Jesus with a Tattoo on His Thigh
The image of Jesus returning in glory, as depicted in the book of Revelation, is an awe-inspiring depiction of our King coming to save his people as promised. Among the many striking details in John’s apocalyptic vision is the statement in Revelation 19:16: “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” This phrase has prompted discussion regarding whether Jesus is described as having a literal tattoo on his thigh. This article will examine the biblical, historical, and theological context of this passage, address the symbolism of the mark on Jesus’ thigh, and consider whether this text supports the idea of Jesus having a tattoo, either in the past or at his second coming.
The Context of Revelation 19:16
The book of Revelation is a highly symbolic and visionary text, written by the apostle John while exiled on the island of Patmos. Its genre is apocalyptic literature, which is characterized by vivid imagery, metaphor, and symbolism. In Revelation 19, John describes the triumphant return of Jesus as a conquering king: “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God” (Revelation 19:11-13).
It is in this context that John writes, “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). The passage is filled with symbolic language: eyes like fire, a blood-soaked robe, a [sword coming from the mouth](/return-of-the-king/jesus-with-a sword-in-mouth), and a mysterious name. The question arises: is the mark on Jesus’ thigh a literal tattoo, or is it part of the symbolic tapestry of John’s vision?
The Old Testament Background: Tattoos and Jewish Law
To understand the significance of a mark on Jesus’ thigh, it is important to consider the Old Testament background regarding tattoos and bodily markings. Leviticus 19:28 states, “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” This prohibition was part of the Mosaic Law given to Israel, distinguishing them from surrounding pagan nations who practiced ritualistic body markings.
Jesus, as a Jew living under the Mosaic Law, was “born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law” (Galatians 4:4-5). He declared, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). Jesus would not have violated the law by receiving a tattoo or any forbidden bodily marking during his earthly ministry. This is a crucial point: the Jesus of history, as described in the Gospels, would not have had a tattoo, as this would have been a violation of the law he came to fulfill.
Symbolism in Revelation: Literal or Figurative?
The book of Revelation is full of symbolic imagery. For example, in the same passage as the mark on Jesus’ thigh, John describes Jesus’ eyes as “like a flame of fire” (Revelation 19:12), his robe as “dipped in blood” (verse 13), and a “sharp sword” coming from his mouth (verse 15). These are symbolic representations of Jesus’ authority, judgment, and victory.
The phrase “on his robe and on his thigh he has a name written” (Revelation 19:16) should be understood in this symbolic context. The Greek construction of the phrase suggests that the name is written in a way that it is visible on both the robe and the thigh area, likely because the robe drapes over the thigh as Jesus rides the horse. In the ancient world, it was common for kings and warriors to have their titles or honors inscribed on their garments or weapons, especially in places that would be visible in battle or procession.
Ancient Customs
In the Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds, garments often bore inscriptions or decorations indicating rank or honor. A king or noble might have his title woven into the hem or side of his robe, or engraved on the scabbard of his sword, which would hang at the thigh. The mention of the name being written “on his robe and on his thigh” could refer to an inscription on the part of the robe that covers the thigh, or on a sash or scabbard at the thigh level. This would be a visible declaration of Jesus’ supreme authority as “King of kings and Lord of lords” as he rides forth in victory.
Why Is Revelation 19:16 on His Thigh?
The placement on the thigh is significant. In biblical symbolism, the thigh is associated with strength and authority. In Genesis 24:2, Abraham makes his servant swear an oath by placing his hand under Abraham’s thigh, a gesture signifying solemnity and authority. The thigh, as the place where a warrior’s sword would rest, is also a symbol of power and readiness for battle (Psalm 45:3).
By placing the title “King of kings and Lord of lords” on the robe at the thigh, the vision emphasizes Jesus’ authority and readiness to judge and rule. It is not a reference to a tattoo, but to a visible, royal proclamation of his identity as the supreme ruler.
Will Jesus Have a Tattoo on His Thigh When He Comes Back?
Given the symbolic nature of the passage and the Old Testament prohibition against tattoos, it is highly unlikely that Revelation 19:16 is describing a literal tattoo on Jesus’ thigh. Rather, the vision communicates, in the language of apocalyptic symbolism, the majesty and authority of Jesus as the returning king. The inscription is a visible declaration of his identity, not a bodily marking in the modern sense of a tattoo.
The purpose of the vision is not to provide a literal description of Jesus’ physical appearance. It is to convey theological truths about his victory, authority, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The sword from his mouth, the eyes of fire, and the blood-soaked robe are all symbolic elements, not literal features.
The Mark on Jesus’ Thigh: Meaning and Application
The mark on Jesus’ thigh in Revelation 19:16 is best understood as a symbolic representation of his royal authority and victory. It is a visible proclamation to all creation that Jesus is the supreme ruler, the one to whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess (Philippians 2:10-11). The imagery draws on ancient customs of inscribing titles on garments or weapons, and on biblical symbolism associating the thigh with strength and authority.
This interpretation is consistent with the broader message of Revelation, which uses vivid imagery to communicate spiritual realities. It also aligns with the teaching of the rest of scripture, which affirms Jesus’ fulfillment of the law and his identity as the righteous king.
Conclusion - Jesus with a Tattoo on His Thigh
In summary, the mark on Jesus’ thigh in Revelation 19:16 is not a literal tattoo, but a symbolic declaration of his authority as “King of kings and Lord of lords.” The passage draws on ancient customs and biblical symbolism to communicate the majesty and victory of Jesus at his return. The vision is to proclaim his identity and authority in vivid, memorable imagery. It does not support the idea that Jesus had, or will have, a tattoo on his thigh. Rather, it calls all of us to recognize and submit to the authority of the risen and returning king.