Said: literally “answered saying.” In many languages it may be better to use the verb “asked,” since a question follows.

The king’s captain: the meaning is the same as “the captain of the king’s guard” in the previous verse, and this may therefore be considered redundant in some languages.

Why…?: the original uses direct discourse here, but in some languages indirect discourse may be preferred in this context (see Good News Translation). Translators must use whichever model is best suited to their own language.

So severe: or “so brutal,” “so harsh,” “so cruel.” If direct discourse is being used, the question may be rephrased: “What is the reason for such a harsh order from the king.”

Made the matter known to Daniel: there are probably a number of different ways of expressing the idea here; for example, “told Daniel what it was all about,” or “explained the whole affair,” or simply “explained everything” (New English Bible).

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 .