simple cross tattoo done in black ink under the thumb looks dainty and expresses your love for humanity and religion.

11. Winged Cross Tattoo On The Back

Image: Instagram @hna.tattoos

This winged cross on the upper back is the ideal example of a retro-traditional shaded tattoo. The wings depict freedom. The ornate cross at the center has a spiral ribbon wound around it. The cross falls in perfect symmetry with your spine, and the open wings with vivid mild shading cover your shoulder blades.

12. Jesus Crown Of Thorns Tattoo

Image: Instagram @ltc_owensboro

The thorn crown is used to represent the crucifixion and the sacrifice of Jesus. It was one of the instruments of the Passion and was used by his captors to inflict pain and ridicule his claim of authority. This tattoo shows the side profile of Jesus wearing the thorn crown with the backdrop of a cross. It will look good on your biceps.

13. Cross Tattoo Behind The Ear

Image: Instagram

If you are a miniature tattoo lover, you will love this cross tattoo at the back of your ear. Team it with ear cuffs, and you are good to go.

14. Jesus Portrait Tattoo

Image: Instagram

You will need a seasoned artist who specializes in portrait tattoos to get this one done. The biceps are the best places to get inked if you have a lower pain threshold. The delicate shade work and outlines in black can make this tattoo look perfect on every skin tone.

15. Bible Verse Tattoo

Image: Instagram @mrhats_tattoo

The Holy Bible has been the savior for many people looking for hope in times of distress. Some prefer inking their favorite verse on their skin to derive comfort and strength. This realistic tattoo of a Bible opened to a psalm with a rosary kept on it looks perfect on the forearm. The black outline and gray shading make the tattoo ideal for every skin tone.

16. Abstract Jesus Tattoo

Abstract Jesus tattoo
Image: Instagram @coffeetattooxvi

This wonderful cross design is an example of abstract art, where bold dots and strokes make a cross. The placement of the tattoo on the upper back makes it easy to flaunt in low neck and off-shoulder dresses.

17. Celtic Cross Tattoo

Image: Instagram

Celtic tattoos are known for their knots and circles. This cross sword design with intricate lines and shade work is the perfect tattoo to flaunt on your bicep. The psalm and verse under the tattoo lend it a religious touch.

18. Colorful Cross Tattoo

Image: Instagram @nefytattoos

This cross made with curved lines over a background of spilled watercolors looks good on your forearm. The tint of bright colors makes it perfect for lighter skin tones.

19. Cross And Crown Tattoo

Image: Instagram

Crown tattoos symbolize power, guidance, graciousness, permanence, faith, and luck. Combining a crown with a cross highlights your religious values. This tattoo with thin lines and delicate shading looks good on your bicep.

20. Floral Jesus Tattoo

Image: Instagram

This unique tattoo with red-shaded chrysanthemums covering a simple lined cross and dates is usually done in remembrance of a loved one. This design looks best on the upper arm.

21. Jesus Band Tattoo

Image: Instagram @mr.sonofgod

Band tattoos are simple yet eye-catching. Cross designs are homogenous and can be easily coupled with different designs to look unique. This black band with a cross at the center gives the design a bold and interesting twist. This tattoo fits the bulge of your arm perfectly and looks good on every skin tone.

22. Jesus Anchor Tattoo

Image: Instagram

The anchor represents hope, security, and stability. This tattoo that says, “Jesus you are my anchor,” symbolizes that Christ is the anchor that keeps you from straying on the wrong path and helps you stay grounded. You can get this tattoo done on the forearm or bicep.

23. Cross Tattoo At The Back Of Your Neck

Image: Instagram @inkedbysj

This simple black cross at the back of your neck is unassuming and elegant. The black ink makes it suitable for every skin tone.

24. Egyptian Cross Tattoo

Image: Instagram

The ankh is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol used to represent the word for “life.” The ankh has a cross shape with an oval loop instead of the upper bar.  You can get this tattoo done on the wrist, shoulder, or back of your neck.

25. Snake On A Cross Tattoo

Image: Instagram

A snake usually portrays evil and sin as well as reincarnation. In combination with the holy cross, it fights the evil forces and portrays your battles with life. This dark shaded tattoo of a snake coiling against the cross with an inverted black rose gives has a gothic look. The placement of the tattoo on the middle of the neck reflects your bold personality.

26. Cross Tattoo With Name

Image: Instagram @needleart_tattoos

If you are a fan of ancient art and shaded designs, this cross tattoo with a name written is what you can opt for. The beautiful shade work and curved leaf designs decorating the cross add to the elegance of the tattoo. You could get either your name or the name of a loved one written.

27. Traditional Jesus Tattoo

Image: Instagram @cardinali_tattooist

If you are a fan of the traditional art form, this lined Jesus tattoo is ideal for you. The black ink makes this tattoo look prominent and perfect to be flaunted in sleeveless tops.

28. Cross Script Tattoo

Image: Instagram @loutat2

If you are looking for unique designs, you might like this one. This tattoo features a quote written in a cursive font, in the form of a cross. You can get your favorite psalm or verse from the Bible inked. You can get this tattoo done on your arm or shoulder and flaunt it in sleeveless tops.

29. Sacred Heart Of Jesus Tattoo

Image: Instagram @manuponxtattoo

The sacred heart of Jesus is considered auspicious among the Christian community. The traditional black-bordered Jesus with gray-shaded filling is the perfect tattoo to be worn on your forearm. The dark shading allows it to look good on every skin tone.

30. Cross Tattoo On The Side Abdomen

Image: Instagram

If you are experimenting with new places to get inked, this side abdomen cross tattoo is the ideal choice for you. The bold yet simple cross on your side rib can be flaunted beautifully in bodysuits and beachwear. The black ink suits all skin tones.

31. Strength Cross Tattoo

Image: Instagram

This unique tattoo of a bold cross in black ink with strength written to complete one bar of the cross is eye-catching. It is the ideal tattoo to depict your faith. The dark ink makes it perfect for all skin tones.

32. Rose Jesus Tattoo

Image: Instagram @loutat2

This crucifixion tattoo along with roses adorning it depicts resurrection. If you want to exhibit your love for Christ, this forearm tattoo is a good choice.

33. Jesus Crucifixion Tattoo

Image: Instagram

If you want to go for a traditional and bold design, opt for this cross tattoo with Jesus crucified on it. This design covers your forearm at length, and the intensive shade work makes it look stunning. Make sure you get a seasoned artist to do this tattoo.

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David Beckham, Justin Bieber, and Chris Brown have Christ tattoos on their bodies.

34. Jesus Lion Tattoo

A guy with a Jesus lion tattoo on his arm
Image: Created with DALL·E

The Jesus Lion stands out as a powerful statement, a fusion of two icons: the majestic lion, king of the jungle, and Jesus Christ, the embodiment of divine love and guidance. Think of it as etching a story onto your skin, a reminder that even when darkness prevails, you have the courage of a lion and the unwavering love of Jesus as your compass. The lion is a protector. Just like Jesus watches over his flock, the lion safeguards its pride. This tattoo becomes a visual representation of that unwavering protection, a constant reminder that you are never alone in the face of challenges.
This tattoo is a conversation starter, an invitation to share your personal story of how Jesus has become your guiding light.

Jazz, a public health student at the University of Florida and blogger, talks about her personal experience of getting her first Jesus tattoo in a blog post. She expresses her contentment with the tattoo, stating, “For those of you who know me well know that I am a firm believer in the Lord Jesus Christ whom I do my best to serve and honor. The tattoo that I ended up getting reflects that greatly and I couldn’t be happier (i).” Her tattoo is a representation of her core belief in Christ the Savior and her conscious efforts to avoid conformity, which made getting the tattoo one of the greatest experiences of her life.

Infographic: 8 Meaningful Jesus Christ Tattoos

Christian tattoos are quite trendy these days. Apart from the face of Jesus Chrsit, people are getting important symbols of Christinaty inked on them. If you are looking for unique designs, you have come to the right place. We have rounded up 8 Jesus Christ tattoos with profound meaning in the infographic below. Scroll down to know more!

8 meaningful jesus christ tattoos (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Tattoos are an incredible way of expressing your thoughts, personality, and beliefs. These Jesus tattoo designs hold spiritual meaning and can help you unveil your love. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist cross illustration or an intricate portrait, there’s something for everyone here. We recommend approaching a seasoned expert if you want to get a bold or a complicated design. It’s fun to get a tattoo, but keep your inked skin safe by cleaning it regularly. Take some precautions before and after getting a tattoo to speed up the healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about tattoos?

The New Testament doesn’t mention anything about tattoos, but the writers of Hebrew bible forbid tattoo, cuts, or marks on skin.

Can Christians have tattoos?

Some Christians who uphold the Hebrew prohibition with regards to marks or cuts on your flesh, may stay away from tattoos.

Is a rosary tattoo disrespectful?

No, it is considered as a sign of faith and belief in Christianity.

Key Takeaways

  • Christ tattoos are trending nowadays. They can beautifully capture a person’s faith in Jesus in the form of body art.
  • Christ tattoos include symbols that are significant in Christianity such as the cross of Jesus and rosaries.
  • Some common areas of the body to get Christ tattoos include the arms, back, neck, fingers, abdomen, thighs, and calves.


A Jesus Christ tattoo is a meaningful way to express faith and devotion. Check this video and explore the features of the tattoo, its symbolism, and the impact it can have.

Personal Experience: Source

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