complete verse (Daniel 5:22)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Daniel 5:22:

  • Kupsabiny: “Though you his grandson knew those words/things, you did not accept/agree to humble yourself.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “O Belshazzar, you are the king’s replacement. Even though you know all these things, your heart has not become humble.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “‘And you (sing.), King Belshazzar his son, even though you (sing.) knew all this, you (sing.) still did- not -humble yourself,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Now, Belshazzar, you have become the king. You also knew all those things, but you have not made yourself humble.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Daniel 5:22

And: the conjunction used in Revised Standard Version indicates simple coordination. But it should mark contrast as in New Jerusalem Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version, and Revised English Bible, as well as Good News Translation.

Belshazzar: note that Good News Translation does not include the proper name here but simply says “you, his son.” Making the translation sound natural will determine which model should be followed on this point.

Have not humbled your heart: the heart in this context stands for the whole person. This is why New Jerusalem Bible as well as Good News Translation say “have not humbled yourself.” In some languages it is possible to say “refused to be modest” or “failed to recognize God.”

Though you knew all this: it is quite possible that the order of the two clauses in this verse should be switched in many languages. This will probably constitute a more natural structure; for example, “You are his son, and you knew all this. But you didn’t humble yourself.”

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 .