Face
“Face, presence, front”
Summary
The front of the head expressing character and emotion, used extensively in Scripture to denote presence, favor, or disfavor, especially regarding God's manifested presence.
☩Physical and Metaphorical Uses
In Hebrew, 'face' (panim) means whatever of a thing is most exposed to view—hence the face of the ground, waters, or sky. Applied to persons, the face expresses character and emotion: it falls in dejection, is lifted in confidence, emits light in joy, and hardens in obstinacy. The light of God's countenance is a token of His favor.
☩The Face of God
The 'face of God' denotes such a complete manifestation of Divine presence as was equivalent to seeing a fellow creature 'face to face.' Jacob marveled that he saw God's face yet lived, naming the place Peniel ('God's face'). Moses was told that no man can see God's face and live, though he spoke with God face to face as with a friend.
☩Seeking and Hiding the Face
'To seek the face' means to seek an audience or favor with God or a ruler. If God 'hides His face,' He withdraws His presence and favor as a consequence of man's disobedience. 'To turn away the face' signifies rejection or contempt. The Jews prayed facing Jerusalem, acknowledging God's presence in the Temple.
Related Verses23 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Face," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Face," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Face," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).