Strong's Hebrew: 3942. לִפְנָי (liphnay) -- Before, in the presence of, in front of

◄ 3942. liphnay ►

Lexical Summary

liphnay: Before, in the presence of, in front of

Original Word: לִפְּנַי
Part of Speech: Preposition
Transliteration: liphnay
Pronunciation: lif-NAY
Phonetic Spelling: (lif-nah'ee)
KJV: before
Word Origin: [from the prepositional prefix (to or for) and H6440 (פָּנִים - before)]

1. anterior

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

before

From the prepositional prefix (to or for) and paniym; anterior -- before.

see HEBREW paniym

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from a preposition prefix and panim, q.v.

Brown-Driver-Briggs

לִפְנָָֽי 1 Kings 6:17 see below [ מָּנֶה], מָּנִים.

לִפְנָ֑י 1 Kings 6:17, Ew^{§ 164 a} Ke as adjective, anterior, but read, with ᵐ5, לִפְנֵי הַדְּבִיד Th Sta Kit and others

Topical Lexicon

Overview

Strong’s Hebrew 3942 לִפְּנַי (lippənay) represents the idea of being “before me” or “in my presence.” Although this exact orthographic form is not recorded in any preserved Old-Testament verse, it is a natural grammatical development of the root פָּנִים (pānîm, “face, presence”). The phrase encapsulates a covenantal posture in which a person or object stands directly before the face of another—most significantly, before the face of the LORD.

Theological Theme: Living Before God’s Face

1. Covenant loyalty. The first commandment captures the essence: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). Life “before” the LORD demands exclusive allegiance.
2. Communion and accountability. Abraham is commanded, “Walk before Me and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1), highlighting ongoing fellowship and moral responsibility.
3. Worship and sacrifice. Grain offerings, burnt offerings, and incense are repeatedly said to be “before the LORD” (Leviticus 1:3; Numbers 6:16). The tabernacle furniture itself—table of the Bread of the Presence, altar of incense—stood continually “before Me” as perpetual testimony to Israel’s calling (Exodus 25:30; Exodus 30:8).
4. Intercession and blessing. Priestly benedictions invoke divine favor “upon you,” presupposing Israel gathered “before” the divine face (Numbers 6:24-26).

Canonical Context and Key Passages

• Genesis 6:11 – The earth is corrupt “before God,” underscoring universal accountability.
• Deuteronomy 10:8 – Levi “stood before the LORD to minister.” Priestly service models every believer’s vocation.
• 1 Samuel 2:30 – “Those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me will be disdained,” showing the relational reciprocity inherent in being “before” God.
• Psalm 16:8 – “I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” The psalmist’s stability rests on conscious Godward orientation.
• Malachi 2:5 – The covenant with Levi was “life and peace,” given that he “revered Me and stood in awe of My Name.” Being before God shapes identity and mission.

Historical and Cultural Considerations

Ancient Near-Eastern vassal treaties stressed duty to appear “before” the suzerain. Israel’s covenant adopts the imagery but transforms it: the Suzerain is holy, merciful, and personally present. Regular pilgrim festivals required Israelites to “appear before the LORD” (Exodus 34:23), reinforcing national unity around divine presence rather than a human throne.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Personal discipleship. Believers cultivate coram Deo living—conscious awareness that every thought and deed unfolds before the Father’s face (Hebrews 4:13).
• Corporate worship. Gathered assemblies echo tabernacle realities, drawing near “with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22).
• Leadership integrity. Elders and pastors serve not merely before people but “before God and Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 4:1), fostering accountability and humility.
• Mission and evangelism. Proclamation invites the nations to come and stand “before” the King (Isaiah 60:3; Revelation 7:9-10).

Christological and Eschatological Reflections

Jesus embodies perfect obedience “before” the Father: “I always do what is pleasing to Him” (John 8:29). Through His atoning death and resurrection He grants believers bold access “before the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). Eschatologically, redeemed humanity will “see His face” (Revelation 22:4), fulfilling the longing of every covenant generation to dwell eternally before God.

Summary

Though Strong’s 3942 does not surface in a specific verse, the concept saturates Scripture. To be לִפְּנַי is to live, worship, serve, and hope in the immediate presence of the covenant-keeping LORD—a reality fulfilled in Christ and destined to culminate in the unveiled glory of the new creation.

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts