In my study of the New Testament I have found that the words Parousia [3952] and Prosopon [4383] are translated using the English word “presence” in Young’s literal translation of the Bible.
Could someone explain the relationship of these Greek words please. Can they be considered interchangeable?
The Greek word “Parousia” is translated as “Presence” in Matt 24:3.
Matt 24:3 ¶And when he is sitting on the mount of the Olives, the disciples came near to him by himself, saying, ‘Tell us, when shall these be? and what is the sign of thy presence, and of the full end of the age?’
The Greek word “Prosopon” is translated as “Presence” in Acts 3:19.
Ac 3:19 reform ye, therefore, and turn back, for your sins being blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.
Answer – Prosopon means face (which is why, in Romanian, prosop came to mean towel), and parousia, consisting of para and ousia, means coming or arrival.
My conclusion – Whether a person chooses to repent and believe determines whether Jesus visits a person with a rod of correction or in gentleness.
1 Corinthians 4:21 YLT — what do ye wish? with a rod shall I come unto you, or in love, with a spirit also of meekness?