29 Inspirational Hebrew Tattoo Designs With Meanings

The craze for Hebrew tattoo designs never ceases, and through the decades, they have inspired people worldwide to get inked. Hebrew has a distinctive script and language, which will attract you to look at it even if you don’t understand it. The unconventional lettering, designs, and motifs can make heads turn, and the archaic language carries deep symbolism.

The Hebrew letters and symbols are famous among tattoo enthusiasts who cover their bodies in the art. It’s a mystery how Hebrew tattoos got popular, considering Jewish laws prohibit tattoos altogether! However, we can’t deny how gorgeous it looks when etched on the skin. The popularity of Hebrew is probably due to the Kabbalah Movement. It even has foundations in mythical and religious interpretations. Kabbalah was popularized by celebrities like Britney Spears, Madonna, Elizabeth Taylor, and Paris Hilton.

The fad was created by Victoria Beckham and David, who got matching couple tattoos with the Bible verse, “I am for my beloved, and my beloved is for me who shepherds among the lilies,” in Hebrew. Of course, this made people work on Christian Hebrew tattoos. If you are highly impressed by Hebrew tattoos and can’t wait to get your inking appointment, make sure you gather information on what verse you want to get inked.

Fun Fact

One Direction member Harry Styles has his sister’s name Gemma tattooed in Hebrew on his shoulder. Additionally, Jordin Sparks, a former American Idol contestant, has Hebrew writing on her back that purportedly reads, “If I am not myself, then who will be me?”

Inspirational Hebrew Tattoo Designs

Whether you are looking for a meaningful tattoo or a follower of Judaism, below are plenty of inspiring Hebrew tattoos to choose from.

1. Hebrew Words Tattoo

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Romi Regev (@romex_tattoo)

If you are looking for a unique way to show your curious nature, you can get the word tattooed in Hebrew. Getting “curiosity” tattooed on your wrist can symbolize your hunger and desire to learn, which is exemplified when you get the word tattooed in an ancient script. It shows your continuous need for knowledge, exploration, and discovery.

2. Child Of God In Hebrew Tattoo

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Manda M Tang (@manda__tang)

In Judaism, every person who follows the faith and has let the higher power into their lives one way or the other is a “Child of God”. This tattoo shows your devotion, undying belief in God, the stability that comes from your beliefs, and the power of self-love. This tattoo can give you the strength to face difficult times and shine in the aftermath.

3. Chai Hebrew Tattoo

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TRËVON WOLFSTEIN (@creativewolftattoo)

“Chai” is the Hebrew word for “life” and an important part of Jewish culture and celebrations. During Jewish celebrations, people often toast “L’Chaim!” meaning “To Life!” in anticipation of good things and a bright future. Since every Hebrew letter has a numerical equivalent, some people also choose to get the more cryptic “18” tattooed as it is the numerical equivalent of “chai”.

4. Never Again Hebrew Tattoo

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jenn Louis (@jennlouis)

The memory of the Holocaust continues to haunt the world, and more so the Jewish community. Hence, members of the Jewish community use the phrase “Never Again” as a vow to not let the tragedy recur to the Jews or any other community of the world. It is a reminder of the darkness that had once overtaken the world and a promise to never let it return.

5. This Too Shall Pass Hebrew Tattoo

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Houston tattoo (@houston_tattoo_oto)

The phrase “This too shall pass” is taken from an ancient Jewish folktale about King Solomon. Once the King was depressed and assembled all his wise men to find a cure. After their long period of meditation, they advised the ruler to wear a ring engraved with the phrase “this too shall pass” and never take it off. Solomon carried out their advice and whenever he felt sad, he looked at the ring to uplift his mood. This tattoo can act as your version of the ring that you can carry with you always, without the risk of losing it.

6. Shalom Tattoo

The word shalom in traditional Hebrew means ‘peace.’ It was traditionally used as a salutation by Jewish people. A shalom tattoo carries with it the implication of completeness, wholeness, tranquillity, or permanence.

7. Hamsa Tattoo

The hamsa has a unique design and holds deep spiritual meaning. If you are looking to make a powerful fashion statement, a hamsa tattoo might just be the right choice for you. You can flaunt a full-size hamsa tattoo on your back or a small and pretty one on your ankle also showcase your belief in spirituality.

8. Christian Hebrew Tattoo

Hebrew is commonly referred to as the Holy Language. It is no surprise that it is a popular choice of language for people who like to get Christian tattoos. Popular Christian Hebrew tattoos include scriptures and phrases such as Hallelujah, Adonai, and Adonai Elohim. The tattoo pictured above reads “God sees me” in Hebrew.

9. Hebrew Love Tattoos

Tired of the mundane romantic phrases? Declare your love with a tattoo in Hebrew. Hebrew love tattoo designs are immensely popular among youngsters. The language has phrases that can help you profess your love in the most meaningful and succinct way. Popular love phrases in Hebrew include:

• מילים לא יכולות לתאר את האהבה שלי אלייך(Milim lo yekholot letaer et ha`ahava sheli elekha): Words can’t describe my love for you.
• נועדנו להיות יחד(Noadnu lihiyot yakhad): We were meant to be together.
• מאה לבבות יהיו מעט מדי כדי להכיל את כל האהבה שלי אלייך(Mea levavot ihiyu meat midai kdei lehakhil et kol ha`ahava sheli elaikh ): A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.
• אהבה היא פשוט אהבה. היא אף פעם לא מוסברת(Ahava hi pashut ahava. hi af pa-am lo musberet): Love is just love, it can never be explained.

10. Ancient Hebrew Tattoos

Ancient Hebrew patterns make wonderful tattoos. A bold, full-sized ancient Hebrew tattoo down your back can be a classy way to sport some ink.

11. Religious Hebrew Tattoo

If you like the idea of flaunting a spiritual tattoo, something that is symbolic of your identity traditions, religion, and faith, a tattoo that reads ‘God is gracious’ can serve as a positive and permanent reminder. This tattoo is perfect for sporting on your forearm.

12. Faith Hebrew Tattoo

Faith – translated as emunah in Hebrew – holds different meanings for different people. Having this simple word tattooed on your bicep can help render powerful thoughts. If you are looking for something simple yet meaningful, the word ‘faith’ etched in Hebrew can make for a great design.

13. Family Hebrew Tattoo

Family can hold a very special meaning to some people. If you are looking for a tattoo that is symbolic of your bond with your family, a Hebrew tattoo representing your family would be the nicest way to honor and celebrate them. If other people in your family are game, you can also get matching or coordinated Hebrew family tattoos.

14. Hebrew Calligraphy Tattoo

If fancy penmanship is your style, a Hebrew calligraphy tattoo is the way to go! Hebrew calligraphy tattoosinvolve intricate lettering and can look very delicate and classy. This unique design features a Hebrew phrase written in calligraphy to create the shape of a heart

15. Hebrew Lettering Tattoo

While patterns and designs in Hebrew make for great tattoos, tattoos with Hebrew lettering can also look artsy and sophisticated. This Hebrew tattoo says, “Why try to fit in when you were born to stand out.”

16. Hebrew Bible Verse Tattoo

A Hebrew Bible verse tattoo can be a cool reminder of your faith. Get your favorite Bible verse inked in Hebrew and spread the message of love, faith, and encouragement to the people around you. This tattoo reads, “Let there be light.”

Sara Foley, a blogger, got an actual phrase from the Torah (compilation of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible), ‘Tikkun Olam’ inked on her body. The tattoo meant ‘Repair the World’ and she had always been drawn to the phrase since she heard it in her second grade. In her blog, she mentioned “Giving compassion, having compassion, and valuing life have always been the aspects of Judaism that resonate with me the most. I feel that “Tikkun Olam” is a culmination of these values, and I’m happy to have the phrase on my body (i).”

17. Hebrew Tribal Tattoo

Hebrew tribal tattoos look timeless and enhance your beauty. Some of them feature bold patterns and can be quite eye-catching. If you are looking to make a striking statement with your body art, a Hebrew tribal tattoo done in an interesting shape – like this ring-shaped piece – is perfect for you.

18. Hebrew Back Tattoo

Back tattoos can be incredibly versatile. You can go for either an expansive canvas design on your upper back or something small on your lower back if you want a more erotic appeal.

19. Geometric Hebrew Scripture Tattoo

If you have a personal preference for symmetry and precision, geometric Hebrew tattoos can be a great choice for you. The thing about geometric tattoos is that you need to get them done by a highly skilled tattoo artist. If the shapes and lines of a geometric tattoo don’t align perfectly, your design can look sloppy.

20. Hebrew Sleeve Tattoo

Hebrew sleeve tattoos cover the arm and can be a fantastic choice for tattoo enthusiasts who love to make a bold statement. If you are opting for a sleeve tattoo in Hebrew, remember that your design is most likely going to be elaborate. So, make sure that you pick a design that holds special significance or importance to you.

21. Hebrew Quote Tattoo

Inspirational Hebrew tattoos with featuring quotes are perfect if you are looking for something quirky. Pick a quote that commemorates something memorable in your life, a life lesson that appealed to you, or an expression of the state of your mind. This Hebrew quote reads, “Exhale the past, inhale the future.”

22. Hebrew Shoulder Tattoo

Shoulder tattoos look extremely attractive and add oodles of appeal to your personality. The best thing about getting a Hebrew tattoo on your shoulder is that while it is quite conspicuous, it can also be concealed easily. This tattoo says, “Don’t look back, don’t stop.”

23. Hebrew Wrist Tattoo

A Hebrew wrist tattoo done with black ink can look subtly stylish. Blackwork is beguilingly beautiful and sure to capture eyes when paired with an intricate and delicate design. This Hebrew tattoo says, “Just remember to appreciate.”

24. Faith Hebrew Tattoo

Tattoos don’t always need to be elaborate. A simple word like ‘faith’ written in Hebrew can lend incredible style. The forearm is a good place to get a Hebrew tattoo inked if you would like to display your tattoo to the world.

25. Hebrew Phrase Tattoo

Having a catchy Hebrew phrase inked on your body is a permanent way to give yourself a dose of motivation. Choose a delicate font or an exquisite lettering style to make your Hebrew phrase tattoo stand out. This inspirational tattoo reads, “Everything goes wrong for the better.”

26. Hebrew Anchor Tattoo

The Hebrew anchor is a favorite among tattoo enthusiasts. This tattoo is symbolic of hope and steadfastness. If you are opting to get a Hebrew anchor tattoo, have your tattoo artist add a splash of color to make it stand out.

27. Kabbalah Tattoo

Kabbalah tattoos have a charm of their own. Most Kabbalah tattoos feature intricate designs and a melange of shapes and styles. If you want to make a powerful statement with your body art, opt for this ‘Tree of Life’ Kabbalah tattoo.

Fun Fact

Singer Madonna sports a Tree of Kabbalah-inspired tattoo on her body. It has 10 circles (symbolizing the archetypes) connected by 22 lines.

28. Yahweh Tattoo

A “Yahweh” tattoo is often associated with reverence and devotion. It can be a deeply spiritual choice, as it represents the sacred name of God in the Hebrew Bible. You can choose to get this tattoo on your forearm or your wrist.

29. Holly Tree Tattoo

A “Holly Tree” tattoo symbolizes protection and goodwill. In Hebrew tradition, the holly tree is seen as a source of blessing and positive energy, making it a meaningful and aesthetically pleasing choice for a tattoo. You can keep it colorful or just get the outline of the tree.

As you can see, Hebrew tattoos not only look stylish but also hold a ton of deep meaning. Getting a Hebrew tattoo could be a way to wear one’s Jewish identity on their sleeves. Let’s understand the cultural significance of such tattoos in the next section.

Cultural Significance Of Hebrew Tattoos

Hebrew tattoos have a deep cultural and historical symbolism. They are often inspired by the Jewish scriptures and Bible and are based around Kabbalistic themes, which may reflect one’s spiritual journey. These tattoos showcase symbols that signify divine wisdom and have spiritual connotations of Jewish mysticism. They represent the Jewish legacy and are a way to pay tribute to the tribe. These tattoos could be a way to spread greater awareness about Jewish traditions and religious practices if approached thoughtfully.

If you would like to design a Hebrew tattoo for yourself, check out the next section for a few popular symbols that you can use.

Popular Hebrew Symbols And Their Meanings

The Hebrew alphabet, Biblical symbols, and words such as faith, love, courage, and life are some of the most popular Hebrew tattoo designs. The difficulty with getting a Hebrew tattoo is that if you are not well-versed in the language, you can end up getting a misspelled tattoo or a tattoo that has a wrong meaning altogether. Therefore, it will do you some good to familiarize yourself with some of the basic Hebrew letters and their meanings before you take the plunge. Some of the most popular symbols or lettering in Hebrew and their meanings have been described below:

• Anchor: Anchor tattoos are among the most popular Hebrew tattoo trends. The symbol is inspired by the Bible verse, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” People get this tattoo as a symbol of their Christian faith.
• Hamsa: Hamsa is a palm-shaped symbol that denotes the hand of God or the hand of Miriam. It conveys good luck, health, and fortune, and is said to ward off evil. A lot of people like to combine the Hamsa with other floral symbols or short Hebrew prayers.
• Infinity: The infinity tattoo signifies endless possibilities.
• Tree: The tree tattoo symbolizes strength, wisdom, and confidence.
• Star Of David: The Star of David tattoo represents Judaism, the connection between God, Israelites, Torah, and divine protection.

Infographic: Simple Hebrew Tattoo Designs With Meanings

Hebrew tattoo designs are true works of art! Not only are they thoughtful and beautiful, but they have a touch of Hebrewic culture in them as you must have noticed above. We’d like to highlight a few special designs that are simple but have extraordinary meanings behind them.

Scroll down to check out the infographic below that consists of some easy-to-create simple Hebrew tattoo designs.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a sin to get a tattoo in Hebrew?

The traditional Hebrew practice prohibits getting permanent tattoos. However, in recent years, many Jewish communities have incorporated getting tattoos in their ritualistic ceremonies as a way to honor the sacred cultural symbols.

What are some common Hebrew phrases or words used in tattoos?

Hebrew phrases like “Child of God”, “Never Again”, “Peace”, “Curiosity”, “Faith”, “This too shall pass”, “God sees me”, ‘Love is just love”, “It can never be explained”, “God is gracious”, are some of the most popular ones among tattoo enthusiasts.

Does Harry Styles have a Hebrew tattoo?

Yes. Harry Styles has a Hebrew tattoo on his shoulder that spells Gemma – his older sister’s name.

What is the Hebrew tattoo on Steph Curry’s arm?

Steph Curry has two Hebrew tattoos on his wrists. On the side of his left wrist, he has his surname spelled in Hebrew. On his right inner wrist, he has the phrase “love never fails” from the New Testament, written in Hebrew.

What is the Hebrew life symbol?

The Hebrew life symbol is called the “Chai”, which is pronounced “high” or “hi”.

What are the Hebrew letters on Regina King’s arm?

Her arm tattoo has a phrase that says “unconditional love” in Hebrew.

What is the most famous Hebrew symbol?

The Star of David is one of the most famous Hebrew symbols that represents Jewish faith and identity.

Get inspired by the unique and meaningful Hebrew tattoo designs, perfect for expressing your faith featured in the video below. Check it out!

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Brik RangelTattoo Artist

     

Brik Rangel is a highly skilled tattoo artist who has 12 years of experience in the field. She specializes in transformative tattoo makeovers and cover-ups. After honing her craft in São Paulo, Brazil, she now works as a tattoo artist and manager at Manhattan Tattoos in New York, and as a tattoo artist at Divine Tattoos in New Jersey.

Read full bio of Brik Rangel

Nisha BaghadiaContributor

 

Nisha is a contributor to StyleCraze and has 3 years of experience in content writing for different genres. She is a makeup aficionado and combines her love for makeup and writing to provide her readers with the latest information in the beauty world.

Read full bio of Nisha Baghadia

Shatabdi BhattacharyaAssociate Editor

Shatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.

Read full bio of Shatabdi Bhattacharya

Shreya MukherjeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as a writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi, as an intern. She then wrote for a progressive content website.

Read full bio of Shreya Mukherjee