The structure of this verse may have to be radically altered in some languages. The verse contains three main elements:

(1) the central affirmation of God’s revelation;
(2) a denial of any special powers in Daniel himself; and
(3) a statement of the purpose of the revelation.

In Revised Standard Version, as in Aramaic, the order is 2-1-3, but in many other versions sensitive to the language of translation, the order is 1-2-3 or 1-3-2. Translators should be careful to see to it that the most natural structure possible is adopted.

The conjunction translated as But: in Revised Standard Version may possibly be left untranslated; but it is very probable that there is a rather strong contrast intended between the king and Daniel, indicated by the structure of the Aramaic, which has the pronoun “you” standing in a prominent position in verse 29, and “I” in a prominent position in this verse. See comments on the previous verse.

As for me: this is an attempt to reflect the fact that the pronoun me is given a prominent position in the text. In some languages this may be handled by beginning the sentence “It was to me that God revealed…”; but in others this would be an artificially contrived structure. If this is the case, it will be better to put the object in its proper place after the verb.

That the interpretation may be made known: this passive formulation will have to be made active in many languages. It should also be noted that there is a subtle difference in meaning between this expression and the one that follows (that you may know the thoughts of your mind). Here the focus is on the more objective explanation of the dream while the following expression involves the king’s subjective reaction to it.

The king: “Your Majesty” in Good News Translation. Again the formula for respect used when speaking to royalty should probably be translated by the pronoun “you” in many languages.

The thoughts of your mind: literally “the thoughts of your heart.” In Semitic thought the heart is often seen as the seat of intelligence rather than of emotion (see comments on “resolved” in 1.8). This is why most English versions use the word “mind” rather than translating literally “heart.”

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 .