Considered: the main component of this verb is the idea of looking intently at an object. It may be better translated “looked at,” “was gazing upon” (New Jerusalem Bible), “examined” (Bible en français courant), “watched” (An American Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, and Moffatt). New International Version translates “thinking about,” but this is less desirable.

Behold: the particle is used twice in this verse but may be omitted in many languages. See verses 2 and 5-7, as well as 2.31 and 4.10, 13.

Before which … were plucked up: the structure of Revised Standard Version is complex and should probably be transformed in most languages. As in Good News Translation, a new sentence will be required in many cases. The idea is that the small horn that had not been apparent previously now dislodges three of the others. The agent of the passive expression were plucked up is not certain. In those languages without passive forms, translators may have to say “someone pulled out” or “they (indefinite) removed by force.” But it will be noted that Good News Translation makes the “little horn” the agent here. This does seem to fit the historical description provided in verse 24b.

Speaking great things: the Aramaic term used here has a clearly negative meaning probably indicating pride or arrogance. This meaning should definitely be conveyed in the translation. In addition to the Good News Translation model, compare the following renderings: “spoke boastfully” (New International Version), “spoke arrogantly” (New American Bible; similarly New Revised Standard Version), “uttered bombast” (Revised English Bible), “a mouth full of proud words” (Moffatt).

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 .