prosopon denotes a physical face, personal presence before someone, and, in some clauses, a visible surface or outward regard.

The term most often denotes a literal face, including its appearance, orientation, and contact with the ground. It also marks personal presence or encounter before someone, while several clauses use it for the surface of the earth or for outward appearance and regard.

1. Physical face and its appearance · dominant

   The singular and plural forms occur for a bodily face: in Acts 6:15 the council sees Stephen's face, and in Matthew 17:2 the APB renders the clause that Jesus' face "shone like the sun." In Luke 17:16 and Revelation 11:16, the accusative forms occur in clauses describing people falling on their faces; 2 Corinthians 11:20 likewise names a blow "in the face."

   Acts 6:15Matthew 17:2Luke 17:16Revelation 11:162 Corinthians 11:20Luke 9:29
2. Personal presence or direct encounter · common

   The term marks being personally before another or seeing someone directly. In 1 Thessalonians 2:17, the dative singular occurs in the contrast "in person, not in heart," and the same verse expresses the desire to see the recipients' face; Acts 25:16 describes an accused person meeting accusers "face to face." In Acts 20:25 and Acts 20:38, seeing Paul's face again expresses a future absence from personal contact.

   1 Thessalonians 2:17Acts 25:16Acts 20:25Acts 20:38Colossians 2:12 Corinthians 2:10
3. Visible front or surface · occasional

   In clauses about location or direction, the term identifies the exposed surface or front. Acts 17:26 and Luke 21:35 speak of those living on "the face of the earth," while Luke 9:51 and Luke 9:53 describe a face set toward Jerusalem. Luke 12:56 similarly speaks of interpreting the face of earth and heaven.

   Acts 17:26Luke 21:35Luke 9:51Luke 9:53Luke 12:56Luke 7:27
4. Outward appearance or regard for persons · occasional

   Several clauses contrast what is outwardly visible with a deeper or impartial evaluation. In 2 Corinthians 5:12 the APB renders boasting "in face and not in heart," while Luke 20:21 and Galatians 2:6 place the term in statements that God does not show partiality. Jude 1:16 describes people "marveling at faces for the sake of advantage."

   2 Corinthians 5:12Luke 20:21Galatians 2:6Jude 1:16

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly uses "face" in clauses about bodily appearance, falling down, direct encounter, and the earth's surface. It also renders clauses of presence, direction, and partiality with expressions such as "in person," "before," and "partiality"; These variations do not independently define the term.