ἐνώπιον

From the study of 2 Corinthians 8:21

Range of meaning

In front of, in the presence of, in the sight or judgment of. In the Septuagint it often translates the Hebrew lifnê ('before the face of') or be'ênê ('in the eyes of'). It carries the sense of being judged by whoever is looking.

Against the English

'Before', 'in the sight of' and 'in the eyes of' all render it fairly. 'In the eyes of' (BSB) brings out the sense of being evaluated well.

Used elsewhere in the period

Rare in classical Greek but very common in the Septuagint and the New Testament (especially Luke–Acts and Revelation), where it often describes standing before God as judge.

From the study of Revelation 14:10

Range of meaning

Enōpion means before, in the sight or presence of. It is common in court and throne-room settings. Arnion means lamb. In Revelation it is the title of the slain-yet-standing Christ (5:6).

Against the English

'Before' (YLT) and 'in the presence of' (KJV, BSB, WEB) both work.

Used elsewhere in the period

1 Enoch 48:9, part of a Jewish apocalyptic work: the kings of the earth 'will burn before the face of the holy, and sink before the face of the righteous'. Luke 12:9: whoever denies Jesus will be denied 'before the angels of God'. Revelation 6:16: the kings hide from 'the wrath of the Lamb'.

From the study of 1 Timothy 2:3

Range of meaning

"In front of, in the presence of, in the sight of," and so "in the judgement of." This is common in the Septuagint and the New Testament but rare in ordinary Greek.

Against the English

BSB, KJV, WEB and NASB keep "in the sight of". NIV and NLT fold it into the verb ("pleases God"). That is natural English, but it loses the picture of the prayer being set before God's face.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Septuagint uses it to translate Hebrew lifnê, "before the face of" (e.g., "do what is right in the sight of the LORD", Deut 6:18; 12:28). In the Pastorals it often appears where God is a witness (1 Tim 5:4, 21; 6:13; 2 Tim 2:14; 4:1).