For reasons of English style, Good News Translation closes the direct quotation at the end of verse 3 and introduces the continuation with the words “He said to me….” This will be unnecessary and even considered awkward in many languages where it will be quite possible to continue the direct quotation without such a break.
But: this is probably not the best transition word to use here since it usually marks contrast, and, although the action required of Daniel is different from the above, it is still a positive thing and not in sharp contrast with what comes before. It is important to start a new paragraph at this point, in spite of the fact that several English versions fail to do so. Both New American Bible and Anchor Bible begin this verse with “As for you, Daniel.”
Shut up the words, and seal the book: this does not refer to two different actions but rather to a single procedure: “keep the words secret by sealing up the book.” This temporary sealing of the book is necessary because the end of time is thought to be some distance away. The order given here contrasts with Rev 22.10, where the book is not to be sealed because the end was thought to be within sight. On the term seal see comments on 8.26 and 9.24. Here some translators may have to use a more general expression “put your mark on it.”
Until the time of the end: some other ways this has been rendered are “until the time of the final phase” (Anchor Bible) and “till the crisis at the end” (Moffatt). In some languages the best translation may be “until the last days,” although this has special theological connotations in English.
Many: see 11.14, 33, 39, as well as verse 2 above.
Run to and fro: based on a slight change in the Hebrew text, the corresponding verb is taken by Anchor Bible to mean “will apostatize.” Moffatt seems to follow this understanding when he translates “will give way.” Likewise at has “many shall prove disloyal.” Other commentators seem to feel that this has something to do with being perplexed about the book that is sealed up. Bible en français courant has “many will consult it (the book).” (This is presumably after it is reopened.) Still others translate more generally but probably understanding a wandering in search of truth: “many will be at their wits’ end” (New English Bible); “go here and there” (New International Version); “be running back and forth” (New Revised Standard Version). The verb in question is used elsewhere of rowing a boat in Jonah 1.13, of swimming in Isa 25.11, and of wandering (in search of a word from the Lord) in Amos 8.12. It is perhaps this latter meaning that is most appropriate in the present context.
And knowledge shall increase: this is the clear literal translation of the traditional Hebrew text, and it is also followed by New International Version and New Jerusalem Bible, as well as Revised Standard Version. But the meaning of this text is uncertain and the ancient versions present a wide variety of possibilities. A slight change in the text yields the reading “evil shall increase” (New American Bible). This is also adopted by New Jerusalem Bible, An American Translation, New Revised Standard Version, and Moffatt. New English Bible follows the same text but translates “punishment will be heavy.” Revised English Bible, however, reverts to a rendering of the more traditional text with “… trying to gain such knowledge.” It will be better to preserve the meaning of the traditional Hebrew text at this point. Certain modern versions may be useful: “many will go here and there to increase knowledge” (New International Version) and “many will range far and wide and knowledge will increase” (New Jerusalem Bible). The following models may also be helpful: “people will learn more and more” or “learning will expand (or become greater and greater).”
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 .