Fell into a deep sleep: this indicates a loss of consciousness but not necessarily what would be considered normal sleep. The verb used refers rather to an unusual, supernatural state of unconsciousness. It is the same root used of Adam in the creation story (Gen 2.21), and it occurs again in Daniel at 10.9. New Revised Standard Version translates here “fell into a trance.” The word “trance” is also used in the New English Bible/Revised English Bible rendering.

With my face to the ground: the Good News Translation repetition of “fell to the ground” is curious and illogical here, since this fact was already established in the previous verse. The meaning of the Hebrew seems to be rather that, while already lying face down on the ground as a result of having thrown himself down (verse 17), Daniel was then overcome by the deep sleep. New Jerusalem Bible, for example, translates “I was overcome by a deep sleep as I lay prostrate on the ground.”

Touched me: the context seems to require more than a mere light touch of the hand. New English Bible has “he grasped me,” which is very similar in meaning to the Good News Translation rendering.

Set me on my feet: literally “made me stand on my standing.” It is appropriate for a person about to receive an angelic message to be alert and standing to obey orders.

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 .