Topical Encyclopedia
The term "visage" refers to the face or appearance of a person, often conveying expressions, emotions, or characteristics. In biblical literature, the visage is frequently mentioned to describe the countenance or appearance of individuals, sometimes reflecting their inner spiritual state or the impact of divine encounters.
Biblical References:1.
Isaiah 52:14 : "Just as many were appalled at Him—His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form was marred beyond human likeness." This passage prophetically describes the suffering servant, traditionally understood as a reference to Jesus Christ. The visage here is significant as it underscores the extent of His suffering and the physical toll it took, highlighting the depth of His sacrifice.
2.
Daniel 3:19 : "Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual." The change in Nebuchadnezzar's visage reflects his anger and determination to punish those who defied his decree, illustrating how facial expressions can reveal one's inner emotions and intentions.
3.
Genesis 4:5-6 : "but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen?'" Here, the fallen visage of Cain is indicative of his inner turmoil and jealousy, which ultimately leads to the first murder recorded in Scripture. The Lord's inquiry into Cain's countenance suggests a deeper concern for his spiritual state.
4.
Matthew 17:2 : "There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." During the Transfiguration, the visage of Jesus is transformed, revealing His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. This radiant appearance serves as a testament to His divine nature and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
Theological Significance:In Scripture, the visage often serves as a window into the soul, reflecting the spiritual condition or divine favor of an individual. The transformation or alteration of one's visage can signify a change in spiritual status or the presence of divine intervention. For instance, Moses' face shone after speaking with God on Mount Sinai (
Exodus 34:29-35), symbolizing the glory of God and the transformative power of His presence.
The visage of Christ, particularly in prophetic and New Testament accounts, holds profound theological implications. His disfigured appearance in
Isaiah 52:14 prefigures His passion and crucifixion, while the shining visage during the Transfiguration affirms His divinity and messianic mission.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the face was often seen as the most expressive part of the body, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions and intentions. The biblical emphasis on visage aligns with this cultural understanding, using facial expressions as a narrative device to communicate deeper spiritual truths.
The concept of visage in the Bible also intersects with themes of identity, honor, and shame. A fallen countenance could indicate disgrace or divine disfavor, while a radiant face might suggest honor, blessing, or divine approval.
Overall, the biblical portrayal of visage underscores the interconnectedness of physical appearance and spiritual reality, inviting readers to consider the ways in which their own countenance might reflect their inner spiritual state.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The face, countenance, or look of a person; -- chiefly applied to the human face.
2. (v. t.) To face.
Greek
3799. opsis -- the act of seeing, the sense of sight... appearance, countenance, face. From optanomai; properly, sight (the act), ie (by
implication) the
visage, an external show -- appearance, countenance, face.
...4383. prosopon -- the face
... From pros and ops (thevisage, from optanomai); the front (as being towards view),
ie The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence...
Strong's Hebrew
600. anaph -- a face... face,
visage. (Aramaic) corresponding to 'aph (only in the plural as a singular);
the face -- face,
visage. see HEBREW 'aph. 599, 600. anaph. 601 .
...8389. toar -- outline, form
... be drawn, mark out. From ta'ar; outline, ie Figure or appearance -- + beautiful,
X comely, countenance, + fair, X favoured, form, X goodly, X resemble,visage....
4758. mareh -- sight, appearance, vision
... reth), X as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to
look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight,visage, vision....
Library
Of Three Means in the which a Contemplative Prentice Should be...
... Ghostly, the eyes of thy soul is thy reason; thy conscience is thyvisage
ghostly. And right as thou seest that if a foul spot be...
Jesus, the Great Object of Astonishment.
... As many were astonied at Thee; Hisvisage was so marred more than any man, and His
form more than the sons of men; so shall He sprinkle many nations; the kings...
The Life of St. Christopher
... a song in which he named oft the devil, and the king, which was a Christian man,
when he heard him name the devil, made anon the sign of the cross in hisvisage...
The Great Stone Face
... True it is, that if the spectator approached too near, he lost the outline of the
giganticvisage, and could discern only a heap of ponderous and gigantic rocks...
Here Followeth the History of Job
... I shall receive his prayer and shall take hisvisage.... And our Lord beheld thevisage
of Job, and saw his penance when he prayed for his friends....
Here Beginneth the Life of Isaac
... He had two daughters, the more was named Leah, and the less was called Rachel, but
Leah was blear-eyed, and Rachel was fair ofvisage and well-favored, whom...
Of the Creation 0F Man
... Satan hath spoiled us of our rich treasure, that glorious image of holiness, and
hath drawn upon our souls the veryvisage of hell, the lineaments of his...
The Procession of Sorrow
... it. Yonder young Prince is ruddy with the bloom of early youth and health;
my Master'svisage is more marred than that of any man....
Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... Joseph was fair ofvisage and well favored.... The man said as we oft have said
to thee, that if we bring him not we shall not see hisvisage....
Enduring to the End
... decline, to carry about with him the care of the souls of hundreds, is enough to
make him grow old while yet he is young, and to mar hisvisage with the lines...
Thesaurus
Visage (4 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) The face, countenance, or look of a person; -- chiefly applied to the human
face. 2. (vt) To face. Multi-Version Concordance
Visage (4 Occurrences).
...Form (153 Occurrences)
... and American) "appearance" with "form" for "image" (temunah) in next sentence);
tselem, Aramaic "image" (Daniel 3:19, "The form of hisvisage was changed"); rew...
Visible (12 Occurrences)
Virtuously (2 Occurrences)
Usually (6 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of hisvisage was
changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spoke, and...
Unlike (13 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Isaiah 52:14 Like as many were astonished at thee (hisvisage was so
marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men), (See JPS BBE)...
Usual (13 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of hisvisage was
changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spoke, and...
Out-places (22 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Lamentations 4:8 Darker than blackness hath been theirvisage, They have
not been known in out-places, Cleaved hath their skin unto their bone, It hath...
Wont (19 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of hisvisage was
changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and...
Face (780 Occurrences)
... acquired. 9. (n.) That part of the head, esp. of man, in which the eyes, cheeks,
nose, and mouth are situated;visage; countenance. 10....
Resources
What is the Mandylion? | GotQuestions.orgVisage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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