In biblical contexts, the act of falling facedown is a physical expression of reverence, humility, and submission before God or His divine presence. This posture is frequently depicted in Scripture as a response to the overwhelming holiness and majesty of God, as well as a recognition of human unworthiness in His presence.

Old Testament Instances

One of the earliest instances of falling facedown is found in Genesis 17:3, where Abram falls facedown as God speaks to him, signifying his reverence and submission to God's covenant. Similarly, in Leviticus 9:24, when fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering, the people shouted for joy and fell facedown, acknowledging the power and holiness of God.

In Numbers 16:22, Moses and Aaron fell facedown when confronted with the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, interceding for the congregation and pleading for God's mercy. This act of falling facedown is a recurring theme in the life of Moses, as seen in Numbers 20:6, where he and Aaron fall facedown at the entrance to the tent of meeting, seeking God's guidance.

The book of Joshua also records an instance of falling facedown in Joshua 5:14, where Joshua encounters the commander of the Lord's army. Recognizing the divine nature of the encounter, Joshua falls facedown to the ground in worship and submission.

New Testament Instances

In the New Testament, the act of falling facedown continues to signify worship and recognition of divine authority. In Matthew 17:6, during the Transfiguration of Jesus, Peter, James, and John fall facedown, overwhelmed by the divine glory revealed to them. This response underscores their awe and reverence in the presence of the glorified Christ.

Revelation 7:11 describes the angels, elders, and living creatures falling facedown before the throne of God, worshiping Him and acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness. This imagery in Revelation highlights the eternal worship and adoration that God receives from His creation.

Theological Significance

The act of falling facedown is deeply rooted in the acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and holiness. It is a physical manifestation of the heart's posture of humility and submission. Throughout Scripture, this act is associated with worship, prayer, and intercession, reflecting a deep sense of awe and reverence for God.

In a broader theological context, falling facedown can be seen as an expression of repentance and a plea for divine intervention. It signifies the recognition of human frailty and the need for God's grace and mercy. This posture is a powerful reminder of the proper attitude one should have when approaching the divine presence.

Practical Application

For believers today, the biblical examples of falling facedown serve as a reminder of the importance of humility and reverence in worship and prayer. While the physical act may not always be necessary, the heart's posture should reflect the same humility and submission demonstrated by the biblical figures who fell facedown before God. This attitude fosters a deeper relationship with God, characterized by awe, respect, and a recognition of His lordship over all aspects of life.Facedown (20 Occurrences)

Matthew 17:6
And the disciples having heard, did fall upon their face, and were exceedingly afraid,
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Genesis 17:3
And Abram fell on his face; and God talked with him, saying:
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Genesis 17:17
Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart: 'Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?'
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Leviticus 9:24
And there came forth fire from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt-offering and the fat; and when all the people saw it, they shouted, and fell on their faces.
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Numbers 14:5
Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.
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Numbers 16:4
And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face.
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Numbers 16:22
And they fell upon their faces, and said: 'O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt Thou be wroth with all the congregation?'
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Numbers 16:45
Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.' And they fell upon their faces.
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Numbers 20:6
And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tent of meeting, and fell upon their faces; and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them.
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Numbers 22:31
Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed his head, and fell on his face.
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Joshua 5:14
And he said: 'Nay, but I am captain of the host of the LORD; I am now come.' And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said unto him: 'What saith my lord unto his servant?'
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Joshua 7:6
And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust upon their heads.
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1 Samuel 17:49
And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slung it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead; and the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth.
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1 Chronicles 21:16
And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD standing between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.
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Ezekiel 1:28
As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke.
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Ezekiel 3:23
And I rise and go forth unto the valley, and lo, there the honour of Jehovah is standing as the honour that I had seen by the river Chebar, and I fall on my face.
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Ezekiel 9:8
And it cometh to pass, as they are smiting, and I -- I am left -- that I fall on my face, and cry, and say, 'Ah, Lord Jehovah, art Thou destroying all the remnant of Israel, in Thy pouring out Thy wrath on Jerusalem?'
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Ezekiel 11:13
And it cometh to pass, at my prophesying, that Pelatiah son of Benaiah is dying, and I fall on my face, and cry -- a loud voice -- and say, 'Ah, Lord Jehovah, an end Thou art making of the remnant of Israel.'
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Ezekiel 43:3
And according to the appearance 'is' the appearance that I saw, as the appearance that I saw in my coming in to destroy the city, and the appearances 'are' as the appearance that I saw at the river Chebar, and I fall on my face.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 44:4
And he bringeth me in the way of the north gate unto the front of the house, and I look, and lo, filled hath the honour of Jehovah the house of Jehovah, and I fall on my face.
(See NIV)

Facedown (20 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Facedown (20 Occurrences). Matthew 17:6 And the
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