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G1799 · Greek · New Testament
ἐνώπιον
Enopion
Preposition/Adverb
before / in the presence of / in the sight of / face to face with

Definition

Enopion (ἐνώπιον) means 'in front of,' 'in the presence of,' or 'in the sight of' — denoting proximity to and visibility before a person, especially an authority. It derives from en (in) + ops/opos (eye/face). To act enopion is to act before the eyes of someone — most significantly, before the eyes of God.

Usage & Theological Significance

Luke uses enopion more than any other NT author, reflecting his emphasis on divine perspective. 'What is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God' (Luke 16:15). John's Revelation uses it repeatedly for the heavenly throne room: angels and elders act 'before' (enopion) the throne of God. The most theologically important use may be in the prayer and devotion context: 'practicing your righteousness before (enopion) men' (Matthew 6:1) — Jesus warns against performing piety for human eyes. The transformed life is lived enopion tou Theou — before God's eyes — and this divine audience changes everything.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 16:15 And he said to them, 'You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.'
Revelation 4:10 ...the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him.
Acts 4:19 But Peter and John answered them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge.'
1 Timothy 5:21 In the presence (enopion) of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you...
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened.

Word Study

Living enopion — before God's face — is the fundamental orientation of the godly life. Psalm 16:8 (LXX 15:8): 'I keep the LORD always before me (enopion mou); because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.' The awareness of divine presence transforms every action, every motive, every word. The final judgment will be the ultimate enopion — all people standing before the great white throne. But for those in Christ, this prospect is not terror but homecoming: we shall see His face (Revelation 22:4).

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External Resources

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