The king: the pronoun “He” may be more natural here in some languages.

To bring: if it is necessary to say who the order was given to, translators may follow the vague rendering of Good News Translation, “someone,” or say more specifically “his servants.”

The enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers: see the earlier comments on such lists in 2.2, 27. Later in this verse the more general term wise men (see chapter 2) is used to summarize the list. The text does not actually say that these advisors did come in to present themselves before the king, but this may be included as in Good News Translation if necessary.

Interpretation: this word occurs more than thirty times in the Book of Daniel. See comments on 2.4.

Clothed with purple: purple or crimson (a deep red) clothing was extremely expensive due to the nature of the dye involved. So only the most fortunate and wealthy people could afford it. Consequently clothing of this color was symbolic of a very high social status and this is what should be brought out in the translation. Good News Translation attempts to do this with “robes of royal purple.” In some languages there is a special vocabulary to describe clothing worn by a chief or other dignitaries. In other cases the addition of an adjective meaning “expensive” or “luxurious” may be considered.

Have a chain of gold about his neck: this is another sign of wealth and high status. According to some commentators this was not actually a chain but more like a solid metal collar. New American Bible has “golden collar,” and Anchor Bible uses the more difficult English word “torque.” In some languages a single verb can be used for wearing purple clothing and the golden collar. But in others it will be more natural to use two separate verbs for “wearing” clothing and for “wearing” an ornament like a chain or collar around the neck.

Be the third ruler in the kingdom: this Revised Standard Version rendering may possibly be misunderstood as referring to the third in a succession of rulers, or possibly even the ruler of one-third of the kingdom. The meaning, however, is either “third in rank (after the king and the queen mother)” (compare New Revised Standard Version) or “the third highest ruler in the kingdom” (New International Version), or possibly “one of the three men who govern the country” (New Jerusalem Bible). In some languages it may be more natural to say something like “shall become the third most powerful person in the country” or “be promoted to the third highest office in the land” or “one of the three rulers of the kingdom.”

Certain commentators feel that the word usually translated third has lost its numerical value in this context. If this is the case it will be legitimate to translate “one of the principal rulers in the kingdom,” as Bible en français courant has done.

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 .