Blessed: this word corresponds to the one that begins each of the Beatitudes in Matt 5. In some languages the most natural equivalent will be an idiomatic expression containing the idea “to have a sweet liver (or stomach)…” or something similar.

He who waits: this expression is singular in form but clearly does not refer to just one male individual. For this reason it should probably be made plural in the translation: “those who” (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, as well as Good News Translation). The verb waits should not be understood in the sense of waiting passively in desperation. The idea is rather that of waiting confidently. It is for this reason that Good News Translation translates “remain faithful.” In Anchor Bible the verb is rendered “has patience.”

Comes to: the idea seems to be that of surviving or arriving (alive) at the conclusion of the time period given. Revised English Bible translates the two verbs “who wait and live to see.” Another way of rendering this is “remains firm (or steadfast).”

The thousand three hundred and thirty-five days: this corresponds to three and half years (or the 1,290 days mentioned in the previous verse) plus an additional 45 days. It should not be converted into weeks or months in the translation.

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 .