Dictionary

FACE. Gen 3:19. See Blackness. Whatever of a thing is most exposed to view is called its face; hence we read of the face of the country, field, gate, house, wilderness, water, sky, etc. "Face," when applied to God, denotes, (1) His omniscience, 1 Sam 26:20, and to "provoke him to the face" is to act very openly and impudently Isa 65:3. (2) The brighter displays of his glory, which cannot be enjoyed in this world. Ex 33:20; 1 Tim 6:16. (3) His favor and love, and the gracious displays thereof: this is always meant when his face is said to "shine," or it is represented as a mercy to behold and enjoy it or a misery to be deprived of it. 2 Chr 30:9; Ps 31:16; Ps 80:7; Dan 9:17. (4) His wrath, and the providential displays thereof. Ps 34:16. Christ's "face" denotes, (1) His person and office as the image of the invisible God. 2 Cor 4:6. (2) His gracious, glorious, or terrible appearances. Rev 20:11.