Then: a number of translations prefer a stronger contrastive conjunction here, since there is a clear contrast between the determination of the king to save Daniel and the desire of the accusers to see him executed. Several versions have “But” (New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, Anchor Bible, and Bible en français courant).

These men: if necessary this may be translated more precisely as “the enemies of Daniel,” “the conspirators,” or “Daniel’s accusers.” Compare verse 11.

Came by agreement: see verses 6 and 11 above, and note that this is again dropped by Good News Translation as an unnecessary repetition. But Good News Translation does add the detail that they returned (“came back”) to the king, since this was not the first time they had come before him. Other versions translate this and the verb said by a stronger word such as “insisted” (New American Bible), “reminded the king” (Moffatt), or “kept pressing the king” (New Jerusalem Bible).

Know, O king: the imperative form of this verb in English suggests that the speaker(s) want to inform the hearer of something that he is unaware of. But the Persian king is not ignorant of the fact presented to him (see verse 8). If this is also the case in the translator’s language, it will be better to make this a declarative statement in many languages, as in Good News Translation. On the form of address, O king, see 2.4.

Interdict or ordinance: as in verse 7, the two words focus on a single item and may therefore be translated by a single noun in order to avoid confusion on the part of the reader.

Can be changed: this passive may be made active as in verse 8. Compare also “be revoked” in verse 12.

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 .