Genesis 4:5

4:5 but with Cain and his offering he was not pleased. ¹  So Cain became very angry, ²  and his expression was downcast. ³ 

Genesis 31:2

31:2 When Jacob saw the look on Laban’s face, he could tell his attitude toward him had changed. ⁴ 

Genesis 40:6

40:6 When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were looking depressed. ⁵ 

Genesis 42:12

42:12 “No,” he insisted, “but you have come to see if our land is vulnerable.” ⁶ 

Genesis 45:20

45:20 Don’t worry ⁷  about your belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt will be yours.’”

Genesis 48:2

48:2 When Jacob was told, ⁸  “Your son Joseph has just ⁹  come to you,” Israel regained strength and sat up on his bed.

[4:5]  ¹ 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.

[4:5]  ² tn Heb “and it was hot to Cain.” This Hebrew idiom means that Cain “burned” with anger.

[4:5]  ³ 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.

[31:2]  ⁴ 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.

[40:6]  ⁷ tn The verb זָעַף (za’af) only occurs here and Dan 1:10. It means “to be sick, to be emaciated,” probably in this case because of depression.

[42:12]  ¹⁰ tn Heb “and he said, ‘No, for the nakedness of the land you have come to see.’” The order of the introductory clause and the direct discourse has been rearranged in the translation for clarity.

[45:20]  ¹³ tn Heb “let not your eye regard.”

[48:2]  ¹⁶ tn Heb “and one told and said.” The verbs have no expressed subject and can be translated with the passive voice.

[48:2]  ¹⁷ tn Heb “Look, your son Joseph.”