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Hebrew Tattoo Ideas: Words, Phrases, and Mistakes to Avoid

The Hebrew language is a rich source of tattoo ideas

The Hebrew language is a rich source of tattoo ideas

The Hebrew Tattoo Trend

The Hebrew tattoo craze exploded once mega-celebrities such as Madonna and Britney Spears began practicing Kabbalah and Victoria Beckham and her soccer superstar husband, David Beckham, got matching Hebrew tattoos as a testament to their love and devotion.

Why Hebrew Tattoos Can Be Tricky

Like the Japanese kanji craze at the turn of the 21st century, foreign lettering tattoos in any language can be easy to mess up unless you speak the language yourself or know (and trust) someone who does.

Why is it so easy to make a mistake with a Hebrew tattoo?

  • Lost in translation: Not many American cliches and idioms translate directly into a phrase that makes sense in another language. Commonplace sayings like "keep it real" or "what the hell" lose their meaning when translated into a different dialect.
  • Fewer words: The modern English language contains approximately 170,000 words, whereas modern Hebrew contains only about 33,000 words. This means that not every English word has a Hebrew equivalent. Translation websites are not completely reliable because they simply select a translation that comes closest to the original.
  • Context matters: Words can have different meanings depending on the context. For example, in Hebrew, the same word could mean either "human" or "husband," and the specific meaning must be determined by context. This could lead to a situation where a tattoo that is supposed to say "I love my husband" could just as easily mean "I love my human."
  • Specific calligraphy: Yet another potential pitfall can arise if the tattoo artist isn't familiar with the specific calligraphy and style of lettering for each Hebrew character. Foreign languages that utilize characters have precise lines that English speakers may not appreciate. In English, the letter A is an A—no matter how shabbily it is drawn. If it has two long lines and a shorter line connecting the two, it's an A. Certain Hebrew characters, on the other hand, may look astoundingly similar but may actually be two entirely different letters with very different sounds.
  • Writing style: When we write in English, it doesn't matter if our style of writing is print or cursive, bubble letters or block letters. The same is not true in many foreign languages, including Hebrew.
This is the Hebrew word for “God" (Elohim). This tattoo is incorrect because the final letter is a samech (a Hebrew “s”) while it is supposed to be a mem (a Hebrew “m”).

This is the Hebrew word for “God" (Elohim). This tattoo is incorrect because the final letter is a samech (a Hebrew “s”) while it is supposed to be a mem (a Hebrew “m”).

This tattoo is supposed to be the Hebrew word for “freedom" (chofesh). However, due to the incorrectly placed vowels beneath the characters, it instead becomes “vacation" (choofsha).

This tattoo is supposed to be the Hebrew word for “freedom" (chofesh). However, due to the incorrectly placed vowels beneath the characters, it instead becomes “vacation" (choofsha).

Double-Check Before You Ink!

So if you're thinking about getting a Hebrew tattoo, be sure to consult not just one, but several sources beforehand. Just as we have modern English and Old English, other languages have modern and ancient dialects as well. Online translators can be helpful but are not always accurate. It is best to find a native speaker or Hebrew scholar just to be absolutely 100 percent sure.

"Granddad" (Saba)

"Granddad" (Saba)

1 / 8
"I am" (Ani)

"I am" (Ani)

More About Hebrew Tattoos and Mistakes

Comments

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storiesfrmthefire on January 09, 2017:

To everyone who is posting asking about Hebrew translations... you need to realize that it is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to get an accurate translation of an English phrase, and it is even more difficult to get the tattoo artist to transfer that accurately onto your skin. Hebrew is right to left and programs like Photoshop will often reverse anything you copy paste. Instead of posting here asking for a translation, google "Hebrew translator" and actually PAY a professional to make SURE your tattoo will be correct. Ask them which letters in your tattoo could easily be confused with other letters, because the difference between certain letters is VERY very small. Some of the tattoos listed on this page as "correct" are actually incorrect. You should read this blog: Badhebrew.com for many many examples of Hebrew tattoos gone horribly wrong. They also have ideas for correct Hebrew tattoos. This site, hebrew-tattoos.com, is a good resource for ready made tattoos which they have for sale in versions that would be easy for an artist to work with. I think they also do custom translations. Bottom line: don't just use google translate or you are GUARANTEED to get it wrong. Oh, and Chinese tattoos are even worse! Why not just stick to English?

Daniel on August 21, 2016:

Hi I would like to get my name tatooed vertically. Can an one help with the correct way or writing it????

Jordan on May 19, 2014:

Hi I was hoping Adi if you are still around, whether you (or anyone capable of doing the same) could translate something for me. It's a bit different and may sound a little strange but my partners name is 'Judas'. I was wanting his name translated into Hebrew script. I want his name to be followed by 'My dark prince' underneath. And lastly I want the date 12.12.12 translated also in Hebrew script if that is at all possible as I find any research on Hebrew numerals very difficult and confusing. Thank you! My email is jordan.bartlett@hotmail.co.nz

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KaufmanL on September 21, 2013:

People, please don't get a tattoo in Hebrew if you have no connection to the language, Israel, or Judaism. It's just like Caucasian people getting tattoos in Asian languages. It looks pretentious and false and, quite frankly, silly, which is a shame since the intention is pure. It doesn't make sense; just don't do it. Very lame.

Mike on August 22, 2013:

I'm thinking of getting "servant of YHWH" in Hebrew on my left peck.

And I believe Leviticus is referring to marking yourself in relation to mourning the loss of a dead person or just mourning in general, along with "rounding the edges of your head" And also as Jesus said "are you not going to save a man drowning in a well on the Sabbath?" (when referring to not working on the Sabbath) As long as what you do glorifies God it is not a sin.

Mike on August 22, 2013:

I'm thinking of getting "servant of YHWH" in Hebrew on my left peck.

And I believe Leviticus is referring to marking yourself in relation to mourning the loss of a dead person or just mourning in general, along with "rounding the edges of your head" And also as Jesus said "are you not going to save a man drowning in a well on the Sabbath?" (when referring to not working on the Sabbath) As long as what you do glorifies God it is not a sin.

Monica on July 10, 2013:

I am getting ready to have a tattoo done to memoralize my father who recently passed. I am all set with the Hebrew translation. The tattoo artist feels that arching the text would give it better aesthetics. I think I know the answer, but would like to confirm that Hebrew should always be in a straight line and not arched. Can someone provide an answer for me ASAP. Thanks much. L'Chaim!

Johan on May 12, 2013:

Hello,

I'm looking to get a tattoo with "forgiven" translated to Hebrew, the male version.

Would appreciate if you could help me out.

johan.p.ohlund@gmail.com

Gabriela on December 12, 2012:

Could you please translate in god i trust?

hebrew.calligrapher on September 17, 2012:

Visit my original hebrew calligraphy for tattoos

http://www.script-sign.com/blog/2010/10/28/tatouag...

daniel on September 11, 2012:

hi i've found a few versions of the phrase "this too shall pass" online.

some with straighter symbols of Y's than others.

going to get a tattoo of the phrase soon . please help give me the perfect version!

chinkuokliang@hotmail.com

thanks u!

Andrew on September 08, 2012:

"Saved by Grace"

Please translate!

ahtcampbell@hotmail.co.uk

rose on August 27, 2012:

This is a great page. Thanks for putting it up. I just got my Hebrew lettering tattoo tattooed yesterday and I love it!

I got my Hebrew design from a website called Hebrew tattoo

http://www.your-hebrewtattoo.com/

melissa on August 21, 2012:

Hello, there are different languages and different words that i'm looking for like: "Determination" as in the firmness of purpose in Hebrew and Latin. "Karma" in Hinduism or Buddhism. "Let it be" in Arabic and Hebrew. And "Live and let live" in Hebrew. If there is anyone that could help me please e-mail it to me @ melicoles@hotmail.com. Thank you!

cristina on August 11, 2012:

hi! can you please help me translate my name in hebrew, i am getting my first tattoo and i want it to be may name CRISTINA written in hebrew.. thank you very much.. here's my email cris1423@yahoo.com

cristina on August 11, 2012:

hi! can you please help me translate my name in hebrew, i am getting my first tattoo and i want it to be may name CRISTINA written in hebrew.. thank you very much.. here's my email cris1423@yahoo.com

oren on August 01, 2012:

actualy in Hebrew 'aba' is used for dad (like a child calls for his dad).

another word is pronaunced 'av'- that is more a general word for father

for god you can use 'aba'.

somthing that is more related to god is the word 'avinu' that meens our father

Echad on July 09, 2012:

For translation into Hebrew. There is an app called e-sword that is free to downlaod, after all dictionary and lexicons are downloaded you can use the Strongs to search for a word and it will appear in its original Hebrew text. There is also an app you can add called ancient Hebrew lexicon, AHBL, that will give you the translation. You can also go to BIBLOS.COM and use their Hebrew Strongs Dictionary.

jared on June 30, 2012:

could any one spell out ( SHINE ) in Hebrew please. As in G-d shall SHINE.

marijana on June 05, 2012:

Hello,

can you please translate to me the word Father.

and can you tell me the difference between ab and aba in Hebrew.

is it true that ab is like a Dad and aba is more related to God?

Thank you!

John on June 01, 2012:

Fran,

Baruch atah adonai = Blessed are you our God

Hebrew names are not translated, they are given by the parents.

Beckhams tattoo is ani l'dodi v'dodi lee = I am to my beloved as my beloved is to me

ملاك عبري on May 22, 2012:

???? ????

Fran on May 12, 2012:

Hi Adi

I'm sure your fed up of translating for everyone but

would you mind translating:

Baruch atah adonai

Belle Matthew Love

Also Victoria Beckhams tattoo down her neck.

These are all for possible tattoo ideas. I'd like it going down my back like Victoria Beckhams.

Many thanks for your help.

Fran

franmarsh69@hotmail.com

monamii@yahoo.com on May 03, 2012:

Im looking for a translation of my childrens names"

Matt Gid Chels

Also interested in the phrase...ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE ME.

Can anyone help?

Thanks!

Mona

Teulu on May 01, 2012:

Clearly none of you has actually bothered reading the article above or considered that a tattoo in hebrew does nothing to change or increase the meaning of the tattoo (unless of course you speak the language). Also the spelling and grammar displayed here is shocking. This should probably concern you if an accurate translation or transliteration for a permanent ornament is what you're looking for.

Alice on May 01, 2012:

Hi

Please could your translate in to Hebrew:

"A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up."

"Never look back."

"She flies by her own wings."

"What goes around comes around."

Thankyou so much!

aliceanderson41@hotmail.com

gin561 on April 16, 2012:

Can you please translate I'm a Survivor vertically and horizonally.... Tk You!!

Jenn on April 12, 2012:

Hi Adi,

I was wondering if you could help me get a vertical translation of "never too late" in Hebrew? I'm looking to get a tattoo. My e-mail is jquijadareal@yahoo.com

Thank you in advance.

sarah on April 09, 2012:

i want a tattoo in hebrew so can some one help me i want it to say. Everything happens for a reason you are my angle

Mikael on April 04, 2012:

Hi!

Can some one translate

to make mistakes is human to forgive is divine

my email: mikael_grothe@hotmail.com

Thank you!

Brenda on March 29, 2012:

Hi there,

I hope you can help, I have two children with disability's and was wanting to get a small tattoo to remind me to still strong. Can you tell me the proper spelling of a few words in Hebrew - love, faith,strength, hope or something a long those lines. I hope you can help me. My e-mail address: brendamcdonald25@hotmail.com

Many thanks

Brenda

Megan on March 07, 2012:

I want to get my baby sister's name, Anna. Could someone be so helpful as to email me the proper translation in Hebrew? It would be so great! Thanks!

huntravess@gmail.com

Megan on March 07, 2012:

I want to get my baby sister's name. Could someone be so helpful as to email me the proper translation in Hebrew? It would be so great! Thanks!

huntravess@gmail.com

wendy on March 07, 2012:

I have found through experience that casting spells really works, the only person who can really affect the outcome, and make it work, is you, believe is your spell and it would work for you, I testify of the this powerful spell caster from Africa he derive are magical powers from the Indian Ocean, he spell made a get different in my life by bring my ex back home. This is the email of his translator because he does not hear English he only speak his local language email:powerfulkumarspell@yahoo.com

jcostigan22 on March 04, 2012:

i want Freedom in God in Hebrew!

jcostigan22 on March 04, 2012:

my email is jordancostigan@hotmail.com.

if anyone knows any good free translating websites that are accurate let me know!

jcostigan22 on March 04, 2012:

hey is google translate accurate for translating english to hebrew? if anyone who knows much about hebrew can let me know. i really want something tattooed in hebrew and ive been looking on google translate but i dont want to get something thats translated wrong.

e.k on March 01, 2012:

could you email me the script for 'FEAR GOD' please? my email is e_kiany@hotmail.com. thankyou....oh btw vertical and horizontal please :)

Jessica Cantrell on February 28, 2012:

could you translate the Serenity prayer, "God grant me the serinity to accept the things i cannot change, courage to change the things i can, and the wisdom to know the difference."? j.cantrell2011@yahoo.com

Batel on February 28, 2012:

Alot of these translations are incorrect!!! Beware! The one in the picture above that's supposed to mean freedom has no meanin in Hebrew it's just a bunch of letters. don't rely on this website!

rach7782 on February 27, 2012:

Sorry I forgot to give you my email, rweaver7782@gmail.com.

rach7782 on February 27, 2012:

Hi Adi,

I was hoping to find the script for "devoted". If you could I am not sure exactly how it will be, so if it is not too much trouble can you translate in script horozontal and vertical? Thank you so much.

david on February 25, 2012:

i really want to have a correct translation of the tattoo: never a failure,always a lesson...

my email: davidn007@hotmail.com

loudawh on February 20, 2012:

could anybody translate my name Chethan or the word living life in hebrew :)

my email: chethan@tech-buzz.net

Tziporah on February 19, 2012:

The one you have tagged as "Socialism" literally reads phonetically as

"so-tzee-ay-lee-sim"

which I could see trying to SOUND like "socialism" in English, but it's not actually a word in Hebrew. The third letter tzadik ( ? ) is the first letter in my name it says "tz" but the rest of the word is a phonetic version of English- the word itself isn't Hebrew. "Socialism" is one of many English words that doesn't have a Hebrew equivalent, so we just use the English word. (Like Coca-Cola, written in Hebrew letters, is still an English word).

Josh on February 18, 2012:

Could you give me the hebrew translation for "Joshua 1:9"?

Not the actual verse in hebrew...but the book name and verse reference numbers. Thank you for your help!

Please email me: jdhollars@gmail.com

kai on February 06, 2012:

diana~

December 30 2010 = ??????? ?????? ?????? ????

Diana on February 05, 2012:

Hi can you help me translate December 30 2010 many thanks

Dianap1943@gmail.com

Svea on February 04, 2012:

Hey.. I need hebrew translation for "Bianca" and "to love" in hebrew letter of course. Send it please svearoosilill@hotmail.com

Levi on January 27, 2012:

I am looking into a hebrew translation for my sister or a word that means protector or guardian big sister. So far i have saw shomer, and akhot, but these words do not seem to go together and I am unable to find an accurate translation for protector that does not mean guarding a posession or he who protects, since it is my sister, the "He" does not seem to be appropriate. Any help is greatly appricieated. My email is llytsell@hotmail.com

Thanks

Levi Lytsell

jess on January 21, 2012:

Could someone please translate and send me the characters for "come follow me"

My email is jbraamse@hotmail.com

Louis Sommer on January 20, 2012:

Don´t you idiots understand that according to Leviticus we are all forbidden from having tattoos?

Hels on January 18, 2012:

Hi Adi,

Not sure if you're still checking this site but thought I'd give it a go...wondered if you could translate:

Imperfection is beauty. Madness is genius. It is better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.

Would you do this with the vowels (dots)

hels_xx_@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks very much x

Andrej on January 16, 2012:

Hello

Could you please translate: " Live your life " for my next tatto,

Thank you 100 times =))))

Greetings from Slovenia

jakci61@gmail.com

Buck on January 13, 2012:

Thanks for any help! Looking to get my first tattoo but need it translated, I'll reflect this from what a Professor in Hebrew gives me.

Love God, Love People

I would like love god on my left arm, and love people on my right arm. Thanks for the help.

jbuckley2011@yahoo.com

eva on January 12, 2012:

Hi Adi,

Can you please translate this for my tattoo and send me a picture:

And if you believe in it, then it’s as real as sunshine

Thank you

evawu617@gmail.com

avank7 on January 05, 2012:

Hi, I'm getting my first tattoo this weekend and I would really love a picture of the Hebrew translation for "Guard your heart". If someone could email me this it would be great(:

avank7@gmail.com

Ayelet on December 31, 2011:

The tattoo of the Hebrew word socialism is incorrect on the letter zadik it should have two dots underneath, and the letter yod should be in the center and straight up and down not to one side of his finger or on an angle.

Ayelet on December 31, 2011:

The tattoo of the Hebrew word socialism is incorrect on the letter ? it should have two dots underneath, and the letter ? should be in the center and straight up and down not to one side of his finger or on an angle.

marion on December 28, 2011:

Hi, my wife and is planning to get a tattoo just like david and victoria beckham has for our 10th wedding anniversary. Can anyone please email me the exact translation of "I am my beloved and my beloved is mine" in hebrew txt. Or a picture of the exact tattoo maybe. Thanks!

marionne_charina@yahoo.com

Susan Wassenaar on December 27, 2011:

Need the words "by grace i was forgiven" I know i was forgiven in nimchalti but I need the whole sentence please

Susan South Africa

susanwassenaar@yahoo.com

Dean Harrison on December 25, 2011:

Hi there. I am wanting to get both my brother and my sisters names tattooed in the inside of my arms in Hebrew and I was looking for a reliable translation. My sisters name is Courtney and my brothers is Glen. I would be very grateful if someone could email me please. Thank you very much. deanharrison@hotmail.com :)

Sandra on December 25, 2011:

Could anyone translaste in Hebrew: I know I can

Please send me: rivaal8@hot.ee

Merry Christmas!!

Craig on December 22, 2011:

"If I am not myself, who will be me? it is in the photo above but it is not clear to see. Can any one help me to translate it in Hebrew please.

mrcraigdavis75@gmail.com

indaybuka on December 20, 2011:

Hi I like to have the phrase " Master of my own destiny" translated in hebrew can you pls send me please please thnx

joeyplaza1@yahoo.com

Shawn on December 15, 2011:

Hi ADI, I would like to have phrase "Owned By The Father" tattooed in hebrew, can you send me the translation please. Thank you.

DazzlingPrincess2001@yahoo.com

NAKSHTRA on December 14, 2011:

HI ADI..

I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE KARMA AS A TATTOOO.....IN HEBREW....CAN U SEND ME THE CORRECT TRANSLATION

....THNX..

bijousuryawanshi@gmail.com

Adrian Williams on December 10, 2011:

Hi. I would like to put my girlfriend soon to be fiances as a tattoo... it is spelt Yafah, means 'beautiful' in hebrew.I have seen Yaffa and Yafa which is probably the same. If you could send me the translation please.

I just want to make sure i have the right one.

Thanks

Adrian - adrian.williams.geo@gmail.com

rommel flordelis on December 09, 2011:

pls convert my name into hebrew ROMMEL FLORDELIS

PLS SEND IT TO cyclop_9207@yahoo.com.ph

rommel flordelis on December 09, 2011:

pls convert my name into hebrew ROMMEL FLORDELIS

PLS SEND IT TO cyclop_9207@yahoo.com.ph

emily on December 09, 2011:

"family" in hebrew????

emilycollins1994@hotmail.co.uk

Elli on December 09, 2011:

can anyone translate

"my beloved grandmother" in aramaic?

my email address is elli_le@hotmail.com

thank you a lot!

Wirgum on December 08, 2011:

Anyone please help to translate "Only by His grace" into Hebrew? wiragumay@gmail.com.

Thanks.

welly on December 05, 2011:

Could you please translate "Belong to God" into hebrew for me. It is an important phrase passed down from my daughter and I want to get a tattoo of it in her memory. Many thanks for your help...

welly on December 05, 2011:

Could you please translate "Belong to God" into hebrew for me. It is an important phrase passed down from my daughter and I want to get a tattoo of it in her memory. Many thanks for your help...