Bible Dictionaries
Face
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Means simply presence, as when it is recorded that Adam and Eve hid themselves from the "face [RSV, 'presence'] of the Lord God" (Genesis 3:8; Compare Exodus 33:14,15 , where the same Hebrew word is rendered "presence"). The "light of God's countenance" is his favour (Psalm 44:3; Daniel 9:17 ). "Face" signifies also anger, justice, severity (Genesis 16:6,8; Exodus 2:15; Psalm 68:1; Revelation 6:16 ). To "provoke God to his face" (Isaiah 65:3 ) is to sin against him openly. The Jews prayed with their faces toward the temple and Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:38,44,48; Daniel 6:10 ). To "see God's face" is to have access to him and to enjoy his favour (Psalm 17:15; 27:8 ). This is the privilege of holy angels (Matthew 18:10; Luke 1:19 ). The "face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6 ) is the office and person of Christ, the revealer of the glory of God (John 1:14,18 ).
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.
Bibliography Information
Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Face'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ebd/​f/face.html. 1897.