It is you: the Aramaic text does not mention the tree here, but it is clearly in mind. And this is brought out in a number of modern versions. In some languages it will be possible to heighten the suspense by using a structure similar to that of Bible en français courant: “This tree, your Majesty, it is you!” Compare also Revised English Bible, “that tree, your majesty, is you.”

O king: this is not the same word as rendered “my lord” in verse 19, but in some languages it may have to be translated in the same way.

The remainder of this verse draws on verse 11 for its terminology, but the reference is now clearly to the king rather than to the tree.

The words greatness and dominion refer to the power and authority of the king, which are described as reaching proportions that are difficult to describe. Some possible models for the last part of this verse are “You have become so great that you have power over the heavens; your authority reaches to the end of the earth” or “You are now so great that there is no limit to your power; your authority reaches over the whole world.” It will be important in many languages not to translate the conjunction and that joins these two statements in such a way as to lead readers to believe that two complete separate matters are being talked about. They are really two ways of talking about the same thing. New Century Version attempts to tie these statements more closely to the image of the tree, and that version may provide a helpful model to other translators: “You have become great and powerful. You are like the tall tree that touched the sky. And your power reaches to the far parts of the earth.”

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 .