As I was considering: compare 7.8. The Good News Translation rendering gives the impression that Daniel was thinking about what he had already seen, when the goat appeared. But New Jerusalem Bible translates “This is what I observed:…,” making the verb relate to what follows. Most versions, however, adopt the same solution as Good News Translation and indicate that he was reflecting on what he had already seen. This is the recommended interpretation.

Behold: see verse 3.

He-goat: this is not normal English usage, so Good News Translation drops the he-, and the gender is made clear by the use of masculine pronouns. Some languages have a separate word for a male goat. If there is no special term, the fact that the goat was male must be conveyed in the most natural way possible.

From the west: again, the point of reference is that of the writer, writing from Judea. In many languages it may be necessary to say “from the side where the sun sets.”

Across the face of the whole earth: this clause contains two potential translation problems. In many languages the earth is not depicted as having a face. The obvious meaning is the “surface” of the earth. Also this expression constitutes an exaggeration for dramatic effect. If there is a danger that it will be understood literally in the translator’s language, it may have to be reduced. But in the context of an apocalyptic vision, the overstatement may be easily understood. The reference to the face of the whole earth implies conquering all nations, but this should not be made explicit in the translation of the vision itself.

Without touching the ground: this is not a reference to the use of airplanes! Good News Translation makes it clear that the animal is “moving so fast” that it appears not to touch the ground as it moves. Most translators should probably adopt a similar solution, to avoid misunderstanding on the part of the readers.

A conspicuous horn: that is, a single horn that was very prominent. The rendering of the word conspicuous should make it clear that this was really something quite spectacular that could be seen without any effort. It may be indicated in a footnote that this single horn represents Alexander the Great, the founder and first ruler of the Greek Empire (see verse 21).

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 .