On Saturday, Justin Bieber posted a photo of himself on Instagram which sent his fans into a frenzy. In the picture, a tiny black cross can be seen above next to his right eye. The 22-year-old "What do You Mean" singer's latest ink has many asking the same question.
Bieber had told GQ magazine earlier this year that he planned to get a face tattoo one day but not until he was a lot older. The singer hasn't yet commented on this new body art. However, Jonathan 'JonBoy' Valena, the tattooist who gave Bieber the tattoo, told E!: "It was a representation of his faith in Jesus and his journey with finding purpose in God."
This latest piece of body art isn't a first for Bieber in terms of ink or symbolism, he has around 50 tattoos already, a number of which refer to his faith. As he reveals his latest faith related tattoo, we chart his other tattoos which are symbolic of his beliefs.
1. The cross in the centre of his chest
Justin got this in the year that he was arrested for a DUI. It's one of the largest tattoos he has which represents his beliefs.
2. The word "believe" on his left lower arm
Bieber got this when he was promoting his album of the same name. It's most obviously symbolic of his music but it's also a reference to how he sees himself as a believer.
3. The Hebrew writing on the left side of his torso
Bieber and his dad both have this tattoo, Yeshua, the Hebrew word for Jesus.
4. The guardian angel on his left hand
This has long been the subject of a lot of speculation as the image bares a lot of resemblance to Bieber's ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez. Bieber has admitted that it was inspired by her. Regardless, the winged design is clearly a representation of a guardian angel.
5. The seagull on his lower navel
The seagull is most overtly a reference to Richard Bach's novel, Jonathan Livingston Seagull. But the novel has been noted for its Christian themes.
6. The X on his left arm
Justin has himself said that this refers to the unknown. But the Greek letter "chi", is also a symbol for Christ.
7. The crucified earth on his left arm
This tattoo conflates Christian and environmental themes. It depicts an earth on a cross surrounded by droplets of blood.
8. The psalm on his back
Bieber's back tattoo, Psalm 119-105 (Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path) is one of the most overt examples of his recognition of his faith.
9. The wings on the back of his neck
Bieber has previously said that this tattoo of a pair of shaded angel wings is his favourite.
10. The image of Jesus on his leg
This tattoo on his calf depicts Jesus with a crown of thorns.
11. The word "purpose" on his abdomen
The title of his latest album inspired this more recent ink. Purpose is full of lyrics which refer to Bieber's faith journey.
