Peniel R.V. marg. The face of God. In the Sam. version, Syr., and Lat., it is called "Penuel," as in Genesis 32:32. Popular tradition explained the etymology of the name of the place by the story of Jacob.

The face of God was to be seen in the Angel: he that looked on the Angel saw the Presence of Jehovah.

I have seen God … preserved The belief that to see God was to die prevailed amongst the Israelites; see Genesis 16:13; Exodus 19:21; Exodus 24:10-11; Exodus 33:20; Deuteronomy 5:24; Judges 6:22; Judges 13:22. Jacob has seen the Divine Being, Elohim, and lives.

Jacob, on his deathbed, refers to this event (Genesis 48:16): "The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads."

face to face See Exodus 33:11; Deuteronomy 34:10

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