Note that a new paragraph is begun at this point in Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible, and New Jerusalem Bible. This is probably a good idea also for translations in other languages.

He shall stir up his power and his courage: on the verb translated stir up, see verse 2. The word rendered courage in Revised Standard Version is one of the Hebrew words used for “heart.” Many other languages represent the idea of courage with an expression containing the word “heart.”

Wage war with …: translators should be aware that the king of the south (Egypt) is not fighting against an exceedingly great and mighty army but that he is using such an army in his war effort. The latter is, in fact, a kind of comparison with the great … army of the king of Syria that was attacking him. The Egyptian ruler’s army will be even greater and more powerful. It will be noted also that Good News Translation and Revised English Bible correctly use the verbal expression “fight back,” indicating the defensive posture of the king of Egypt in response to the attack against his country.

He shall not stand: compare verses 15 and 16.

Plots shall be devised against him: the Revised Standard Version passive reflects a Hebrew original that may be rendered “they (indefinite) devise plots against him.” This construction, using an impersonal third person plural subject, may be a good model for other languages where the passive presents problems. There is no clear indication as to exactly who is the author of these plots.

Verses 25 and 26 are probably a reference to the conflict that pitted Antiochus IV against his nephew, Ptolemy VI (son of his sister Cleopatra; compare verse 17). In the course of the conflict Ptolemy VI was betrayed by certain of his generals.

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 .