If integrated into the book of Daniel: 13.14.

Translations disagree as to where this verse number is to be placed. New Revised Standard Version and Contemporary English Version place it after the first sentence of this verse, which is to be preferred.

And when they went out, they parted from each other: Good News Translation translates “So they both left and went their separate ways,” and Contemporary English Version has “They left in different directions.”

But turning back, they met again: Good News Translation makes clear why they turned back: “for a look at Susanna.” It also makes clear that they met each other “by accident.” These phrases are not in the Greek, but they make it easier for the reader to follow the narrative.

Each pressed the other for the reason; that is, the reason he returned. In Greek each man tries to get the other to account for his coming back, as if each is trying to put the whole guilt on the other, before being forced to confess his own lust. This is psychologically more convincing than the shift of focus in Good News Translation, where each man tries to explain his own presence. Contemporary English Version follows the Greek well by saying “each started asking the other why he had come back.” In some languages translators may use direct speech; for example, “Each one kept asking the other, ‘Why have you returned here?’ ”

They confessed their lust: Contemporary English Version has “Finally, they both admitted that they wanted to sleep with Susanna.” “They wanted to sleep with Susanna” is a roundabout way of saying “they wanted to have sex with her.” Good News Translation “their desire for Susanna” seems too weak. Translators need to indicate their strong sexual desire, but without offending readers.

They arranged for a time when they could find her alone: Since the two judges have no control over Susanna’s schedule or movements, this arranging for a time could only mean that “They decided to watch for a time when they might find her alone” (Good News Translation).

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Shorter Books of the Deuterocanon. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2006. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.