After this I looked: a literal rendering of these words may give the reader the impression that Daniel had not been looking previously. But the sense is rather “After seeing that I looked again” or “While I was still looking.” New Revised Standard Version has “As I watched,” while Revised English Bible has “As I gazed.”

And lo: this is the same particle that is translated “behold” in verses 2 and 5. It will be necessary to leave it untranslated in some languages. But where a language has a similar particle for directing the attention of the hearer, it may be used here.

Like a leopard: the precise identification of this animal is uncertain. The experts are not in complete agreement as to whether this refers to a leopard or to a panther. Most English versions have “leopard,” but since this is a comparison in a vision, the precise identification of “panther” or “leopard” is probably of no great importance.

With four wings of a bird on its back: translators should be careful not to give the impression of four little bird wings resting unattached on the back of the animal. The intention of the writer was clearly that they were attached to and a part of the body of the animal, as was the case with the lion in verse 4. In the same way, the four heads should be understood as being firmly connected to the body of the beast.

Dominion was given to it: again, the passive form will have to be translated actively in many languages. This seems to be parallel in meaning to the expressions “standing like a man” in verse 4. The upright position is symbolic of power and dominion. But in this case the symbolism appears to be replaced by nonfigurative language. Dominion means the power or authority to rule over or impose its will on others; New International Version has “authority to rule,” and Revised English Bible “sovereign power.”

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 .