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 ).