The king answered the Chaldeans: literally “answered and said to the Chaldeans….” Aramaic, like Hebrew, often uses two verbs where many other languages use only one. Even Revised Standard Version reduces the two verbs to one in this context, but compare King James Version. Also, in many languages it may be smoother to leave the Chaldeans implicit and say simply “the king answered…,” as in Revised English Bible.

The word from me is sure: this phrase, repeated in verse 8 below, gives the idea of a firm decision or decree. The notion of this strong resolution has been communicated in other English versions as “This is what I have decided:…” (New American Bible), “I hereby decree:…” (New Jerusalem Bible), “This is my declared intention” (New English Bible), “This is my firm decision” (Revised English Bible), and “What I say, I mean” (Moffatt).

The dream and its interpretation: some other ways of phrasing this may be “what I dreamed and what it means” or “the story and meaning of my dream.”

You shall be torn limb from limb: or “you will be cut into pieces.” This expression describes a form of torture that was fairly common in ancient times. Because it is a passive expression, it will have to be reworded in many languages. Some may use a causative form: “I will cause someone to mutilate you.” Others may use an expression like “I will order them (indefinite) to cut you to pieces.”

Your houses shall be laid in ruins: this passive form will also have to be made active in many languages. According to some scholars the Aramaic word corresponding to ruins is derived from a verb meaning “to destroy.” But others think that it comes from a root evoking the idea of ugliness, horror, or garbage. This is why New Jerusalem Bible has “… turned into dunghills.” New Jerusalem Bible, however, translates “your houses will be confiscated” but acknowledges in a footnote that the meaning is uncertain. It is probably best to understand it in terms of the total destruction of their homes.

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René & Ellington, John. A Handbook on Daniel. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .