What Did Jesus Really Look Like?

Jesus of Nazareth is one of the most influential figures in the history of the world. He is known to have been born around 4BC and died around 30-33AD and is a foundational figure in Christianity and among other world religions. With this being said, much of what people know about him is taken from oral tradition and biblical writings. While it is not possible to know exactly what Jesus looked like, it is possible to get a general understanding of how Jesus may have appeared.

Biblical Descriptions of Jesus

The Bible offers a few descriptions of what Jesus’ physical appearance may have been. Firstly, the Bible offers accounts of Jesus’ facial features, noting that he had a ‘kind face’ and sad eyes. Additionally, the bible mentions Jesus’s height often, saying that he was ‘taller than his contemporaries’ and that he was more than 6 feet tall. His hair was typically described as dark and wavy and his beard was also assumed to likely have also been dark.

Gender, Race and Ethnicity

While there is no definitive answer as to Jesus’ exact gender, race, or ethnicity; much of the debate surrounding Jesus’ physical appearance centers around these questions. As is noted by biblical and historical accounts, Jesus was a Jewish man who likely identified with the race and ethnicity of those in the Middle East during his time— suggesting a brown-skinned man with dark-brown hair.

Depictions of Jesus in Art and Media

For centuries, theologians, artists, and writers have debated upon the appearance of Jesus trying to get a better understanding of what he may have looked like. Many paintings, sculptures and written accounts have depicted Jesus as having light or blonde hair, fairer-skin, and blue eyes; this, however, is a largely inaccurate, and arguably Eurocentric, representation. As is noted by scholars, Jesus likely had a more Middle Eastern appearance and was not the fair-skinned and blue-eyed man that is often depicted in art and media today.

In conclusion, it is impossible to truly know what Jesus looked like as we did not have any photographs of him. However, by looking at biblical descriptions and accounts of his overall appearance we can begin to form a general understanding of his physical features. Additionally, by recognizing the implications of a Eurocentric representation of Jesus, we can become more informed on what Jesus’ exact appearance may have looked like.