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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Daniel 5:6 his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/daniel/5-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/27_Dan_05_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Daniel 5:6 - The Handwriting on the Wall" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/daniel/5-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/daniel/5-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/daniel/">Daniel</a> > <a href="/daniel/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/daniel/5-5.htm" title="Daniel 5:5">◄</a> Daniel 5:6 <a href="/daniel/5-7.htm" title="Daniel 5:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/daniel/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/daniel/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his legs became weak and his knees were knocking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/daniel/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />and his face turned pale with fright. His knees knocked together in fear and his legs gave way beneath him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/daniel/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king’s color changed, and his thoughts alarmed him; his limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/daniel/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/daniel/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/daniel/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the king’s countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/daniel/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king’s face became pale and his thoughts alarmed him, and his hip joints loosened and his knees began knocking together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/daniel/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the king&#8217s face grew pale and his thoughts alarmed him, and his hip joints went slack and his knees began knocking together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/daniel/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the king’s face grew pale, and his thoughts alarmed him; and his hip joints went slack, and his knees began knocking together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/daniel/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the splendor of the king’s <i>face</i> changed, and his thoughts alarmed him, and his hip joints went slack, and his knees were knocking against each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/daniel/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the king’s face grew pale, and his thoughts alarmed him; the joints <i>and</i> muscles of his hips <i>and</i> back weakened and his knees began knocking together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/daniel/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />his face turned pale, and his thoughts so terrified him that he soiled himself and his knees knocked together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/daniel/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />his face turned pale, and his thoughts so terrified him that his hip joints shook and his knees knocked together. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/daniel/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king's countenance was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/daniel/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />He was so frightened that his face turned pale, his knees started shaking, and his legs became weak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/daniel/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then the king's countenance was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/daniel/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the king turned pale, and his thoughts frightened him. His hip joints became loose, and his knees knocked against each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/daniel/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He turned pale and was so frightened that his knees began to shake. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/daniel/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />While the king watched the back of the hand as it was writing, his facial expression changed. Utterly frightened, he lost control of his own bowels and his knees knocked together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/daniel/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/daniel/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then all the color drained from the king's face and he became alarmed. The joints of his hips gave way, and his knees began knocking together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/daniel/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then the king's face was turned pale, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs gave way, and his knees began knocking together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/daniel/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/daniel/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then the king’s face was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs were loosened, and his knees struck one against another. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/daniel/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />then the king’s countenance has changed, and his thoughts trouble him, and the joints of his loins are loosed, and his knees are striking against one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/daniel/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> then the king's countenance hath changed, and his thoughts do trouble him, and the joints of his loins are loosed, and his knees are smiting one against another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/daniel/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The king's brightnesses changing, and his thoughts will terrify him, and the knots of his loins breaking forth, and his knees knocked this upon that.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/daniel/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Then was the king's countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him: and the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees struck one against the other. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/daniel/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then the king’s countenance was changed, and his thoughts disturbed him, and he lost his self-control, and his knees knocked against one other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/daniel/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />his face became pale; his thoughts terrified him, his hip joints shook, and his knees knocked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/daniel/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king’s face turned pale, and his thoughts terrified him. His limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/daniel/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the king's countenance was changed and his thoughts troubled him and the joints of his loins were loosed and his knees struck one against another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/daniel/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Then the King’s cheerfulness changed and his mind was troubled, and the joints of his loins were loosened and his knees knocked together<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/daniel/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then the king's countenance was changed in him, and his thoughts affrighted him; and the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/daniel/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Then the king's countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, and the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/daniel/5-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/shUZJK-vYxI?start=1764" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/daniel/5.htm">The Handwriting on the Wall</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5</span>At that moment the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. As the king watched the hand that was writing, <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/116.htm" title="116: ’ĕ·ḏa·yin (Adv) -- Then, thereupon. (Aramaic) of uncertain derivation; then (of time)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: mal·kā (N-msd) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2122.htm" title="2122: zi·yō·hî (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Brightness, splendor. (Aramaic) corresponding to Ziv; (figuratively) cheerfulness.">his face</a> <a href="/hebrew/8133.htm" title="8133: šə·nō·w·hî (V-Qal-Perf-3mp:: 3ms) -- To change. (Aramaic) corresponding to shana.">grew pale</a> <a href="/hebrew/7476.htm" title="7476: wə·ra·ʿ·yō·nō·hī (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A thought. (Aramaic) corresponding to ra'yown; a grasp. I.e. (figuratively) mental conception.">and his thoughts</a> <a href="/hebrew/927.htm" title="927: yə·ḇa·hă·lūn·nêh (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp:: 3mse) -- To alarm, dismay. (Aramaic) corresponding to bahal; to terrify, hasten.">so alarmed him</a> <a href="/hebrew/2783.htm" title="2783: ḥar·ṣêh (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Loin. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to charats in the sense of vigor; the loin (as the seat of strength).">that his hips</a> <a href="/hebrew/7001.htm" title="7001: wə·qiṭ·rê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to qatar; a knot (as tied up), i.e. (figuratively) a riddle; also a vertebra (as if a knot)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8271.htm" title="8271: miš·tā·ra·yin (V-Hitpael-Prtcpl-mp) -- To loosen, abide. ">gave way</a> <a href="/hebrew/755.htm" title="755: wə·’ar·ḵub·bā·ṯêh (Conj-w:: N-fpc:: 3ms) -- The knee. (Aramaic) from an unused root corresponding to rakab (in the sense of bending the knee); the knee.">and his knees</a> <a href="/hebrew/1668.htm" title="1668: dā (Adj-fs) -- This. (Aramaic) corresponding to zeh; this.">knocked together.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1668.htm" title="1668: lə·ḏā (Prep-l:: Adj-fs) -- This. (Aramaic) corresponding to zeh; this."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5368.htm" title="5368: nā·qə·šān (V-Qal-Prtcpl-fp) -- To knock. (Aramaic) corresponding to naqash; but used in the sense of naqaph; to knock."></a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to be brought in, and he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this inscription and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-1.htm">Daniel 2:1</a></span><br />In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled his spirit, and sleep escaped him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-5.htm">Daniel 4:5</a></span><br />I had a dream, and it frightened me; while I was in my bed, the images and visions in my mind alarmed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/7-28.htm">Daniel 7:28</a></span><br />Thus ends the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face turned pale. But I kept the matter to myself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-8.htm">Genesis 41:8</a></span><br />In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/21-3.htm">Isaiah 21:3-4</a></span><br />Therefore my body is filled with anguish. Pain grips me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am bewildered to hear, I am dismayed to see. / My heart falters; fear makes me tremble. The twilight I desired has turned to horror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/7-17.htm">Ezekiel 7:17</a></span><br />Every hand will go limp, and every knee will turn to water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nahum/2-10.htm">Nahum 2:10</a></span><br />She is emptied! Yes, she is desolate and laid waste! Hearts melt, knees knock, bodies tremble, and every face grows pale!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/3-16.htm">Habakkuk 3:16</a></span><br />I heard and trembled within; my lips quivered at the sound. Decay entered my bones; I trembled where I stood. Yet I must wait patiently for the day of distress to come upon the people who invade us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-3.htm">Matthew 2:3</a></span><br />When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-26.htm">Matthew 14:26</a></span><br />When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-49.htm">Mark 6:49-50</a></span><br />but when they saw Him walking on the sea, they cried out, thinking He was a ghost— / for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-12.htm">Luke 1:12</a></span><br />When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-26.htm">Luke 21:26</a></span><br />Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-21.htm">John 13:21</a></span><br />After Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit and testified, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-25.htm">Acts 24:25</a></span><br />As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.</p><p class="hdg">the king's.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/5-9.htm">Daniel 5:9</a></b></br> Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/2-1.htm">Daniel 2:1</a></b></br> And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/3-19.htm">Daniel 3:19</a></b></br> Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: <i>therefore</i> he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.</p><p class="hdg">countenance.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/5-9.htm">Daniel 5:9</a></b></br> Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.</p><p class="hdg">was changed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/5-10.htm">Daniel 5:10</a></b></br> <i>Now</i> the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: <i>and</i> the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/4-5.htm">Daniel 4:5,19</a></b></br> I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/7-28.htm">Daniel 7:28</a></b></br> Hitherto <i>is</i> the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.</p><p class="hdg">so that.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/69-23.htm">Psalm 69:23</a></b></br> Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/13-7.htm">Isaiah 13:7,8</a></b></br> Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/21-3.htm">Isaiah 21:3,4</a></b></br> Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing <i>of it</i>; I was dismayed at the seeing <i>of it</i>… </p><p class="hdg">joints.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/5-27.htm">Isaiah 5:27</a></b></br> None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken:</p><p class="hdg">Chal.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Isaiah 35:3</a></b></br> Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/7-17.htm">Ezekiel 7:17</a></b></br> All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak <i>as</i> water.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/21-7.htm">Ezekiel 21:7</a></b></br> And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak <i>as</i> water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/4-19.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/daniel/4-19.htm">Alarmed</a> <a href="/daniel/4-16.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-16.htm">Colour</a> <a href="/daniel/1-13.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/daniel/2-46.htm">Face</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Frightened</a> <a href="/daniel/4-20.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/isaiah/66-12.htm">Hip</a> <a href="/songs/7-1.htm">Joints</a> <a href="/daniel/5-5.htm">King's</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-4.htm">Knees</a> <a href="/acts/12-13.htm">Knocked</a> <a href="/songs/5-2.htm">Knocking</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-11.htm">Limbs</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-14.htm">Loosed</a> <a href="/job/39-5.htm">Loosened</a> <a href="/jeremiah/30-6.htm">Pale</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-17.htm">Slack</a> <a href="/daniel/2-35.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/daniel/4-30.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/daniel/2-35.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/daniel/2-32.htm">Thighs</a> <a href="/daniel/4-19.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/daniel/3-27.htm">Together</a> <a href="/daniel/4-19.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/daniel/2-29.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/daniel/1-8.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/5-9.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/daniel/5-9.htm">Alarmed</a> <a href="/daniel/5-9.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/daniel/5-9.htm">Colour</a> <a href="/daniel/5-9.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/daniel/5-9.htm">Face</a> <a href="/daniel/8-17.htm">Frightened</a> <a href="/daniel/5-9.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/genesis/32-25.htm">Hip</a> <a href="/colossians/2-19.htm">Joints</a> <a href="/daniel/5-8.htm">King's</a> <a href="/daniel/6-10.htm">Knees</a> <a href="/luke/12-36.htm">Knocked</a> <a href="/nahum/2-10.htm">Knocking</a> <a href="/job/18-13.htm">Limbs</a> <a href="/matthew/18-27.htm">Loosed</a> <a href="/acts/16-26.htm">Loosened</a> <a href="/daniel/5-9.htm">Pale</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-16.htm">Slack</a> <a href="/daniel/8-7.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/daniel/10-8.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/daniel/8-7.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/daniel/10-5.htm">Thighs</a> <a href="/daniel/5-10.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/daniel/6-6.htm">Together</a> <a href="/daniel/5-9.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/daniel/7-28.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/daniel/9-10.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Daniel 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/5-1.htm">Belshazzar's impious feast.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/5-5.htm">A hand-writing unknown to the magicians, troubles the king.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/5-10.htm">At the commendation of the queen Daniel is brought.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/5-17.htm">He, reproving the king of pride and idolatry,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/5-25.htm">reads and interprets the writing.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/5-30.htm">The monarchy is translated to the Medes</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/daniel/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/daniel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/daniel/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>his face grew pale</b><br>This phrase indicates a sudden and intense fear. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, a change in facial color was often associated with terror or shock. The king's reaction reflects the gravity of the situation, as he witnesses the mysterious hand writing on the wall. This fear is reminiscent of other biblical instances where individuals encounter divine or supernatural events, such as the fear experienced by the guards at Jesus' tomb (<a href="/matthew/28-4.htm">Matthew 28:4</a>).<p><b>and his thoughts so alarmed him</b><br>The king's alarmed thoughts suggest a deep internal turmoil and confusion. In the context of <a href="/daniel/5.htm">Daniel 5</a>, Belshazzar is confronted with a divine message that he cannot understand, highlighting his vulnerability and the limits of his power. This mirrors the broader biblical theme of human rulers being subject to God's ultimate authority, as seen in Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience in <a href="/daniel/4.htm">Daniel 4</a>.<p><b>that his hips gave way</b><br>This phrase indicates a physical manifestation of fear, suggesting a loss of strength or control. In ancient texts, such expressions often symbolize a complete breakdown of composure. The imagery here underscores the king's helplessness in the face of divine judgment, similar to how the Philistines reacted with fear when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into their camp (<a href="/1_samuel/5-10.htm">1 Samuel 5:10-12</a>).<p><b>and his knees knocked together</b><br>The knocking of knees is a vivid depiction of terror and physical weakness. This detail emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the king's fear. It serves as a reminder of the frailty of human power when confronted with the divine. This reaction can be compared to the fear and trembling described in <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12</a>, where believers are encouraged to work out their salvation with reverence and awe before God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_belshazzar.htm">King Belshazzar</a></b><br>The Babylonian king who held a great feast and saw the mysterious handwriting on the wall, leading to his fear and trembling.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a></b><br>The setting of this event, a powerful empire known for its wealth and idolatry, which was nearing its downfall.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_handwriting_on_the_wall.htm">The Handwriting on the Wall</a></b><br>A divine message written by a mysterious hand during Belshazzar's feast, signifying God's judgment on Babylon.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/daniel.htm">Daniel</a></b><br>The prophet who later interprets the writing for Belshazzar, revealing God's impending judgment.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_feast.htm">The Feast</a></b><br>A lavish banquet hosted by Belshazzar, during which sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple were profaned.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_pride.htm">The Consequences of Pride</a></b><br>Belshazzar's arrogance and disrespect for God led to his downfall. We must remain humble and reverent before God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_god's_judgment.htm">The Certainty of God's Judgment</a></b><br>Just as the handwriting on the wall was a clear sign of judgment, God's Word assures us that His judgment is certain and just.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_discernment.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Discernment</a></b><br>Daniel's ability to interpret the writing highlights the need for spiritual wisdom and discernment in understanding God's messages.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_transience_of_earthly_power.htm">The Transience of Earthly Power</a></b><br>Belshazzar's fear and the fall of Babylon remind us that earthly power and wealth are temporary and should not be our ultimate pursuit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord.htm">The Fear of the Lord</a></b><br>Belshazzar's reaction underscores the importance of having a healthy fear of the Lord, recognizing His sovereignty and authority.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_daniel_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Daniel 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_martyrdom.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian martyrdom?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_happened_to_belshazzar.htm">What happened to Belshazzar during the feast?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'pray_without_ceasing'_mean.htm">What does 'Pray Without Ceasing' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_daniel_5_5_scientifically_plausible.htm">In Daniel 5:5, how could a disembodied hand literally write on the wall, and isn’t this account scientifically implausible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/daniel/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">The king's countenance was changed.--</span>The effect of the vision on the king changes his whole expression to that of alarm instead of drunken mirth.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/daniel/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.</span> The Septuagint differs in a somewhat important degree from the Massoretic text, "And his countenance was changed, and fears and thoughts troubled him." In this clause not improbably <span class="greek">φόβοι</span> and <span class="greek">ὑπόνοιαι</span> are double renderings of <span class="hebrew">רעין</span>. "And the king hasted and rose up, and looked at that writing, and his companions round about him (<span class="greek">κύκλῳ αὐτοῦ</span>) boasted." It is clear that the text from which the Septuagint had repeated the verb <span class="hebrew">בֶהַל</span> (<span class="accented">bebal</span>), which means originally "to hasten," and had the word "king "after it, if the Septuagint Aramaic were the original, we can easily understand how the word repeated might be omitted by <span class="accented">bomoioteleutoa.</span> While <span class="hebrew">קם</span> could easily be read <span class="hebrew">קט</span> after the square character had got place, <span class="hebrew">קמ</span> could not in the script of the Egyptian Aramaic papyri be easily read <span class="aramaic">קם</span>. consequently we are inclined to look on the reading of the Septuagint here as being the primitive one. The king, according to this verse, saw the handwriting, but not till he rose did he see what was written. This representation of the succession of events is natural, whereas the statements about his loins being loosed is mere amplification. The last clause storms to be a misreading of the clause which appears in the Massoretic at the end (which see). The first word seems to have been misread <span class="accented">heberren</span>, and thus a meaning is violently given to the other parts of the clause. The probability is in favour of the Massoretic reading here, Theodotion and the Peshitta agree with the Massoretic text. The omen of a hand appearing to write on the wall of the palace was one that might easily cause the thoughts of the king to trouble him. Much more was the omen of importance when the king saw that the hand which had appeared to write had actually left certain words written. It was but natural that the bright<span class="accented">ness</span> of the king's countenance should depart from him when he saw the hand. thus awfully coming out of the darkness, and writing, and that his knees should smite one upon another when what was written gleamed upon him from the wall before him. He might well be sure that the message so communicated would be laden with fate. Fear is naturally the first emotion occasioned by any mysterious occurrence; and then Babylon was, in all likelihood, being pressed by the advance of Cyrus. If he had any suspicion of the treachery that had sapped the power of his father, his apprehensions would be all the greater. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/daniel/5-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">his face</span><br /><span class="heb">זִיוֺ֣הִי</span> <span class="translit">(zi·yō·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2122.htm">Strong's 2122: </a> </span><span class="str2">Brightness, splendor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">grew pale</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁנ֔וֹהִי</span> <span class="translit">(šə·nō·w·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8133.htm">Strong's 8133: </a> </span><span class="str2">To change</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and his thoughts</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרַעיֹנֹ֖הִי‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ra·‘·yō·nō·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7476.htm">Strong's 7476: </a> </span><span class="str2">A grasp, mental conception</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so alarmed him</span><br /><span class="heb">יְבַהֲלוּנֵּ֑הּ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḇa·hă·lūn·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_927.htm">Strong's 927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To terrify, hasten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that his hips</span><br /><span class="heb">חַרְצֵהּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḥar·ṣêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2783.htm">Strong's 2783: </a> </span><span class="str2">The loin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gave way</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁתָּרַ֔יִן</span> <span class="translit">(miš·tā·ra·yin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8271.htm">Strong's 8271: </a> </span><span class="str2">To free, separate, to unravel, commence, to reside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and his knees</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַ֨רְכֻבָּתֵ֔הּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ar·ḵub·bā·ṯêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_755.htm">Strong's 755: </a> </span><span class="str2">The knee</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knocked together.</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(dā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1668.htm">Strong's 1668: </a> </span><span class="str2">This</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/daniel/5-6.htm">Daniel 5:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/daniel/5-6.htm">Daniel 5:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/daniel/5-6.htm">Daniel 5:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/daniel/5-6.htm">Daniel 5:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/daniel/5-6.htm">Daniel 5:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/daniel/5-6.htm">Daniel 5:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/daniel/5-6.htm">Daniel 5:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/daniel/5-6.htm">Daniel 5:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/daniel/5-6.htm">Daniel 5:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/daniel/5-6.htm">Daniel 5:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">OT Prophets: Daniel 5:6 Then the king's face was changed (Dan. Da Dn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/daniel/5-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Daniel 5:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Daniel 5:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/daniel/5-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Daniel 5:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Daniel 5:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>