Daniel 5:6

5:6 Then all the color drained from the king’s face ¹  and he became alarmed. ²  The joints of his hips gave way, ³  and his knees began knocking together.

Genesis 4:5-6

4:5 but with Cain and his offering he was not pleased. ⁴  So Cain became very angry, ⁵  and his expression was downcast. ⁶ 

4:6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why is your expression downcast?

Genesis 31:2

31:2 When Jacob saw the look on Laban’s face, he could tell his attitude toward him had changed. ⁷ 

¹ tn Aram “[the king’s] brightness changed for him.”

² tn Aram “his thoughts were alarming him.”

³ tn Aram “his loins went slack.”

⁴ sn The Letter to the Hebrews explains the difference between the brothers as one of faith – Abel by faith offered a better sacrifice. Cain’s offering as well as his reaction to God’s displeasure did not reflect faith. See further B. K. Waltke, “Cain and His Offering,” WTJ 48 (1986): 363-72.

⁵ tn Heb “and it was hot to Cain.” This Hebrew idiom means that Cain “burned” with anger.

⁶ tn Heb “And his face fell.” The idiom means that the inner anger is reflected in Cain’s facial expression. The fallen or downcast face expresses anger, dejection, or depression. Conversely, in Num 6 the high priestly blessing speaks of the Lord lifting up his face and giving peace.

⁷ tn Heb “and Jacob saw the face of Laban, and look, he was not with him as formerly.” Jacob knew from the expression on Laban’s face that his attitude toward him had changed – Jacob had become persona non grata.