RT Article
T1 The Common Mistranslation of πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον “Face to Face” in 1 Cor 13.12b
JF The Bible translator
VO 76
IS 3
SP 363
OP 381
A1 Peterman, Gerald W.
LA English
YR 2025
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1946467995
AB In 1 Cor 13.12b, πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον is typically mistranslated with the English phrase “face to face.” Evidence in support of this includes: (1) The Hebrew behind πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον is פָּנִים אֶל־פָּנִים “face to face,” a metaphor that does not describe a physical encounter but an intimate verbal encounter. (2) The Greek is not natural but a Semitism deriving from the LXX of Gen 32.31(30) or Judg 6.22. (3) After the LXX, πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον does not take on its own life in Koine Greek. (4) The English phrase “face to face” refers to a literal encounter in someone else’s physical presence. (5) Paul had other natural Greek expressions available that would have communicated the physical encounter expressed by the English “face to face.” (6) We briefly consider how Greek readers or hearers of Paul’s letter might have understood πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον. (7) Translations of 1 Cor 13.12b should use the meaning of פָּנִים אֶל־פָּנִים. Translation options are given.
K1 Face
K1 πρόσωπον
K1 seeing God
K1 face to face
K1 1 Cor 13.12b
DO 10.1177/20516770251391458