πρόσωπον (prosōpon)
prosōpon
face
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 72 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word prosōpon refers to the face or countenance, serving as the visible front of a person. Its etymology combines a prefix meaning "toward" with a root for "eye" or "visage," emphasizing that which is directed toward view. In Scripture, it denotes not merely the physical features but the person in their outward presence and appearance.
This term carries significant relational weight, often translating the Hebrew concept of "presence." It appears in phrases describing direct encounter, such as seeing someone face to face (Acts 25:16), or standing before God. The word bridges the gap between internal character and external reality; for instance, James contrasts the natural face with the truth of one’s being, while Paul speaks of beholding the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces.
Translators render prosōpon variously as "face," "person," or "presence" depending on context. It highlights the concrete reality of meeting another human being or encountering the divine, grounding abstract theological concepts in physical and relational terms.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for face in Greek carries a weight far beyond physical features. It points to the whole person standing before you or before God. When Scripture speaks of seeing someone’s face, it often means encountering their presence and reality. This is not just about sight; it is about relationship and direct engagement with another being.
In our daily lives, this concept invites us to look past surface appearances. Jesus warned against the hypocrisy that seeks attention through outward displays. Instead, He pointed to a quiet integrity that honors God in secret. True faith is not performed for an audience but lived out in genuine humility and love.
There is also a profound hope in knowing that our actions are seen by the Father. The promise that angels behold His face reminds us that we are never truly alone or unnoticed. This awareness brings comfort, knowing that our lives have meaning and value in the eyes of God, who sees with perfect clarity and grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 72 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- face32×
- [the] face13×
- appearance9×
- faces5×
- [the] presence4×
- [his] face3×
- presence2×
- in face2×
- persons1×
- face;1×
- by face1×
- [the] faces1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πρόσωπον40×
- προσώπου18×
- πρόσωπα7×
- προσώπῳ7×
- πρόσωπόν3×
- πρόσωπον·1×
- προσώπων1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 18:10
See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
This verse highlights the spiritual reality that angels constantly behold the Father's face, emphasizing the value of every individual in God's sight.
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Luke 9:51
It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem
Here the word describes Jesus’ determined resolve to go to Jerusalem, showing how 'face' can represent one’s purposeful direction and commitment.
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Matthew 6:17
But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
Jesus instructs believers to wash their face while fasting, contrasting public displays of piety with private devotion that seeks God's approval alone.
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Luke 5:12
While he was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”
The leper falls on his face, a physical posture of total submission and reverence before Jesus’ power to heal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does prosōpon mean in the Bible?
How is prosōpon different from other words for face?
Why does Jesus talk about angels seeing God's face?
Does prosōpon always mean a physical face?
Every Occurrence (72 verses across 15 books)
Matthew 10 verses
“Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be…
Matthew 6:17But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
Matthew 11:10For this is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before…
Matthew 16:3In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to…
Matthew 17:2He was changed before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light.
Matthew 17:6When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid.
Matthew 18:10See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of…
Matthew 22:16They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach…
Matthew 26:39He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away…
Matthew 26:67Then they spat in his face and beat him with their fists, and some slapped him,