But: the initial conjunction contrasts the king’s glory and majesty with his humiliation after being dethroned.
The structure of this verse may be simplified by taking the first two clauses, which are subordinate in Aramaic, and making an independent clause of them. The third clause may then be introduced by something like “Therefore” or “Consequently.”
His heart was lifted up: this expression indicates a state of arrogance and conceit. See comments on “heart” at 1.8; 2.30; 4.16. In some languages it may be acceptable to translate this literally, but in others a literal rendering will have a totally different meaning. Some possible models are “his heart became proud” (Anchor Bible), “his heart became arrogant” (New International Version), or “he grew (or became) haughty” (New Jerusalem Bible and Revised English Bible). Some languages have figures of speech such as “his heart swelled up” or “he acted with a big head” to indicate such arrogance.
His spirit was hardened: this expression refers to stubbornness and inflexibility. Other versions have “willfully presumptuous” (New Jerusalem Bible), “his spirit stiff with arrogance” (New Jerusalem Bible), and “stubborn” (Revised English Bible).
So that he dealt proudly: literally “until arrogance.” This has been translated in a variety of ways: “presumptuous” (New English Bible and New Jerusalem Bible); “insolence” (New American Bible); and “so that he bore himself haughtily” (Moffatt). The cumulative effect of the last three phrases is more important than the details of each expression. Extreme pride and arrogance are in view.
He was deposed: this is the main clause of this verse and should probably be introduced by something like “Therefore” to show the relationship with the previous statements. In many languages restructuring will be required by the fact that it is passive in form. Translators may say “he lost his royal authority” or identify the agent by saying something like “God deposed him” or “God caused him to fall.”
His glory was taken from him: although this is passive in Revised Standard Version, the text literally reads “they (indefinite) took away his glory.” A literal rendering of the Aramaic may be acceptable in some cases. Or some may have to say “his glory disappeared completely.”
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 .