For millions of people around the world, their faith serves as a foundation upon which every aspect of life is built. Family, relationships, and the minutiae of daily life are all understood through the lens of religion – body art is no exception. Adding religious tattoos to your personal collection is the perfect way to commemorate your relationship with God and show the world how important your faith is.
Many people choose to get their religious tattoo ideas placed over their heart, adding to the significance of the piece. However, these devotional pieces work equally as well on just about any part of the body, from the bicep to the ankle. If you’ve ever felt compelled to dedicate a bit of skin to the Almighty, you’ll find all the inspiration you need in this collection of religious ink.
1. Religious Quote Tattoo
It’s not just the bible that provides inspiring words to the faithful. Religious quote tattoos can draw upon phrases spoken by popes, preachers, and prophets to show the world that your personal faith is first and foremost in your life.
2. Bible Verse Tattoo
When it comes to religious tattoo ideas, there is no shortage of material to draw from. This is especially true of bible verse tattoos. Whether you prefer the hardline character of the Old Testament or the “turn the other cheek” enlightenment of the New Testament, there is sure to be a passage from this sacred text suited to your lifestyle.
3. Religious Lion Tattoo
The lion is a powerful symbol that has worked its way into faiths and cultures around the world, thanks to its noble and fierce character. When it comes to religious lion tattoos, these impressive creatures can be successfully reproduced in a number of different styles, from black and gray realism to full color American traditional.
4. Religious Angel Tattoo
There are few images that are as equally versatile and unmistakably religious as the angel. From photo-realistic depictions of archangels clad in armor brandishing a holy sword to abstract renderings that take a more subtle approach, there is a religious angel tattoo out there for every devoted man.
5. Small Religious Tattoo
Just because a tattoo isn’t sprawled across your entire back doesn’t mean it isn’t significant. In fact, sometimes the most important ink needs just a little bit of space to convey a powerful meaning. If you’d rather your ink take a more subtle approach, small tattoos might be just what you’re looking for.
6. Jesus Christ Tattoo
J.C. himself. If you’re a man of faith, it’s more than likely that the teachings of Jesus Christ have moved you. From the immaculate conception to running the money changers out of the temple, the story of the Son of God is full of lessons and parables that are as applicable today as they were a thousand years ago. If you want to show off your personal relationship with God, Jesus Christ tattoos might be the perfect choice.
7. Virgin Mary Tattoo
Known as the immaculate conception, the story of Mary demonstrates absolute trust and devotion to the Almighty. The mother of the world, for millions of people around the globe, Mary is a nurturing figure that provides comfort in the most troubling of times, and if this holy mother has played an important role in your faith, you should consider Virgin Mary tattoos.
8. Cross Tattoo
An unmistakable symbol that instantly tells everyone you meet that you are a man who takes his faith seriously, cross tattoos can be applied in various styles and approaches. From realistic depictions of Christ crucified to more stylized interpretations that let an artist flex their creative muscles, these devotional designs are an excellent choice for the religious man.
9. Rosary Tattoo
For anyone that spent time in Catholic school, there is no mistaking the importance of these sacred beads. While they can be applied in a variety of styles, Rosary tattoos are particularly appealing in fine line black and gray, allowing the string and beads to be the center of attention without the distraction of flashy color.
10. Praying Hands Tattoo
A religious tattoo idea that has become increasingly popular over the last ten years, praying hands tattoos are most often applied in photo-realistic black and gray ink. Whether it’s on your forearm, chest, or your neck, there is no mistaking the devotion behind this clean design.
11. Only God Can Judge Me Tattoo
Sometimes a tattoo is best served straight up. If you’re a man unconcerned with most people’s opinions and live your life according to the Almighty, “only God can judge me tattoos” might be the perfect way to show the world where your priorities are.
12. Our Lady Of Guadalupe Tattoo
Born out of a series of holy apparitions in 1531, the Virgin of Guadalupe has become a prominent devotional figure in Catholicism, particularly important in Latino communities. If the vibrant colors that are most often used to depict the Mother of God appeal to your style and faith, Our Lady of Guadalupe tattoos are a perfect choice.
13. Mary and Baby Jesus Tattoo
We’re all familiar with the story of the birth of Christ. However, far from simply being a Christmas tradition, this religious story marks the beginning of the Christian tradition that continues to provide meaning to millions of people worldwide. If you want your ink to show of this profound origin story, Mary and baby Jesus tattoos are worth considering.
14. Orthodox Crucifixion Tattoo
A slightly different representation of this powerful Christian symbol, the cross that is depicted in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, holds the same profound meaning as it does in other sects. Orthodox crucifixion tattoos might be the perfect choice if you have roots in Eastern Europe and want to show off your faith.
15. Religious Compass Tattoo
For many people, their faith is a guiding light. It provides direction in uncertain times and solace during life’s hardships. So, it makes sense that incorporating another tool for wayfinding into a devotional design can make for some meaningful ink. If you find yourself letting “Jesus take the wheel,” you might want to consider religious compass tattoos for your next visit to the studio.
16. Religious Tattoo Forearm
The lower arm has been a popular canvas for ink for decades, thanks to the prominence of the placement as well as the ability to easily cover it during settings where showing off ink isn’t appropriate. If you want ink dedicated to your faith but still don’t want to catch sideways looks at Sunday service, a religious tattoo forearm might be the perfect compromise.
17. Religious Sleeve Tattoo
For some folks, the power of their faith cannot be accurately captured on a small scale. A big canvas that is full of natural lines, if you want to dedicate a bit more flesh to show off the outsized role that God plays in your life, religious sleeve tattoos might be the only way to go.
18. Religious Hand Tattoo
If you wear your faith on your sleeve and aren’t scared, who knows it, religious hand tattoos might be a perfect choice. While they were once known as “job killers” and most likely to be found on convicts and bikers, as attitudes change about tattoos, a bit of ink below the cuff doesn’t hold the stigma it once did.
19. Religious Chest Tattoo
One of the biggest canvases on the body, the chest is perfectly suited for large designs that make use of this space. However, this isn’t to say that religious chest tattoos have to be massive pieces that sprawl across your torso. In fact, a bit of script placed directly above the heart can make for some appealing ink that conveys the importance of faith in your life.
20. Religious Elbow Tattoo
A canvas that has become increasingly popular in the last few decades, the elbow is perfect for designs that utilize the unique lines of this joint. From a crown of thorns encircling the bend of the arm to a cross strategically placed on the joint, religious elbow tattoos make for some unique and eye-catching designs.
Religious Tattoo FAQ:
What does a religious tattoo symbolize?
The specific meaning behind any tattoos is personal, so even two people with similar designs might have completely different personal interpretations of the image. That being said, religious tattoos are most commonly used to express the wearer’s faith, devotion and respect for a religious tradition.
Where to get a religious tattoo?
Religious tattoos can be successfully applied on any number of canvases on the body; it really depends on your personal preference. From a bible verse placed over the heart, to a pair of hands folded in prayer and applied in black and gray fine line work on the neck, your sensibilities and lifestyle only limit the placement of your ink.