What Did Jesus Look Like?
Most people often turn to movies and pictures for an idea of Jesus’ physical appearance while He lived on Earth. However, those visual representations are infused with the artists’ unique perspectives and cultural backgrounds. Also, Jesus’ description in the Bible doesn’t give us elaborate details on how He looked.
We will explore several unknown and interesting facts from Bible stories, scientific findings, and archeological research about the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ as a human who lived on this Earth.
We will also discuss how human imaginations over the years have filled in the gaps in the quest to find a definitive response to the question, “What did Jesus look like?”
From the Bible Lens: Clues to Jesus’ Appearance
The Bible is an awesome book with many truths, some of which you won’t even find in any other material. From the story of creation to the journey of the Israelites to the promised land and then the events of the New Testament, you will find just anything you want to know there.
But reading through the many stories in the Bible, a thorough description of Jesus’ appearance seems not to be covered. Run a quick check from Genesis to Revelation, and nothing seems to be said about Jesus’ height and weight.
No one expressly mentioned His eye color, complexion, or any other feature that may give us an idea of our loving Savior’s physique. It is as if the Bible leaves room for our imagination to run wild as we seek to discover how Jesus looked.
So, let’s put on our detective hats and look closely through the Bible for the little clues it contains about Jesus’ appearance. This will require us to pay attention to the finest details of the prophetic scriptures and Jesus’ lifestyle during His earthly life.
First, the Bible tells us that Jesus came from the lineage of David (Jeremiah 23:5, Matthew 1:1-6). And peeking into the Old Testament, we find that David was described as handsome.
He sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with a handsome face and good appearance. Yahweh said, “Arise! Anoint him, for this is he.” I Samuel 16:12
Since David was handsome, could Jesus have inherited some of that charm? Well, it’s just a thought.
With that in mind, let us consider another prophecy that seems to give some clue about Jesus’ appearance — Isaiah 53:2-3.
For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no good looks or majesty. When we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering and acquainted with disease. He was despised as one from whom men hide their face, and we didn’t respect him. (Isaiah 53:2-3)
This Bible text seems to speak of Jesus in a different light. The Prophet said the Messiah wouldn’t stand out in a crowd, with no majestic appearance to turn heads.
So, Jesus may have blended in, not drawing attention with flashy looks. Interestingly, the New Testament also agrees with this argument that Jesus looked like the regular Joe.
For instance, when Jesus was arrested in the garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion, He blended in so well that His betrayer, Judas Iscariot, had to point him out from among the other apostles (Matthew 26:47-56).
Come to think of it — why would Judas even need to do all that if Jesus was spectacularly handsome? Perhaps Jesus was not the standout figure many of us think He was.
What about the famous moment on the Mount of Transfiguration when Jesus’ appearance changed? The synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, describe it as dazzling.
But here’s an important question we need to answer. Was that His everyday look or a special reveal for the apostles? We can only wonder.
We don’t get a more detailed Bible description of Jesus until much later, in Revelation, the last book of the Bible. Revelation 1:13-16 appears to give a better answer to our quest. The text talks about many aspects of His physique, but the three that stand out are Jesus’ skin color, Jesus’ eye color, and His voice.
And among the lamp stands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and his hair were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished brass as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters. He had seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest. (Revelation 1:13-16)
According to verse 14, Jesus had hair like wool and skin like bronze. All these make it sound like Jesus’ nationality and look would be more of a modern-day Palestinian Jewish man or more like a Jewish Galilean.
But for Jesus’ race, the text suggests He was probably more of a brown-skinned Middle Eastern man.
How Jesus’ Depiction Has Changed Over the Years
Let’s journey through time and see how artists and storytellers have shaped our visual understanding of Jesus. In the early days of Christianity, there wasn’t much focus on Jesus’ description, especially His physical appearance.
People were more concerned with spreading His teachings. But as centuries passed, artists began to imagine what He might have looked like.
In medieval times, artists often depicted Jesus as regal and majestic, fitting the image of a king. But as art styles evolved, so did Jesus’ portrayal.
He started to look more human during the Renaissance, with artists striving for realism. They even gave Him the fashionable looks of their time.
Then came the era of movies and mass media. Actors playing Jesus on-screen became the visual reference for many. Each actor brought a different flavor to the role, influencing how people envisioned Jesus. The depictions varied widely from tall to short, fair-skinned to darker tones.
But with the internet today, everyone can share their interpretation of Jesus’ appearance. A random Google search will show you different images of Jesus — some traditional, some abstract, and some reflecting the artist’s cultural background.
It is fascinating how our collective imagination has shaped the visual story of Jesus over the years. From a majestic king to a relatable human, from movie star to internet art, His image has been a canvas for diverse interpretations.
As we flip through the pages of history and click through digital galleries, we continue to discover the ever-changing face of Jesus that echoes each era’s beliefs and artistic styles.
Visualizing Jesus Through Art
In the early days of Christianity, artists faced a unique challenge. Without a clear description in the Bible, they had to rely on symbolism.
Jesus often appeared as a shepherd, emphasizing His role as a guide, protector, and the Shepherd and Bishop of our soul (I Peter 2:25).
During the Renaissance, with artists aiming for realism, Jesus began to appear as a relatable figure, one you may encounter on the street. Yet, they added a touch of divinity — a soft glow or a halo to signify His spiritual nature.
In Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper,’ Jesus had pale skin, wavy hair, and a long beard. Michelangelo also echoed this theme in ‘The Last Judgment.’
During this artistic revival, different regions added their unique cultural flair. Jesus took on European features in Europe, while in Africa and Asia, artists infused local characteristics. And really, it became a beautiful blend of faith and culture.
Let’s fast forward to the age of mass media, where Hollywood actors like Jeffrey Hunter (King of Kings) and Jim Caviezel (The Passion of Christ) soon became the visual face of Jesus for many. Their depictions influenced popular imagination, creating a cinematic Jesus that resonated globally.
In this digital age, anyone with a paintbrush or graphic tablet can contribute to the diverse depictions of Jesus’ visual representations. You can find interpretations from every corner of the world, each infused with the artist’s unique perspective and cultural background.
It is interesting to see how artists, through their brushes and pixels, have given us glimpses of Jesus. Each stroke tells a story, blending the divine with the human, the timeless with the contemporary.
As we explore these artistic expressions, let’s appreciate the beauty of the ever-evolving visual representations that continue to breathe life into the timeless story of Jesus.
Investigating the Shroud of Turin
The Shroud of Turin is one of the many centuries-old stories with fascinating twists and turns.
Imagine a really old piece of cloth in a Cathedral in Italy that some folks believe was wrapped around Jesus after He was crucified. It may be difficult to believe for some.
The Bible talks about Jesus being wrapped in linen after His crucifixion in Mark 15:46 and Luke 23:53. Some believe the Shroud of Turin could be that very piece of cloth.
Through the years, scientists have tried to determine how old this shroud is using a scientific process called carbon dating. The results proved that the shroud dates back to medieval times. However, some people still do not believe that these results are accurate. So, the truth remains a real-life puzzle to this day.
When you look closely at the shroud, it has what seems like a faint imprint of a person’s face, wounds and all. It’s like what you’d expect after a crucifixion.
Again, opinions are divided, with some believing it to be a miracle and others skeptical and dismissing it as an ancient art project.
Whichever side of the divide you are on, the Shroud of Turin remains a mystery. It is a gripping story that mixes faith, science, and a classic mystery, keeping us hooked.
How Scientists and Researchers Describe Jesus
With the advancements in forensic anthropology, we can have a concrete idea of what Jesus may have looked like. To get some insight into how scientists and researchers describe Jesus, we will have to rewind to 2001.
In 2001, British forensic expert Richard Neave spearheaded a mission with Israeli and British experts. Their goal was to recreate the image of Jesus, not by divine revelation, but through some serious forensic anthropology and computer wizardry.
They got their hands on a skull from first-century A.D. Israel, put their heads together with some computer programmers, and blended it with their knowledge of Middle Eastern and Jewish features.
The results were a Jesus that stood at about five feet, rocked dark skin, had deep, dark eyes, and sported shorter, curlier hair. This forensic reconstruction differed greatly from the European depiction of Jesus featured in mainstream media.
The explanation would be that European artists liked to draw Roman and Greek gods with flowing hair and beards in the past. So, when Rome adopted Christianity, artists of that time simply borrowed from existing artworks to depict Jesus as what they believed the Son of God would look like.
Let’s fast forward to 2018, when Joan Taylor, a professor of Early Christianity at King’s College, London, entered the scene. She took a different approach, diving into archaeological remains, dusty historical texts, and even ancient skeletons.
According to Taylor’s findings, she agreed with the researchers before her that Jesus Christ’s height was an estimated 5 feet 5 inches. This was the average height of skeletons from that time.
She also described Jesus as having brown eyes, dark brown to black hair, and a skin tone that’s more olive-brown. As for His clothes, Taylor believed them to be a woolen tunic with a cloak and, most likely, leather sandals.
However, just like Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 53:2, Taylor did not believe that Jesus was conventionally handsome. The Bible clearly describes men like David and Moses as having fair looks — a word for attractive at that time.
Therefore, Taylor believes that if Jesus had been handsome, the Bible would have described him in the same way. But she believed Jesus to be lean and fit, perhaps because of his physical labor as a carpenter during His time on Earth.
Another scholar, Professor Robert Cargill, from the University of Iowa, agrees that Jesus looked very different from the modern Hollywood-blue-eyes-and-blond-hair look. Instead, like other scientists and researchers, he believes Jesus to have looked more Jewish-Palestinian.
This is how far scientists and researchers have gone in their investigation of Jesus’ weight and height. Arriving at a definitive conclusion about Jesus’ true appearance remains a debated mystery.
It is like figuring out what your great-great-great-great-grandparents were like based on their remains, faded photos, and some family stories. There’s a lot of guesswork involved.
Other Historic Symbols Describing the Image of Jesus
Two important points in biblical theology spark further conversation on the issue of what Jesus looked like. They are — the Image of Edessa and the Veil of Veronica.
Let’s take each of them one after the other and see why they form an important part of Bible history.
The Mystery of the Image of Edessa
For centuries, an ancient piece of cloth believed to bear the imprint of Jesus’ face has sparked curiosity. Legend has it that King Abgar of Edessa, who had heard about Jesus’ healing powers, sent a messenger to invite Him.
Jesus, unable to go, instead sent a cloth with His face miraculously imprinted. The image supposedly healed King Abgar, creating this mysterious relic. However, it is not clear whether this story is true or another old wives’ tale.
The Veil of Veronica
The Veil of Veronica goes back to the story of a woman named Veronica. She is believed to have wiped Jesus’ face on His way to Calvary. Somehow, His image remained on the piece of cloth that we now know as the Veil of Veronica.
Over the years, this veil has been revered as a significant relic in Christian tradition. But the question is, does it truly hold the imprint of Jesus’ face, or is it just another story?
Just like the Image of Edessa, the truth is still unknown. But these old stories and pictures have influenced how artists have depicted Jesus.
Embracing Jesus Beyond Looks
From ancient stories to scientific explorations, we’ve tried to figure out what Jesus looked like. But let’s remember the most important thing. The Bible, our guidebook, reminds us in 1 Samuel 16:7 that what matters is not physical appearance.
But Yahweh said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7
So, when we describe Jesus, let’s focus on His teachings rather than His appearance.
In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Let’s pour our attention on that.
When you get curious about what Jesus looked like, remember Colossians 1:15, which calls Him “the image of the invisible God.” Another way to put that is even though we can’t see God physically, Jesus shows us what He is like.
So, whether Jesus’ eyes were hooded, downturned, or upturned, He is our still Savior. It makes no difference whether His hair and beard were long or short — He is still the same wonderful Savior and King. Regardless of His looks, He is our Guide and God’s love in action.
The descriptions, old stories, and science stuff are interesting, but they’re not the cornerstones of our belief.
In embracing Jesus beyond looks, we find a well of love and forgiveness. Let’s live by 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
God expects our faith in Jesus to go beyond what our eyes can see. He wants it to be about following Him, believing in Him, and letting His love transform our lives.
