As you looked: that is, while he was looking at the statue. In some languages it may be wise to add this information. New International Version has “While you were watching….”

A stone: some manuscript evidence adds “… from a mountain.” (See New American Bible, New English Bible/Revised English Bible, and An American Translation; Good News Translation has “from a cliff.”) This information certainly belongs in the larger context (compare verse 45). But in this verse it is probably a scribal addition based on the later verse. It is, however, found in the ancient Greek version. If the receptor language requires this for the sake of clarity, then it may be inserted here. In those languages that have the same term for a small stone and a large rock or boulder, the term used here should be modified in such a way as to indicate that it was very large, more like a boulder.

Was cut out: this passive form must be made active in many languages. It may be rendered “separate” or “become detached.” New Jerusalem Bible has “broke away,” although this may suggest something accidental. The problem is that there is no apparent human cause, but the context implies that there was divine involvement.

By no human hand: here the writer suggests the intervention of God without actually stating it. Other languages may have to say “with no human assistance” or “without the help of any person.” See also verse 45.

Broke them in pieces: this expression, which is repeated several times in the Aramaic section of Daniel, may be rendered “shattered,” “splintered,” or “fragmented.”

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 .