When Daniel knew: the word translated When in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation may be better rendered as in New American Bible and Anchor Bible, “Even after.” New Revised Standard Version renders it “Although.” If this example is followed, then the verb “to know” is logical; but if the translator follows the majority in translating When, then the subsequent verb is better rendered “learned” (New Jerusalem Bible, New English Bible/Revised English Bible) or “heard” (New Jerusalem Bible and New American Bible), or possibly “found out.”

That the document had been signed: the passive will have to be translated “that the king had signed the document” in many languages.

Went to his house: the verb here literally means “entered.” But since Daniel had surely come from his house before the event described here, some languages will require “went back to his house” or “returned home.”

Upper chamber: the idea of an upstairs room such as this may be difficult to communicate in some cultures. In those areas of the world where such multistory construction is traditionally unknown, unconventional expressions have developed. Some examples are “room on top of a room” or “room on top of the house.”

Open toward Jerusalem: the Aramaic verb does not necessarily mean that the windows were actually open when Daniel arrived at the house, but rather that when they were opened it was possible to look out in the direction of Jerusalem. New Jerusalem Bible captures the idea well with “windows made facing Jerusalem.” Compare also New Jerusalem Bible “faced toward Jerusalem” and New English Bible “looking toward Jerusalem.” But it is clear that later, when Daniel was praying, the windows were open, because his enemies could observe him praying. It is important that translators show clearly that Daniel got down upon his knees so that there is obvious physical evidence of his praying that could be observed by others. Certain languages may possibly say something like “assumed the position of prayer.”

Prayed and gave thanks before his God: while neither of the two verbs used here is identical to what is forbidden in verse 8, it is clear that this is taken as a violation of the order. The first word comes from a root meaning to “bow,” and the second conveys the idea of offering praise.

As he had done previously: the Revised Standard Version wording may seem to indicate something that Daniel had done only once or relatively infrequently in the past, but this is not the meaning. It was his usual custom to pray three times a day in this position. Some may wish to say something like “as was his custom” (Revised English Bible) or “as he had the habit of doing.” And in other languages the form of the verb will convey the habitual meaning.

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 .