Face means simply presence, as when it is recorded that Adam and Eve hid themselves from the "face [R.V., 'presence'] of the Lord God" (Genesis 3:8; comp. Exodus 33:14, Exodus 1:33, where the same Hebrew word is rendered "presence"). The "light of God's countenance" is his favour (Psalms 44:3; Daniel 9:17). "Face" signifies also anger, justice, severity (Genesis 16:6, Genesis 1:16; Exodus 2:15; Psalms 68:1; Revelation 6:16). To "provoke God to his face" (Isaiah 65:3) is to sin against him openly.
The Jews prayed with their faces toward the temple and Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:38, 1 Kings 1:8, 1 Kings 1:8; Daniel 6:10). To "See God's face" is to have access to him and to enjoy his favour (Psalms 17:15; Psalms 1:27). This is the privilege of holy angels (Matthew 18:10; Luke 1:19). The "face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6) is the office and person of Christ, the revealer of the glory of God (John 1:14, John 1:1).