Justin Bieber's new under-eye tattoo was no slapdash decision — according to the artist behind the design, it serves one very particular purpose.

Yesterday (May 8), the "Sorry" singer debuted what appeared to be a small cross etched into his cheek (featured above) on Instagram. The caption — "Resting up for the show in Philly it's gonna be a good one mark my words" — didn't seem to indicate much, but followers immediately noticed the itty-bitty mark. And in an interview with Us Weekly published last night, the artist behind the design said the new tat-addition has religious implications.

“It represents his journey in finding purpose with God," Jonboy, who works at New York City's West 4th Tattoo Parlor Friday, said.

According to the site, Justin and friend Joe Termini swung by the parlor on Friday (May 6) to get matching tattoos ahead of Justin's set at New York's Up & Down. Us reports that Justin previously told GQ he'd committed to holding off on a face tattoo until he was "really old, not super old, but maybe, like, 40s or 50s or something."

"I think if they’re done right, they could be cool, but nothing super crazy all over the face," he added.

There are more than 50 tattoos on the Bieber-bod, and the pop star also told GQ in a February interview that birds are a common choice — when the story ran, two wings at the base of his neck had been the most recent addition.

What do you think of Justin's new tat, or what it represents? Sound off in the comments.

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