Behold: see verses 5 and 10 above. Revised English Bible translates here “Suddenly.” It may be more natural at this point in many languages to insert a transition word that indicates the continuation of a sequence of events. Translators may consider “Next…” or “Then…” (An American Translation, New American Bible, New International Version, New Revised Standard Version, as well as Good News Translation).
One in the likeness of the sons of men: this is similar in meaning to the Aramaic expression translated “one like a son of man” in 7.13, but it differs in form because the word for “son” is plural here. This may be taken to refer to the same being as the one mentioned in verse 15, in which case it is wise to translate “that person (or angel) was like a human being.” This is the solution followed by Good News Translation. Or the phrase may be understood as pointing to another (different) heavenly being. If this interpretation is adopted, translators should probably say “another being, who was like a person” (Bible en français courant) or “then someone (else) looking like a man” (New Jerusalem Bible). The majority of versions seem to prefer this second interpretation.
Touched my lips: this gesture confirms the fact that Daniel was incapable of speaking (verse 15). Compare Isa 6.7 and Jer 1.9. There is nothing in the text corresponding to the Good News Translation “reached out and,” although this expression is used in Jer 1.9, and this is probably what readers will assume here.
Opened my mouth and spoke: this typically Hebrew expression comes out very awkward in most languages if translated literally. The meaning is simply that he began to talk again (compare Matt 5.2). In some languages it will be better to say “I was able to speak again.” Revised English Bible renders this as follows: “then I broke my silence and addressed him.”
To him who stood before me: this may sound strange in some languages, even if the meaning is clearly understood, since readers know without being told that the person who is being addressed is standing there.
O my lord: the term translated my lord here is one of great honor and is in fact close in form to the one used for God in 1.2 and nine times in chapter 9. Translators should seek an equivalent in their languages that is appropriate for any person who is greatly respected. In some cases this may be a term appropriate only for humans, while in other cases it could refer to beings human or divine.
By reason of the vision: or “because of the vision.” In many languages this part of the verse should probably be restructured, making the vision the subject of the sentence: “this vision has caused me to have pains.”
Pains have come upon me: literally “my pangs (as those of a woman in childbirth) have overpowered me.” The corresponding Hebrew terms would make people think of both anxiety and suffering—as in the case of childbirth (1 Sam 4.19). In some languages it will be natural to speak of the stomach being upset or of the liver being disturbed.
And I retain no strength: the conjunction and does not really introduce a second separate fact. The idea is rather that the pains resulted in the lack of strength and the feeling of helplessness. The two things are very closely associated. For this reason New Revised Standard Version revises Revised Standard Version to say “such pains have come upon me that I retain no strength.”
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 .