Topic summary

Prosopon

Prosopon is a greek word used in christendom that originally meant a 'Face' or 'Countenance' or 'Mask' - literally translating to "what is before the eyes".

The term has a particular significance in Christian study of the Trinity, and also in Christology.

In English language, the form prosopon is used mainly in scholarly works, related to theology, philosophy or history of religion, while it is also commonly translated as person, both in scholarly or non-scholarly writings. The term prosopon should not be confused with the term hypostasis, which is related to similar theological concepts, but differs in meaning.

The Latin term for prosopon, traditionally used in Western Christianity, and from which the English term person is derived, is persona.