Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

FACE

In numerous contexts “face” (Heb. panîm) is a synonym for “surface,” as in “the face of the earth” (Gen. 1:29), “the face of the ground” (2:6), and the “face of the deep” (1:2). In other contexts it assumes a close relationship with a person, so that “seeing the face of . . .” (Gen. 32:20) and “hiding the face from . . .” (Ps. 27:9) are both indicators of presence and nonpresence, acceptance and rejection. The latter is also an attempt to hide one’s identity (Ps. 102:2[MT 3]; Isa. 53:3).

To “bow the face” (Luke 5:12; Gk. prósōpon) and “fall on the face” (Ezek. 1:28) are signs of humility and obeisance. To “turn the face” (2 Kgs. 20:2) and “set the face toward/against . . .” (Ezek. 35:2) are indicators of determination and intention. Further, to “lower the face” (Gen. 40:7) and to have a “fallen face” are signs of disrespect and dishonor, as is striking someone in the face (John 18:22). In a similar fashion, to mutilate the face (Lev. 21:18) or have a soiled face (2 Sam. 19:4-5) is an indicator of loss, mourning, and shame. By way of contrast, to “lift the face” (2 Kgs. 5:1) or converse with someone “face to face” (1 Thess. 3:10) is a sign of respect and honor in treating someone as one’s equal.

In traditional Mediterranean society, which maintains a strong sense of honor among males, the face is the most obvious public expression of a person’s character and standing in the social group. Thus, bowing the face or falling on the face is an appropriate gesture of obeisance to a superior. To have one’s face lifted is a bestowal of honor by a superior on an inferior. The hope of believers is that they too shall see God “face to face” (1 Cor. 13:12), having received the ultimate gift of acceptance by God in Christ.

T. R. Hobbs

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

FACE

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)