Daniel
Daniel front
Introduction to Daniel
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of Daniel
- Daniel and his friends in the court of Nebuchadnezzar (1:1–21)
- Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s first dream (2:1–49)
- Daniel’s friends delivered from the fiery furnace (3:1–30)
- Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream (4:1–37)
- Belshazzar’s feast and the writing on the wall (5:1-31)
- Daniel in the den of lions (6:1–28)
- Daniel’s vision of four beasts (7:1–28)
- Daniel’s vision of a ram and a goat (8:1–27)
- Daniel prays and Gabriel answers (9:1–23)
- Daniel’s vision of seventy weeks (9:24–27)
- Daniel’s vision of a man (10:1–11:1)
- The kings of the south and north (11:2–20)
- An evil king exalts himself (11:21-39)
- The time of the end (11:40–12:13)
What is the Book of Daniel about?
The first part of the Book of Daniel (chapters 1–6) is a narrative about Daniel and his friends. They were young men from Jerusalem who were taken to Babylon as prisoners. These chapters tell how they were faithful to Yahweh while living in a pagan land serving a pagan king. And it tells how God rewarded them because they were faithful.
The rest of the Book of Daniel is a series of prophetic visions. Chapters 7 and 8 deal with images representing the kingdoms and kings of the major nations. Chapters 9–11 are prophecies and visions about wars and a type of the great enemy of God appearing. Chapter 12 is a vision that describes end times.
How should the title of this book be translated?
The traditional title of this book is “The Book of Daniel” or just “Daniel.” Translators may call it “The Book About Daniel” or “The Book About the Deeds and Visions of Daniel.” (See: How to Translate Names)
Who wrote the Book of Daniel?
Daniel was a Jew who became a Babylonian government official during the exile. He may have written the book himself. Or he may have written the parts of the book and someone else put the parts together at a later time.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
Is there a missing week in Daniel’s prophecy?
Scholars disagree about what may appear to be a missing week in 9:24-27. It is best for translators to allow apparent mysteries such as this to remain in the text. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)
When did the seventy weeks begin?
The seventy weeks in 9:24-27 began when a decree was issued to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. But there were several decrees that allowed this to happen. Translators do not need to understand how prophecies were or will be fulfilled to translate the text.
Who was Darius the Mede?
Darius the Mede was a Babylonian king who sent Daniel into a den of lions. People have not found his name in history outside of the Book of Daniel. Scholars have tried to explain who Darius was, but they are not certain.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
How does Daniel use the word “king”?
Many kings are in the Book of Daniel, but not all of the kings ruled over all of Babylon or Persia. Some of the kings may have ruled over regions or cities.
How many chapters does Daniel have?
Daniel has twelve chapters. Some Bible versions include stories called “Bel and the Dragon” and “The Prayer of Azariah.” However, few people think that these stories have the same authority as the rest of scripture. Therefore, there is no need to translate them.
Daniel 1
Daniel 1 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Training for government jobs
Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were chosen to be trained for service in the Babylonian kingdom. It was not unusual for foreigners to be given positions in the Babylonian government as advisors or cultural ambassadors.
Special concepts in this chapter
Food laws
The food from the king included things the Jews were not allowed to eat according to the law of Moses. Daniel requested permission not to eat the king’s food. He proved to the king that this food was not necessary for good health. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)
Daniel 1:1
Jehoiakim king of Judah
Quote: יְהוֹיָקִ֣ים מֶֽלֶךְ־יְהוּדָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to Jehoiakim and his soldiers, not only to Jehoiakim. Alternate translation: “the army of Jehoiakim king of Judah”
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
Quote: נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֧ר מֶֽלֶךְ־בָּבֶ֛ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to Nebuchadnezzar and his soldiers, not only to Nebuchadnezzar. Alternate translation: “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylonia and his soldiers”
and besieged it
Quote: וַיָּ֥צַר עָלֶֽיהָ (1)Alternate translation: “to stop the people from receiving any supplies”
Daniel 1:2
into his hand
Quote: בְּיָד֜וֹ (1)God gave to Nebuchadnezzar
He brought them … he placed
Quote: וַיְבִיאֵ֥ם & הֵבִ֔יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Although Nebuchadnezzar did not do these things alone, it may easier for the reader to retain the singular pronouns. Alternate translation: “They brought them … they placed”
He brought them
Quote: וַיְבִיאֵ֥ם (1)Here them probably refers to Jehoiakim and other prisoners, as well as the sacred objects.
in the treasury of his god
Quote: אוֹצַ֥ר אֱלֹהָֽיו (1)This was an act of devotion to his god.
Daniel 1:3
Then the king commanded
Quote: וַיֹּ֣אמֶר הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (1)This refers to Nebuchadnezzar.
Ashpenaz
Quote: לְאַשְׁפְּנַ֖ז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Ashpenaz is the chief official.
Daniel 1:4
in whom was no blemish
Quote: אֵֽין־בָּהֶ֣ם כָּל־מאום (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
These two negative words together emphasize a positive idea. Alternate translation: “who had perfect appearance”
endowed with knowledge and understanding learning
Quote: וְיֹ֤דְעֵי דַ֨עַת֙ וּמְבִינֵ֣י מַדָּ֔ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. This means they knew much and could organize and use that information.
in the palace of the king
Quote: בְּהֵיכַ֣ל הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (1)This is the large house or building where the king lives.
and to teach them
Quote: וּֽלֲלַמְּדָ֥ם (1)Alternate translation: “and Ashpenaz was to teach them”
Daniel 1:5
The king assigned them
Quote: וַיְמַן֩ לָהֶ֨ם הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The king’s officials did this task for him. Alternate translation: “The king’s officials counted out for them”
of the choice food of
Quote: מִפַּת־בַּ֤ג (1)the special, rare, good foods that the king ate
They were to be trained
Quote: וּֽלְגַדְּלָ֖ם (1)Alternate translation: “They were to be taught skills”
They were to be trained
Quote: וּֽלְגַדְּלָ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Ashpenaz was to train these young men”
Daniel 1:6
Among these
Quote: בָהֶ֖ם (1)Alternate translation: “Among the young men from Israel”
Daniel 1:7
The chief of the officials
Quote: שַׂ֥ר הַסָּרִיסִ֖ים (1)This refers to Ashpenaz who was King Nebuchadnezzar’s highest official.
Belteshazzar, … Shadrach, … Meshach, … Abednego
Quote: בֵּ֣לְטְשַׁאצַּ֗ר & שַׁדְרַ֔ךְ & מֵישַׁ֔ךְ & עֲבֵ֥ד נְגֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are all men’s names.
Daniel 1:8
But Daniel resolved in his heart
Quote: וַיָּ֤שֶׂם דָּנִיֵּאל֙ עַל־לִבּ֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here heart refers to Daniel himself. Alternate translation: “Daniel decided to himself”
he would not defile himself
Quote: לֹֽא־יִתְגָּאַ֛ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
To defile something is to make is unclean. Some of the food and drink of the Babylonians would make Daniel ceremonially unclean according to God’s law. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “make himself unclean according to God’s law”
with the choice food of
Quote: בְּפַתְבַּ֥ג (1)This refers to the special, rare, good foods that the king ate. See how you translated this in Daniel 1:3.
Daniel 1:10
why should he see your faces looking worse than the youths who are of your own age
Quote: לָמָּה֩ יִרְאֶ֨ה אֶת־פְּנֵיכֶ֜ם זֹֽעֲפִ֗ים מִן־הַיְלָדִים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר כְּגִֽילְכֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The official uses this question to explain what he thought would happen. It can be a statement. Alternate translation: “He does not want to see you looking worse than the other young men of your own age.”
Then you would endanger my head with the king
Quote: וְחִיַּבְתֶּ֥ם אֶת־רֹאשִׁ֖י לַמֶּֽלֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Then the king might cut off my head” or “Then the king might kill me”
Daniel 1:13
Then let our appearance be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths
Quote: וְיֵרָא֤וּ לְפָנֶ֨יךָ֙ מַרְאֵ֔ינוּ וּמַרְאֵה֙ הַיְלָדִ֔ים (1)Daniel asked the steward to see if he and his friends looked worse than the other young men. Alternate translation: “Then compare our appearance to see if it is worse than the appearance of the young men”
Daniel 1:14
and he tested them
Quote: וַיְנַסֵּ֖ם (1)He tested Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
Daniel 1:15
their appearance … and they were fatter in
Quote: מַרְאֵיהֶם֙ & וּבְרִיאֵ֖י (1)Here their and they refer to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
and they were fatter in flesh
Quote: וּבְרִיאֵ֖י בָּשָׂ֑ר (1)This means to have been made healthy from what you have eaten.
Daniel 1:16
their choice food … they were to drink and gave them
Quote: אֶת־פַּתְבָּגָ֔ם & מִשְׁתֵּיהֶ֑ם & וְנֹתֵ֥ן לָהֶ֖ם (1)The pronouns their, they, and them* refer to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
Daniel 1:17
God gave them knowledge and insight
Quote: נָתַ֨ן לָהֶ֧ם הָֽאֱלֹהִ֛ים מַדָּ֥ע וְהַשְׂכֵּ֖ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This can be reworded so that the abstract nouns knowledge and insight can be expressed as the verbs “learn” and “understand.” Alternate translation: “God gave them the ability to learn and understand clearly”
in all literature and wisdom
Quote: בְּכָל־סֵ֣פֶר וְחָכְמָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Here “all” is a generalization to show that they had a very good education and understanding. Alternate translation: “in many things that the Babylonians had written and studied”
Daniel 1:19
The king spoke with them
Quote: וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אִתָּם֮ הַמֶּלֶךְ֒ (1)The king spoke with the “four young men” (Daniel 1:17).
and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah
Quote: וְלֹ֤א נִמְצָא֙ מִכֻּלָּ֔ם כְּדָנִיֵּ֣אל חֲנַנְיָ֔ה מִֽישָׁאֵ֖ל וַעֲזַרְיָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah pleased him much more than anyone else in the whole group”
like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah
Quote: כְּדָנִיֵּ֣אל חֲנַנְיָ֔ה מִֽישָׁאֵ֖ל וַעֲזַרְיָ֑ה (1)These are the names of men. See how you translated these names in Daniel 1:6.
Daniel 1:20
ten times better than
Quote: עֶ֣שֶׂר יָד֗וֹת עַ֤ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Here ten times is an exaggeration representing great quality. Alternate translation: “much better”
Daniel 1:21
the first year of King Cyrus
Quote: שְׁנַ֥ת אַחַ֖ת לְכ֥וֹרֶשׁ הַמֶּֽלֶךְ (1)Alternate translation: “the first year that King Cyrus ruled Babylon”
Daniel 2
Daniel 2 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in Daniel’s prayer in 2:20-23.
Special concepts in this chapter
The king’s dream
Daniel told the king’s dream and what the dream meant. In the ancient Near East, it was believed that only people in touch with the gods could interpret dreams. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)
How Daniel knew the dream
Daniel gave Yahweh the honor for having told him the dream and its meaning in answer to the prayers of the four men.
Daniel 2:1
In the second year
Quote: וּבִשְׁנַ֣ת שְׁתַּ֗יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“In year two”
His spirit was troubled
Quote: וַתִּתְפָּ֣עֶם רוּח֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here spirit refers to his thoughts. Alternate translation: “His thoughts disturbed him”
and his sleep left him
Quote: וּשְׁנָת֖וֹ נִהְיְתָ֥ה עָלָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means his troubled thoughts prevented him from sleeping. Alternate translation: “so that he could not sleep”
Daniel 2:2
So they came in
Quote: וַיָּבֹ֕אוּ (1)Alternate translation: “So they came into the palace”
and stood before
Quote: וַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּ לִפְנֵ֥י (1)Alternate translation: “and stood in front of”
Daniel 2:3
and my spirit is troubled
Quote: וַתִּפָּ֣עֶם רוּחִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here spirit refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: “I am troubled”
Daniel 2:4
in Aramaic
Quote: אֲרָמִ֑ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Aramaic was the language that people in Babylon spoke.
O King, live forever
Quote: מַלְכָּא֙ לְעָלְמִ֣ין חֱיִ֔י (1)The men probably said this to show the king that they were loyal to him. Alternate translation: “King, we hope you will live forever!”
to your servants
Quote: לעבדיך (1)The men called themselves the king’s servants to show him respect.
we will show
Quote: נְחַוֵּֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Here the word we refers to the men that the king is speaking to and does not include the king.
Daniel 2:5
you will be torn limb from limb and your houses made a rubbish heap
Quote: הַדָּמִין֙ תִּתְעַבְד֔וּן וּבָתֵּיכ֖וֹן נְוָלִ֥י יִתְּשָׂמֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will command my soldiers to tear your bodies apart and to make your houses into rubbish heaps”
Daniel 2:6
you will receive gifts from me, a reward, and great honor
Quote: מַתְּנָ֤ן וּנְבִזְבָּה֙ וִיקָ֣ר שַׂגִּ֔יא תְּקַבְּל֖וּן מִן־קֳדָמָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will give you gifts, a reward, and great honor”
Daniel 2:7
Let the king tell his servants the dream
Quote: מַלְכָּ֕א חֶלְמָ֛א יֵאמַ֥ר לְעַבְד֖וֹהִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The wise men addressed the king in the third person as a sign of respect.
Daniel 2:8
you see that the word from me is firm
Quote: חֲזֵית֔וֹן דִּ֥י אַזְדָּ֖א מִנִּ֥י מִלְּתָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A decision that will not be changed is spoken of as something firm. Alternate translation: “you see that I will not change my decision about this”
Daniel 2:9
there is only one sentence for you
Quote: חֲדָה־הִ֣יא דָֽתְכ֗וֹן (1)Alternate translation: “there is only one punishment for you”
For … lying and corrupt words
Quote: וּמִלָּ֨ה כִדְבָ֤ה וּשְׁחִיתָה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean approximately the same thing and emphasize that these are “lies intended to deceive.”
Daniel 2:10
great and powerful
Quote: רַ֣ב וְשַׁלִּ֔יט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the greatness of the king’s power. Alternate translation: “most powerful”
Daniel 2:11
and there is no one else who can show it to the king except the gods
Quote: וְאָחֳרָן֙ לָ֣א אִיתַ֔י דִּ֥י יְחַוִּנַּ֖הּ קֳדָ֣ם מַלְכָּ֑א לָהֵ֣ן אֱלָהִ֔ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This is stated in negative form for emphasis. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “and only the gods can tell this to the king”
Daniel 2:12
was angry and very furious
Quote: בְּנַ֖ס וּקְצַ֣ף שַׂגִּ֑יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of his anger. Alternate translation: “was incredibly angry”
all the wise men of Babylon
Quote: לְכֹ֖ל חַכִּימֵ֥י בָבֶֽל (1)Alternate translation: “all the men in Babylon”
Daniel 2:13
So the decree went out
Quote: וְדָתָ֣א נֶפְקַ֔ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The decree is spoken of as if it was alive and able to go out by itself. Alternate translation: “So the king issued a command” or “So the king gave a command”
that the wise men were to be killed
Quote: וְחַכִּֽימַיָּ֖א מִֽתְקַטְּלִ֑ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the soldiers were to kill all of the wise men”
Daniel 2:14
with prudence and discretion
Quote: עֵטָ֣א וּטְעֵ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the greatness of his prudence. Alternate translation: “with caution and careful judgment”
to Arioch
Quote: לְאַרְי֕וֹךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Arioch was the name of the king’s commander.
the guard
Quote: טַבָּחַיָּ֖א (1)This is a group of men whose job is to protect the king.
Daniel 2:16
Then Daniel went in
Quote: וְדָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל עַ֖ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Daniel probably went to the palace. Alternate translation: “Then Daniel went to the palace” or “Then Daniel went to talk with the king”
Daniel 2:17
to his house
Quote: לְבַיְתֵ֣הּ (1)This is referring to Daniel’s house.
the matter
Quote: מִלְּתָ֥א (1)Alternate translation: “the king’s decree”
Daniel 2:18
so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed
Quote: דִּ֣י לָ֤א יְהֹֽבְדוּן֙ דָּנִיֵּ֣אל וְחַבְר֔וֹהִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that the king would not kill Daniel and his companions” or “so that the king’s soldiers would not kill Daniel and his companions”
Daniel 2:19
the mystery was revealed
Quote: רָזָ֣ה גֲלִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God revealed the mystery”
the mystery
Quote: רָזָ֣ה (1)This is referring to the king’s dream and its meaning.
Daniel 2:20
Let the name of God be blessed
Quote: לֶהֱוֵ֨א שְׁמֵ֤הּ דִּֽי־אֱלָהָא֙ מְבָרַ֔ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here name refers to God himself. Alternate translation: “Praise God”
Daniel 2:21
he removes kings
Quote: מְהַעְדֵּ֥ה מַלְכִ֖ין (1)Alternate translation: “he takes away kings’ authority to rule”
and sets up kings
Quote: וּמְהָקֵ֣ים מַלְכִ֑ין (1)Alternate translation: “and makes new kings rule over their kingdoms”
Daniel 2:22
and the light dwells with him
Quote: ונהירא עִמֵּ֥הּ שְׁרֵֽא (1)Alternate translation: “and the light comes from where God is”
Daniel 2:23
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personDaniel stops addressing God in the third person and switches to the more personal second person.
you have made known to me what we asked of you
Quote: הֽוֹדַעְתַּ֨נִי֙ דִּֽי־בְעֵ֣ינָא מִנָּ֔ךְ (1)Alternate translation: “you told me what my friends and I asked you to tell us”
you have made known to us the matter that concerns the king
Quote: מִלַּ֥ת מַלְכָּ֖א הוֹדַעְתֶּֽנָא (1)Alternate translation: “you told us what the king wants to know”
Daniel 2:24
Arioch
Quote: אַרְי֔וֹךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Arioch was the name of the king’s commander. See how you translated this name in Daniel 2:14.
Daniel 2:26
was Belteshazzar
Quote: בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Belteshazzar was the name the Babylonians gave to Daniel. See how you translated this name in Daniel 1:7.
Daniel 2:27
the king the mystery that … has asked
Quote: רָזָה֙ דִּֽי־מַלְכָּ֣א שָׁאֵ֔ל (1)This phrase refers to the king’s dream.
Daniel 2:29
and he who reveals mysteries
Quote: וְגָלֵ֧א רָזַיָּ֛א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This phrase refers to God. Alternate translation: “and God, who reveals mysteries” or “and God, who makes mysteries known”
Daniel 2:30
this mystery was revealed to me
Quote: רָזָ֥א דְנָ֖ה גֱּלִ֣י לִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God revealed this mystery to me”
and so that you may know the thoughts of your mind
Quote: וְרַעְיוֹנֵ֥י לִבְבָ֖ךְ תִּנְדַּֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here your mind refers to the king. Alternate translation: “so that you may know your deepest thoughts”
Daniel 2:34
a stone was cut out, although not by human hands
Quote: הִתְגְּזֶ֤רֶת אֶ֨בֶן֙ דִּי־לָ֣א בִידַ֔יִן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone, not a human, cut a stone from a mountain”
Daniel 2:35
like the chaff of the summer threshing floors. The wind carried them away
Quote: כְּע֣וּר מִן־אִדְּרֵי־קַ֔יִט וּנְשָׂ֤א הִמּוֹן֙ רוּחָ֔א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This phrase is comparing the pieces of the statue to small and light things which could be blown away by the wind. Alternate translation: “like dry pieces of grass blowing away in the wind”
so that no trace of them could be found
Quote: וְכָל־אֲתַ֖ר לָא־הִשְׁתֲּכַ֣ח לְה֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “so that they were completely gone”
and filled the whole earth
Quote: וּמְלָ֥ת כָּל־אַרְעָֽא (1)Alternate translation: “and spread over the whole earth”
Daniel 2:36
we will tell
Quote: נֵאמַ֥ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
Here we refers only to Daniel. He may have used to plural form in humility to avoid taking credit for knowing the meaning of the dream that God had revealed to him.
Daniel 2:37
are the king of kings
Quote: מֶ֖לֶךְ מַלְכַיָּ֑א (1)Alternate translation: “are the most important king” or “are a king who rules over other kings”
the power, the strength
Quote: חִסְנָ֛א וְתָקְפָּ֥א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words mean basically the same thing.
Daniel 2:38
he has given them into your hand
Quote: יְהַ֣ב בִּידָ֔ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here hand refers to control. Alternate translation: “he has given you control over them”
and the birds of the heavens
Quote: וְעוֹף־שְׁמַיָּא֙ (1)Here heavens is used in the sense of “skies.”
You are the head of gold
Quote: אַנְתְּה־ה֔וּא רֵאשָׁ֖ה דִּ֥י דַהֲבָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
In the king’s dream the statue’s head represents the king. Alternate translation: “The golden head symbolizes you” or “The golden head is a symbol of you and your power”
Daniel 2:39
will arise another kingdom
Quote: תְּק֛וּם מַלְכ֥וּ אָחֳרִ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In the king’s dream his kingdom is gold so an inferior kingdom would be silver. Alternate translation: “another kingdom, which is of silver, will arise” or “another kingdom, which is represented by the silver parts of the statue, will arise”
then another third kingdom of bronze
Quote: וּמַלְכ֨וּ תליתיא אָחֳרִי֙ דִּ֣י נְחָשָׁ֔א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
This is symbolic language where the bronze of parts of the statue represent a future kingdom. Alternate translation: “then still another kingdom, which is represented by the bronze parts of the statue”
then another third kingdom
Quote: וּמַלְכ֨וּ תליתיא אָחֳרִי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“then kingdom number three”
Daniel 2:40
Then there will be a fourth kingdom
Quote: וּמַלְכוּ֙ רביעיה תֶּהֱוֵ֥א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“Then there will be a kingdom number four”
strong as iron
Quote: תַקִּיפָ֖ה כְּפַרְזְלָ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The fourth kingdom is spoken of as being as strong as iron.
it will crush and break all these in pieces
Quote: כָּל־אִלֵּ֖ין תַּדִּ֥ק וְתֵרֹֽעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
This symbolic language means the fourth kingdom will defeat and replace the other kingdoms.
all these
Quote: כָּל־אִלֵּ֖ין (1)Alternate translation: “the previous kingdoms”
Daniel 2:41
And as you saw
Quote: וְדִֽי־חֲזַ֜יְתָה (1)Nebuchadnezzar saw that the feet consisted of clay and iron. He did not see the process of making the feet.
Daniel 2:43
but they will not adhere to one another
Quote: וְלָֽא־לֶהֱוֺ֥ן דָּבְקִ֖ין דְּנָ֣ה עִם־דְּנָ֑ה (1)Alternate translation: “but they will not remain united”
Daniel 2:44
In the days of those kings
Quote: וּֽבְיוֹמֵיה֞וֹן דִּ֧י מַלְכַיָּ֣א אִנּ֗וּן (1)Here those kings refers to the rulers of the kingdoms symbolized by the different parts of the statue.
that will never be destroyed, nor will the kingdom be left to another people
Quote: דִּ֤י לְעָלְמִין֙ לָ֣א תִתְחַבַּ֔ל וּמַ֨לְכוּתָ֔ה לְעַ֥ם אָחֳרָ֖ן לָ֣א תִשְׁתְּבִ֑ק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that no one will ever destroy, and that another people never conquer”
Daniel 2:45
a stone was cut out of the mountain by no human hands
Quote: מִטּוּרָא֩ אִתְגְּזֶ֨רֶת אֶ֜בֶן דִּי־לָ֣א בִידַ֗יִן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone cut a stone from the mountain, but it was not a human who cut it”
Daniel 2:46
fell on his face
Quote: נְפַ֣ל עַל־אַנְפּ֔וֹהִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This symbolic act showed that the king was honoring Daniel. Alternate translation: “lay down with his face on the ground”
and he commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him
Quote: וּמִנְחָה֙ וְנִ֣יחֹחִ֔ין אֲמַ֖ר לְנַסָּ֥כָה לֵֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and he ordered his servants to make an offering and to offer up incense to Daniel”
Daniel 2:47
Truly your God
Quote: מִן־קְשֹׁט֙ דִּ֣י אֱלָהֲכ֗וֹן (1)Alternate translation: “It is true that your God”
the God of gods and the Lord of kings
Quote: אֱלָ֧הּ אֱלָהִ֛ין וּמָרֵ֥א מַלְכִ֖ין (1)Alternate translation: “greater than all the other gods, and King over all other kings”
and the one who reveals mysteries
Quote: וְגָלֵ֣ה רָזִ֑ין (1)Translate the one who reveals mysteries as in Daniel 2:29.
to reveal this mystery
Quote: לְמִגְלֵ֖א רָזָ֥ה דְנָֽה (1)Alternate translation: “to reveal the mystery of my dream”
Daniel 2:48
and he made him ruler
Quote: וְהַ֨שְׁלְטֵ֔הּ (1)Alternate translation: “and the king made Daniel the ruler”
Daniel 2:49
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Quote: לְשַׁדְרַ֥ךְ מֵישַׁ֖ךְ וַעֲבֵ֣ד נְג֑וֹ (1)These were the Babylonian names of the three Jewish men who were brought to Babylon with Daniel. See how you translated these names in Daniel 1:7
Daniel 3
Daniel 3 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
The king’s new idol
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the new idol. In the ancient Near East, refusing to worship the king was a sign of rebellion against the king. It was often considered the crime of treason. (See: sign, proof, reminder)
The furnace
There was a fourth person with them in the furnace, and because of this they were not hurt. Most scholars believe this to be Jesus before he was born.
Daniel 3:1
King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold … He set it up
Quote: נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֣ר מַלְכָּ֗א עֲבַד֙ צְלֵ֣ם דִּֽי־דְהַ֔ב & אֲקִימֵהּ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Nebuchadnezzar commanded his men to do this work, he did not do the work himself. Alternate translation: “Nebuchadnezzar commanded his men to make a gold statue … They set it up”
whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits
Quote: רוּמֵהּ֙ אַמִּ֣ין שִׁתִּ֔ין פְּתָיֵ֖הּ אַמִּ֣ין שִׁ֑ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “that was about 27 meters tall and almost 3 meters wide”
on the Plain of Dura
Quote: בְּבִקְעַ֣ת דּוּרָ֔א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a location within the kingdom of Babylon.
Daniel 3:2
the satraps, the prefects, and the governors
Quote: לַֽאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֡א סִגְנַיָּ֣א וּֽפַחֲוָתָ֡א (1)These are officials who have authority over different sizes of territory.
the treasurers
Quote: גְדָ֨בְרַיָּ֤א (1)These officials are in charge of money.
Daniel 3:3
the satraps, the prefects, and the governors
Quote: אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֡א סִגְנַיָּ֣א וּֽפַחֲוָתָ֡א (1)See how you translated this list in Daniel 3:2.
Daniel 3:4
Then the herald
Quote: וְכָרוֹזָ֖א (1)A herald is an official messenger for the king.
You are commanded
Quote: לְכ֤וֹן אָֽמְרִין֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “The king commands you”
O peoples, nations, and languages
Quote: עַֽמְמַיָּ֔א אֻמַּיָּ֖א וְלִשָּׁנַיָּֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here nations and languages represent people from different nations who speak different languages. Alternate translation: “O people from different nations and who speak different languages”
Daniel 3:5
you must fall down and worship
Quote: תִּפְּל֤וּן וְתִסְגְּדוּן֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Alternate translation: “you must stretch yourselves out on the ground face down in worship of”
you must fall down
Quote: תִּפְּל֤וּן (1)Here fall down means “quickly lie down.”
Daniel 3:6
But whoever does not fall down and worship, at that very moment, will be thrown into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire
Quote: וּמַן־דִּי־לָ֥א יִפֵּ֖ל וְיִסְגֻּ֑ד בַּהּ־שַׁעֲתָ֣א יִתְרְמֵ֔א לְגֽוֹא־אַתּ֥וּן נוּרָ֖א יָקִֽדְתָּֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But the soldiers will throw into a blazing furnace anyone who does not fall down and worship the statue at the very moment they hear the music”
does not fall down
Quote: לָ֥א יִפֵּ֖ל (1)Here fall down means “quickly lie down”
a furnace of blazing fire
Quote: אַתּ֥וּן נוּרָ֖א יָקִֽדְתָּֽא (1)This is a large room filled with a hot fire.
Daniel 3:7
the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, harp
Quote: קַרְנָא֩ מַשְׁר֨וֹקִיתָ֜א קיתרס שַׂבְּכָא֙ פְּסַנְטֵרִ֔ין (1)These are musical instruments. See how you translated these words in Daniel 3:5.
all the peoples, nations, and languages
Quote: כָּֽל־עַֽמְמַיָּ֜א אֻמַיָּ֣א וְלִשָּׁנַיָּ֗א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Here all that means all the people who were present.
the peoples, nations, and languages
Quote: עַֽמְמַיָּ֜א אֻמַיָּ֣א וְלִשָּׁנַיָּ֗א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here nations and languages represent people from different nations who speak different languages. See how you translated this in Daniel 3:4. Alternate translation: “people from different nations and who spoke different languages”
fell down
Quote: נָֽפְלִ֨ין (1)Here fell down means “quickly lay down”
fell down and worshipped
Quote: נָֽפְלִ֨ין & סָֽגְדִין֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
They did this to worship the statue. Alternate translation: “stretched themselves out on the ground face down to worship”
the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up
Quote: לְצֶ֣לֶם דַּהֲבָ֔א דִּ֥י הֲקֵ֖ים נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֥ר מַלְכָּֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Nebuchadnezzar commanded his men to do this work, he did not do the work himself. Alternate translation: “the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar’s men had set up”
Daniel 3:8
Therefore
Quote: כָּל־קֳבֵ֤ל דְּנָה֙ (1)This word is used to mark a break in the main story line. Here the writer tells about some new people in the story.
Daniel 3:9
O king, live forever
Quote: מַלְכָּ֖א לְעָלְמִ֥ין חֱיִֽי (1)This was a common greeting to the king.
Daniel 3:10
the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, harp, and bagpipe
Quote: קַרְנָ֣א מַ֠שְׁרֹקִיתָא קיתרס שַׂבְּכָ֤א פְסַנְתֵּרִין֙ וסיפניה (1)These are musical instruments. See how you translated some of these words in Daniel 3:5.
must fall down
Quote: יִפֵּ֥ל (1)Here fall down means “quickly lie down”
must fall down and worship
Quote: יִפֵּ֥ל וְיִסְגֻּ֖ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
The people would do this to worship the statue. Alternate translation: “must stretch himself out on the ground face down to worship”
Daniel 3:11
But whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire
Quote: וּמַן־דִּי־לָ֥א יִפֵּ֖ל וְיִסְגֻּ֑ד יִתְרְמֵ֕א לְגֽוֹא־אַתּ֥וּן נוּרָ֖א יָקִֽדְתָּֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But your soldiers must throw into a blazing furnace anyone who does not lie down on the ground and worship”
does not fall down
Quote: לָ֥א יִפֵּ֖ל (1)Here fall down means “quickly lie down”
a furnace of blazing fire
Quote: אַתּ֥וּן נוּרָ֖א יָקִֽדְתָּֽא (1)This is a large room filled with a hot fire. See how you translated this in Daniel 3:6.
Daniel 3:12
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Quote: שַׁדְרַ֥ךְ מֵישַׁ֖ךְ וַעֲבֵ֣ד (1)These are the Babylonian names of the three Jewish friends of Daniel. See how you translated these names in Daniel 1:7.
pay no attention to you
Quote: לָא־שָׂ֨מֽוּ עליך & טְעֵ֔ם (1)Alternate translation: “do not pay attention to you”
or worship the golden image that you have set up
Quote: וּלְצֶ֧לֶם דַּהֲבָ֛א דִּ֥י הֲקֵ֖ימְתָּ & סָגְדִֽין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Nebuchadnezzar commanded his men to do this work, he did not do the work himself. Alternate translation: “or worship the golden statue your men have set up”
Daniel 3:13
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Quote: לְשַׁדְרַ֥ךְ מֵישַׁ֖ךְ וַעֲבֵ֣ד (1)These are the Babylonian names of the three Jewish friends of Daniel. See how you translated these names in Daniel 1:7.
Daniel 3:14
I have set up
Quote: הֲקֵ֖ימֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Nebuchadnezzar commanded his men to do this work, he did not do the work himself. Alternate translation: “my men have set up”
Daniel 3:15
the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, harp, and bagpipe
Quote: קַרְנָ֣א מַשְׁרוֹקִיתָ֣א קיתרס שַׂבְּכָ֡א פְּסַנְתֵּרִין֩ וְסוּמְפֹּ֨נְיָ֜ה (1)These are musical instruments. See how you translated this list in Daniel 3:5.
to fall down
Quote: תִּפְּל֣וּן (1)Here fall down means “quickly lie down”
to fall down and worship
Quote: תִּפְּל֣וּן וְתִסְגְּדוּן֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Alternate translation: “stretch yourselves out on the ground face down in worship of”
the image that I have made, all will be well
Quote: לְצַלְמָ֣א דִֽי־עַבְדֵת֒ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Nebuchadnezzar commanded his men to do this work, he did not do the work himself. Alternate translation: “the statue that my men have made, all will be well”
I have made, all will be well
Quote: עַבְדֵת֒ (1)Alternate translation: “I have made, there will no longer be a problem” or “I have made, you will be free to go”
you will immediately be thrown into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire
Quote: בַּהּ־שַׁעֲתָ֣ה תִתְרְמ֔וֹן לְגֽוֹא־אַתּ֥וּן נוּרָ֖א יָקִֽדְתָּ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my soldiers will immediately throw you into a blazing furnace”
a furnace of blazing fire
Quote: אַתּ֥וּן נוּרָ֖א יָקִֽדְתָּ֑א (1)This is a large room filled with a hot fire. See how you translated this in Daniel 3:6.
Who is the god who will rescue you out of my hands
Quote: וּמַן־ה֣וּא אֱלָ֔הּ דֵּ֥י יְשֵֽׁיזְבִנְכ֖וֹן מִן־יְדָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The king does not expect an answer. He is threatening the three men. Alternate translation: “No god is able to rescue you from my power!”
out of my hands
Quote: מִן־יְדָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here hands refers to power to punish. Alternate translation: “from my punishment”
Daniel 3:17
the furnace of blazing fire
Quote: אַתּ֨וּן נוּרָ֧א יָקִֽדְתָּ֛א (1)This is a large room filled with a hot fire. See how you translated this in Daniel 3:6.
and … out of your hand
Quote: וּמִן־יְדָ֥ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power to punish. Alternate translation: “and … from your punishment”
Daniel 3:18
But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that
Quote: וְהֵ֣ן לָ֔א יְדִ֥יעַ לֶהֱוֵא־לָ֖ךְ מַלְכָּ֑א דִּ֤י (1)Alternate translation: “But king, we must let you know that even if our God does not rescue us”
or … the golden image that you set up
Quote: וּלְצֶ֧לֶם דַּהֲבָ֛א דִּ֥י הֲקֵ֖ימְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Nebuchadnezzar commanded his men to do this work, he did not do the work himself. Alternate translation: “or … the golden statue your men set up”
Daniel 3:19
Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage
Quote: נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֜ר הִתְמְלִ֣י חֱמָ֗א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The king was so angry that rage is spoken of as if it were filling him up. Alternate translation: “Nebuchadnezzar became extremely angry”
He answered by giving orders to heat the furnace seven times more than it was normally heated
Quote: עָנֵ֤ה וְאָמַר֙ לְמֵזֵ֣א לְאַתּוּנָ֔א חַ֨ד־שִׁבְעָ֔ה עַ֛ל דִּ֥י חֲזֵ֖ה לְמֵזְיֵֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here seven times more than it was normally heated is an idiom that means to make it very much hotter. Alternate translation: “He commanded his men to make the furnace very much hotter than it is normally heated”
He answered by giving orders to heat the furnace seven times more than it was normally heated
Quote: עָנֵ֤ה וְאָמַר֙ לְמֵזֵ֣א לְאַתּוּנָ֔א חַ֨ד־שִׁבְעָ֔ה עַ֛ל דִּ֥י חֲזֵ֖ה לְמֵזְיֵֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He commanded his men to make the furnace very much hotter than they normally make it”
Daniel 3:21
their hats
Quote: וְכַרְבְּלָתְה֖וֹן (1)These hats were head covering made of wrapped cloth.
the furnace of blazing fire
Quote: אַתּ֥וּן נוּרָ֖א יָקִֽדְתָּֽא (1)This is a large room filled with a hot fire. See how you translated this in Daniel 3:6.
Daniel 3:22
because the command of the king was urgent
Quote: מִן־דִּ֞י מִלַּ֤ת מַלְכָּא֙ מַחְצְפָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because the men quickly did what the king commanded”
Daniel 3:24
Did we not throw three men bound into the midst of the fire
Quote: הֲלָא֩ גֻבְרִ֨ין תְּלָתָ֜א רְמֵ֤ינָא לְגוֹא־נוּרָא֙ מְכַפְּתִ֔ין (1)Alternate translation: “We threw three men tied up into the fire, right?”
Daniel 3:25
The appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods
Quote: וְרֵוֵהּ֙ דִּ֣י רביעיא דָּמֵ֖ה לְבַר־אֱלָהִֽין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The gods were believed to shine brightly with light. Alternate translation: “Man four is shining brightly with light as a son of the gods would shine”
Daniel 3:27
The satraps, the prefects, the governors
Quote: אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֞א סִגְנַיָּ֣א וּפַחֲוָתָא֮ (1)These are officials who have authority over different sizes of territory. See how you translated these in Daniel 3:2.
the hair of their heads was not singed
Quote: וּשְׂעַ֤ר רֵֽאשְׁהוֹן֙ לָ֣א הִתְחָרַ֔ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the fire had not singed the hair on their heads”
was not singed
Quote: לָ֣א הִתְחָרַ֔ךְ (1)Alternate translation: “was not burned even a little”
their cloaks were not harmed
Quote: וְסָרְבָּלֵיה֖וֹן לָ֣א שְׁנ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the fire did not harm their robes”
and the smell of fire had not come on them
Quote: וְרֵ֣יחַ נ֔וּר לָ֥א עֲדָ֖ת בְּהֽוֹן (1)Alternate translation: “and they did not smell like fire”
Daniel 3:28
and set aside the command of the king
Quote: וּמִלַּ֤ת מַלְכָּא֙ שַׁנִּ֔יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Not obeying the king’s command is spoken of as if they had physically moved it away from them. Alternate translation: “and they ignored my command”
and gave up their bodies
Quote: וִיהַ֣בוּ גשמיהון (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase refers to the three men’s willingness to die for what they believed. Alternate translation: “and they were willing to die”
any god except their God
Quote: לְכָל־אֱלָ֔הּ לָהֵ֖ן לֵאלָֽהֲהֽוֹן (1)Alternate translation: “any other god except their God”
Daniel 3:29
any people, nation, or language that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be torn limb from limb, and their houses be made into rubbish heaps
Quote: כָל־עַ֨ם אֻמָּ֜ה וְלִשָּׁ֗ן דִּֽי־יֵאמַ֤ר שלה עַ֣ל אֱלָהֲה֗וֹן דִּֽי־שַׁדְרַ֤ךְ מֵישַׁךְ֙ וַעֲבֵ֣ד נְג֔וֹא הַדָּמִ֣ין יִתְעֲבֵ֔ד וּבַיְתֵ֖הּ נְוָלִ֣י יִשְׁתַּוֵּ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my servants will tear apart any people, nation, or language that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and will tear them limb from limb and make their houses into piles of garbage”
any people, nation, or language that speaks
Quote: כָל־עַ֨ם אֻמָּ֜ה וְלִשָּׁ֗ן דִּֽי־יֵאמַ֤ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here nation and language represent people from different nations who speak different languages. See how you translated a similar phrase in Daniel 3:4. Alternate translation: “any people from any nation, or those who speak any language that says”
speaks anything offensive against the God
Quote: יֵאמַ֤ר שלה עַ֣ל אֱלָהֲה֗וֹן (1)Alternate translation: “speaks words that do not respect the God”
will be torn limb from limb
Quote: הַדָּמִ֣ין יִתְעֲבֵ֔ד (1)Alternate translation: “must have their bodies torn apart”
there is no other god who is able to save like this
Quote: לָ֤א אִיתַי֙ אֱלָ֣ה אָחֳרָ֔ן דִּֽי־יִכֻּ֥ל לְהַצָּלָ֖ה כִּדְנָֽה (1)This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “only their God is able to save like this”
Daniel 4
Daniel 4 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 4:3 and 4:34-35.
Special concepts in this chapter
The king becomes insane
The king became insane until he realized that Yahweh was the ruler over everyone, including him.
Daniel 4:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personGeneral Information:
In this chapter, Nebuchadnezzar tells what God did to him. In verses 1-18, Nebuchadnezzar describes in the first person his vision from God. Verses 19-33 switch to the third person to describe the punishment of Nebuchadnezzar. Verses 34-37 change back to first person as Nebuchadnezzar describes his response to God.
King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages that live in all the earth
Quote: נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֣ר מַלְכָּ֗א לְֽכָל־עַֽמְמַיָּ֞א אֻמַיָּ֧א וְלִשָּׁנַיָּ֛א דִּֽי־דארין בְּכָל־אַרְעָ֖א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This introduces the king’s message to the people who would receive it. Your language may have a way to introduce a message. Alternate translation: “This is the message from Nebuchadnezzar to all the peoples, nations, and languages that live in all the earth”
peoples, nations, and languages
Quote: עַֽמְמַיָּ֞א אֻמַיָּ֧א וְלִשָּׁנַיָּ֛א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “nations” and “languages” represent people from different nations who speak different languages. See how you translated this in Daniel 3:4. Alternate translation: “people from different nations and who speak different languages”
that live in all the earth
Quote: דִּֽי־דארין בְּכָל־אַרְעָ֖א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Kings would often exaggerate how wide their kingdom was. Nebuchadnezzar did rule over most of the known world at the time this book was written. Alternate translation: “who live in the kingdom of Babylon”
May your peace abound
Quote: שְׁלָמְכ֥וֹן יִשְׂגֵּֽא (1)This is a common greeting.
Daniel 4:2
the signs and wonders
Quote: אָֽתַיָּא֙ וְתִמְהַיָּ֔א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words share similar meanings and refer to the amazing things that God had done.
Daniel 4:3
How great are his signs, and how mighty are his wonders
Quote: אָת֨וֹהִי֙ כְּמָ֣ה רַבְרְבִ֔ין וְתִמְה֖וֹהִי כְּמָ֣ה תַקִּיפִ֑ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases have the same meaning and are used to emphasize how great God’s signs and wonders are.
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation
Quote: מַלְכוּתֵהּ֙ מַלְכ֣וּת עָלַ֔ם וְשָׁלְטָנֵ֖הּ עִם־דָּ֥ר וְדָֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases have the same meaning and are repeated to emphasize how God’s reign is forever.
Daniel 4:4
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personGeneral Information:
In verses 1-18, Nebuchadnezzar describes in the first person his vision from God.
was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace
Quote: שְׁלֵ֤ה הֲוֵית֙ בְּבֵיתִ֔י וְרַעְנַ֖ן בְּהֵיכְלִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases are parallel and mean the same thing.
in my house … in my palace
Quote: בְּבֵיתִ֔י & בְּהֵיכְלִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean basically the same thing.
Daniel 4:5
a dream … the fantasies and the visions of
Quote: חֵ֥לֶם & וְהַרְהֹרִין֙ & וְחֶזְוֵ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These phrases mean basically the same thing.
that made me afraid. … alarmed me
Quote: וִֽידַחֲלִנַּ֑נִי & יְבַהֲלֻנַּֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases are parallel and they mean the same thing.
Daniel 4:8
whose name is Belteshazzar
Quote: דִּֽי־שְׁמֵ֤הּ בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who I named Belteshazzar”
is Belteshazzar
Quote: בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר֙ (1)Belteshazzar was the name the Babylonians gave to Daniel. See how you translated this name in Daniel 1:7.
Daniel 4:9
and that no mystery is too difficult for you
Quote: וְכָל־רָ֖ז לָא־אָנֵ֣ס לָ֑ךְ (1)The can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “and you understand the meaning of every mystery”
Daniel 4:10
and its height was great
Quote: וְרוּמֵ֥הּ שַׂגִּֽיא (1)Alternate translation: “and it was very tall”
Daniel 4:11
Its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth
Quote: וְרוּמֵהּ֙ יִמְטֵ֣א לִשְׁמַיָּ֔א וַחֲזוֹתֵ֖הּ לְס֥וֹף כָּל־אַרְעָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
This is symbolic language that exaggerates how tall and how well-known the tree was. Alternate translation: “It seemed that its top reached up to the sky and that everyone in the world could see it”
Daniel 4:12
its fruit was abundant
Quote: וְאִנְבֵּ֣הּ שַׂגִּ֔יא (1)Alternate translation: “there was a lot of fruit on the tree”
and in it was food for all
Quote: וּמָז֨וֹן לְכֹ֖לָּא־בֵ֑הּ (1)Alternate translation: “and in it was food for all people and animals”
Daniel 4:14
He shouted aloud and said thus
Quote: קָרֵ֨א בְחַ֜יִל וְכֵ֣ן אָמַ֗ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It can be made clear that the holy messenger was speaking to more than one person. Alternate translation: “He shouted to some people and said”
Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches
Quote: תְּנֻ֤ד חֵֽיוְתָא֙ מִן־תַּחְתּ֔וֹהִי וְצִפְּרַיָּ֖א מִן־עַנְפֽוֹהִי (1)Alternate translation: “The animals will flee from under it and the bird will fly away from its branches”
Daniel 4:15
the stump of its roots
Quote: עִקַּ֤ר שָׁרְשׁ֨וֹהִי֙ (1)The stump is the part of the tree that is left above the ground after a tree is cut down.
with the dew of heaven
Quote: וּבְטַ֤ל שְׁמַיָּא֙ (1)The dew of heaven is the moisture that is found on the ground in the mornings.
Daniel 4:16
Let his mind be changed from that of a man, and let the mind of an animal be given to him
Quote: לִבְבֵהּ֙ מִן־אנושא יְשַׁנּ֔וֹן וּלְבַ֥ב חֵיוָ֖ה יִתְיְהִ֣ב לֵ֑הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
Since the tree represents Nebuchadnezzar, the masculine pronouns “his” and “him” in verse 16 refer to the same tree as the neuter pronoun “it” in verse 15. Alternate translation: “The man’s mind will change from a man’s mind to an animal’s mind”
Daniel 4:17
and the decision is a command of the holy ones
Quote: וּמֵאמַ֥ר קַדִּישִׁ֖ין שְׁאֵֽלְתָ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and the holy ones have made this decision”
the holy ones
Quote: קַדִּישִׁ֖ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This phrase probably refers to angels. Alternate translation: “the holy angels”
the living
Quote: חַ֠יַּיָּא (1)Alternate translation: “every living person” or “everyone”
gives it
Quote: יִתְּנִנַּ֔הּ (1)Alternate translation: “gives the kingdom”
Daniel 4:18
O Belteshazzar
Quote: בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֜ר (1)Belteshazzar was the name the Babylonians gave to Daniel. See how you translated this name in Daniel 1:7.
But you are able
Quote: ואנתה כָּהֵ֔ל (1)Alternate translation: “But you are able to interpret it”
the spirit of the holy gods
Quote: רֽוּחַ־אֱלָהִ֥ין קַדִּישִׁ֖ין (1)Nebuchadnezzar believed that Daniel’s power came from the false gods that Nebuchadnezzar worshiped. These are not the same as “the holy ones” in verse 17. See how you translated this phrase in Daniel 4:8.
Daniel 4:19
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personGeneral Information:
Verses 19-33 use the third person to describe the punishment of Nebuchadnezzar.
whose name was Belteshazzar
Quote: דִּֽי־שְׁמֵ֣הּ בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֗ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who I also named Belteshazzar”
was appalled for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him
Quote: אֶשְׁתּוֹמַם֙ כְּשָׁעָ֣ה חֲדָ֔ה וְרַעְיֹנֹ֖הִי יְבַהֲלֻנֵּ֑הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Daniel’s understanding of the meaning of the vision is what alarmed him. This can be explicitly stated. Alternate translation: “did not say anything for some time because he was very worried about the meaning of the dream”
may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies
Quote: חֶלְמָ֥א לשנאיך וּפִשְׁרֵ֥הּ לעריך (1)Daniel is expressing his wish that the dream was not about Nebuchadnezzar, even though he knew that it really was about the king.
Daniel 4:20
to heaven … to all the earth
Quote: לִשְׁמַיָּ֔א & לְכָל־אַרְעָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
These phrases are exaggerations to emphasize that everyone everywhere knew how great Nebuchadnezzar was.
Daniel 4:21
General Information:
Many terms in this verse are almost the same as Daniel 4:12. See how you translated that verse.
and whose fruit was abundant
Quote: וְאִנְבֵּ֣הּ שַׂגִּ֔יא (1)Alternate translation: “and which bore a great amount of fruit”
Daniel 4:22
it is you, O king
Quote: אנתה־ה֣וּא מַלְכָּ֔א (1)Alternate translation: “This tree represents you, O king”
Your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven, and your dominion to the ends of the earth
Quote: וּרְבוּתָ֤ךְ רְבָת֙ וּמְטָ֣ת לִשְׁמַיָּ֔א וְשָׁלְטָנָ֖ךְ לְס֥וֹף אַרְעָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean similar things.
Your greatness has grown
Quote: וּרְבוּתָ֤ךְ רְבָת֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This phrase is using the word grown as a way of saying the king’s greatness has increased. Alternate translation: “Your greatness has increased”
Daniel 4:23
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personGeneral Information:
This verse is almost the same as Daniel 4:13-14 and Daniel 4:15-16. See how you translated those verses. Verses 19-33 use the third person to describe the punishment of Nebuchadnezzar.
the stump of its roots
Quote: עִקַּ֤ר שָׁרְשׁ֨וֹהִי֙ (1)This stump is the part of the tree that is left above ground after a tree is cut down.
in the tender grass of the field
Quote: בְּדִתְאָ֖א דִּ֣י בָרָ֑א (1)Alternate translation: “surrounded by the tender grass of the field”
and … with the dew of heaven
Quote: וּבְטַ֧ל שְׁמַיָּ֣א (1)The dew of heaven is the moisture that settles on the ground in the mornings.
Daniel 4:24
that has come upon
Quote: דִּ֥י מְטָ֖ת עַל (1)Alternate translation: “that you have heard”
Daniel 4:25
that you will be driven from among men
Quote: וְלָ֣ךְ טָֽרְדִ֣ין מִן־אֲנָשָׁ֡א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that men will drive you away from them”
You will be made to eat grass
Quote: וְעִשְׂבָּ֥א & לָ֣ךְ יְטַֽעֲמ֗וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You will eat grass”
Daniel 4:26
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personGeneral Information:
Verses 19-33 use the third person to describe the punishment of Nebuchadnezzar.
Heaven rules
Quote: שַׁלִּטִ֖ן שְׁמַיָּֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Heaven refers to God who lives in heaven. Alternate translation: “God in heaven is the ruler of all”
Daniel 4:27
let my advice be acceptable to you
Quote: מִלְכִּי֙ יִשְׁפַּ֣ר עליך (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “please accept my advice”
break off your sins
Quote: וחטיך & פְרֻ֔ק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here rejecting iniquity is spoken of as breaking it off. Alternate translation: “reject your iniquities”
the oppressed
Quote: עֲנָ֑יִן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective refers to people who are oppressed. Alternate translation: “people who are oppressed”
there may be a prolonging of your prosperity
Quote: תֶּהֱוֵ֥א אַרְכָ֖ה לִשְׁלֵוְתָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God may extend your prosperity”
Daniel 4:30
Is this not the great Babylon, which I have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty
Quote: הֲלָ֥א דָא־הִ֖יא בָּבֶ֣ל רַבְּתָ֑א דִּֽי־אֲנָ֤ה בֱנַיְתַהּ֙ לְבֵ֣ית מַלְכ֔וּ בִּתְקַ֥ף חִסְנִ֖י וְלִיקָ֥ר הַדְרִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Nebuchadnezzar asks this question to emphasize his own glory. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is the great Babylon, which I have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty!”
and for the glory of my majesty
Quote: וְלִיקָ֥ר הַדְרִֽי (1)Alternate translation: “to show people my honor and my greatness”
Daniel 4:31
While the words were still in the mouth of the king
Quote: ע֗וֹד מִלְּתָא֙ בְּפֻ֣ם מַלְכָּ֔א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means the king was still in the act of speaking. Alternate translation: “While the king was still speaking”
a voice fell from heaven
Quote: קָ֖ל מִן־שְׁמַיָּ֣א נְפַ֑ל (1)Alternate translation: “he heard a voice from heaven”
the kingdom has departed from you
Quote: מַלְכוּתָ֖ה עֲדָ֥ת מִנָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will no longer rule over this kingdom”
Daniel 4:32
You will be driven away from men
Quote: וּמִן־אֲנָשָׁא֩ לָ֨ךְ טָֽרְדִ֜ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will chase you away from them”
and … to whom he wishes
Quote: וּלְמַן־דִּ֥י יִצְבֵּ֖א (1)Alternate translation: “and : to whoever he chooses”
Daniel 4:33
Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar
Quote: בַּהּ־שַׁעֲתָ֗א מִלְּתָא֮ סָ֣פַת עַל־נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר֒ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “This decree against Nebuchadnezzar happened immediately”
He was driven away from men
Quote: וּמִן־אֲנָשָׁ֣א טְרִ֔יד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People chased him away from them”
and his nails like the claws of birds
Quote: וְטִפְר֥וֹהִי כְצִפְּרִֽין (1)Alternate translation: “and his fingernails looked like birds’ claws”
Daniel 4:34
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personGeneral Information:
In verses 34-37 Nebuchadnezzar speaks in the first person to describe his response to God.
At the end of the days
Quote: וְלִקְצָ֣ת יֽוֹמַיָּה֩ (1)This refers back to the seven years in Daniel 4:32.
and my reason returned to me
Quote: וּמַנְדְּעִי֙ עֲלַ֣י יְת֔וּב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and my sanity came back to me” or “and I became sane again”
I blessed the Most High, and I praised and glorified him who lives forever
Quote: ולעליא בָּרְכֵ֔ת וּלְחַ֥י עָלְמָ֖א שַׁבְּחֵ֣ת וְהַדְּרֵ֑ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The two phrases refer to the same action.
For his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation
Quote: דִּ֤י שָׁלְטָנֵהּ֙ שָׁלְטָ֣ן עָלַ֔ם וּמַלְכוּתֵ֖הּ עִם־דָּ֥ר וְדָֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are used to emphasize how God’s reign never ends. Alternate translation: “He rules forever and his kingdom will never end”
Daniel 4:35
All the inhabitants of the earth are regarded as nothing
Quote: וְכָל־דארי אַרְעָא֙ כְּלָ֣ה חֲשִׁיבִ֔ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He considers all the earth’s inhabitants as nothing”
All the inhabitants of the earth
Quote: וְכָל־דארי אַרְעָא֙ (1)Alternate translation: “All the people on the earth”
among the army of heaven
Quote: בְּחֵ֣יל שְׁמַיָּ֔א (1)Alternate translation: “among the angel armies in heaven”
according to his will
Quote: וּֽכְמִצְבְּיֵ֗הּ (1)Alternate translation: “whatever satisfies his purpose” or “anything he wants to do”
No one can hold back his hand
Quote: וְלָ֤א אִיתַי֙ דִּֽי־יְמַחֵ֣א בִידֵ֔הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It may be helpful to add additional detail. Alternate translation: “When he decides to do something, no one can stop him”
or say to him, ‘What have you done
Quote: וְיֵ֥אמַר לֵ֖הּ מָ֥ה עֲבַֽדְתְּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
This can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “or can question what he does”
Daniel 4:36
my reason returned to me
Quote: מַנְדְּעִ֣י ׀ יְת֣וּב עֲלַ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here his sanity is spoken of as if it was able to return by its own power. Alternate translation: “I became sane again”
my majesty and my splendor returned to me
Quote: הַדְרִ֤י וְזִוִי֙ יְת֣וּב עֲלַ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here his majesty and splendor are spoken of as if they were able to return by their own power. Alternate translation: “I regained my majesty and my splendor again”
my majesty and my splendor
Quote: הַדְרִ֤י וְזִוִי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the greatness of his glory.
My counselors and my noblemen sought me
Quote: וְלִ֕י הַדָּֽבְרַ֥י וְרַבְרְבָנַ֖י יְבַע֑וֹן (1)Alternate translation: “My counselors and my noblemen requested my help again”
and I was reestablished in my kingdom, and surpassing greatness was added to me
Quote: וְעַל־מַלְכוּתִ֣י הָתְקְנַ֔ת וּרְב֥וּ יַתִּירָ֖ה ה֥וּסְפַת לִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I returned to rule my kingdom again, and I received even more greatness”
Daniel 4:37
praise, extol, and honor
Quote: מְשַׁבַּ֨ח וּמְרוֹמֵ֤ם וּמְהַדַּר֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
All three of these words have basically the same meaning and emphasize how greatly he praised God.
who walk in pride
Quote: מַהְלְכִ֣ין בְּגֵוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase uses walk to refer to the person who acts proud. Alternate translation: “who are proud”
Daniel 5
Daniel 5 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
The writing on the wall
God told the new king that he had failed and God was replacing him, showing that God is the real ruler over everything, even kingdoms that do not worship him.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin
These are words in Aramaic. Daniel “transliterates” these words by writing them with Hebrew letters, and then he explains their meanings. In the ULT and UST they are written with English letters. Translators are encouraged to write them using the letters of the target language alphabet.
Daniel 5:1
Belshazzar
Quote: בֵּלְשַׁאצַּ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Belshazzar is the son of Nebuchadnezzar who became king after his father.
a thousand of
Quote: אֲלַ֑ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“1,000 of”
and he drank wine in front of
Quote: וְלָקֳבֵ֥ל & חַמְרָ֥א שָׁתֵֽה (1)Alternate translation: “and he drank wine in the presence of”
Daniel 5:2
the vessels of
Quote: לְמָאנֵי֙ (1)These vessels were cups and other items that were small enough for a person to hold and to drink from them.
Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken
Quote: הַנְפֵּק֙ נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֣ר אֲב֔וּהִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Nebuchadnezzar refers to Nebuchadnezzar’s army. Alternate translation: “his father Nebuchadnezzar’s army had taken” or “the army of Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken”
Daniel 5:3
the gold vessels that had been taken out of the temple
Quote: מָאנֵ֣י דַהֲבָ֔א דִּ֣י הַנְפִּ֗קוּ מִן־הֵֽיכְלָ֛א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the gold containers that the army of Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple”
out of the temple, the house of God
Quote: מִן־הֵֽיכְלָ֛א דִּֽי־בֵ֥ית אֱלָהָ֖א (1)The phrase the house of God tells us something more about the temple. Alternate translation: “out of God’s temple”
Daniel 5:5
Suddenly
Quote: בַּהּ־שַׁעֲתָ֗ה (1)Alternate translation: “As soon as they did that” or “At that moment”
the plaster
Quote: גִּירָ֕א (1)This refers to cement or mud that is spread on walls or ceilings to give them a smooth hard surface when it dries.
Daniel 5:6
the color of the king changed
Quote: מַלְכָּא֙ זִיוֺ֣הִי שְׁנ֔וֹהִי (1)This change was caused by his fear. Alternate translation: “the king’s face became pale”
and his knees knocked together
Quote: וְאַ֨רְכֻבָּתֵ֔הּ דָּ֥א לְדָ֖א נָֽקְשָֽׁן (1)This was the result of his extreme fear.
Daniel 5:7
to the wise men of Babylon
Quote: לְחַכִּימֵ֣י בָבֶ֗ל (1)This refers back collectively to the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers in the previous sentence.
Any man who reads this writing and shows me its intepretation will be clothed with purple and will have a chain of gold around his neck
Quote: דִּ֣י כָל־אֱ֠נָשׁ דִּֽי־יִקְרֵ֞ה כְּתָבָ֣ה דְנָ֗ה וּפִשְׁרֵהּ֙ יְחַוִּנַּ֔נִי אַרְגְּוָנָ֣א יִלְבַּ֗שׁ והמונכא דִֽי־דַהֲבָא֙ עַֽל־צַוְּארֵ֔הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will give purple clothes and a gold neck chain to whoever explains this writing and its meaning”
will be clothed with purple
Quote: אַרְגְּוָנָ֣א יִלְבַּ֗שׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Purple cloth was rare and reserved for royal officials. Alternate translation: “will be dressed in royal clothing”
and he will be the third ruler in the kingdom
Quote: וְתַלְתִּ֥י בְמַלְכוּתָ֖א יִשְׁלַֽט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
Alternate translation: “and he will be the number three ruler in the kingdom”
Daniel 5:9
Belshazzar
Quote: בֵלְשַׁאצַּר֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Belshazzar is the son of Nebuchadnezzar who became king after his father. See how you wrote this name in Daniel 5:1.
and his color changed
Quote: וְזִיוֺ֖הִי שָׁנַ֣יִן עֲל֑וֹהִי (1)The face of the king grew even more pale than in Daniel 5:6. Alternate translation: “his face became even more pale”
were perplexed
Quote: מִֽשְׁתַּבְּשִֽׁין (1)To be perplexed is to be unable to understand, or to be confused.
Daniel 5:10
The queen
Quote: מַלְכְּתָ֕א (1)Some modern versions understand this to be a reference to the queen mother, that is, to the king’s mother. The queen mother received much honor in ancient Babylon.
O king, live forever
Quote: מַלְכָּא֙ לְעָלְמִ֣ין חֱיִ֔י (1)This was a normal way to greet the king.
Do not let your color change
Quote: וְזִיוָ֖יךְ אַל־יִשְׁתַּנּֽוֹ (1)Alternate translation: “There is no need for your face to look so pale”
Daniel 5:11
the spirit of the holy gods
Quote: ר֣וּחַ אֱלָהִ֣ין קַדִּישִׁין֮ (1)The queen believed that Daniel’s power came from the false gods that Nebuchadnezzar worshiped. See how you translated this phrase in Daniel 4:8.
In the days of your father
Quote: וּבְיוֹמֵ֣י אֲב֗וּךְ (1)Alternate translation: “When your father was ruling”
illumination and insight and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him
Quote: נַהִיר֧וּ וְשָׂכְלְתָנ֛וּ וְחָכְמָ֥ה כְּחָכְמַת־אֱלָהִ֖ין הִשְׁתְּכַ֣חַת בֵּ֑הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he had light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods”
Daniel 5:12
an excellent spirit, knowledge, and insight for interpreting dreams, explaining riddles and solving problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar
Quote: ר֣וּחַ ׀ יַתִּירָ֡ה וּמַנְדַּ֡ע וְשָׂכְלְתָנ֡וּ מְפַשַּׁ֣ר חֶלְמִין֩ וַֽאַֽחֲוָיַ֨ת אֲחִידָ֜ן וּמְשָׁרֵ֣א קִטְרִ֗ין הִשְׁתְּכַ֤חַת בֵּהּ֙ בְּדָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל דִּֽי־מַלְכָּ֥א שָׂם־שְׁמֵ֖הּ בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, had an excellent spirit, knowledge, and insight for interpreting dreams, explaining riddles and solving problems”
Daniel 5:13
Then Daniel was brought in before the king
Quote: בֵּאדַ֨יִן֙ דָּֽנִיֵּ֔אל הֻעַ֖ל קֳדָ֣ם מַלְכָּ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then they brought Daniel before the king” or “Then the soldiers brought Daniel before the king”
whom my father the king brought from Judah
Quote: דִּ֥י הַיְתִ֛י מַלְכָּ֥א אַ֖בִי מִן־יְהֽוּד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
In this phrase father is being used to represent all of the soldiers. Alternate translation: “whom my father’s soldiers brought out of Judah”
Daniel 5:14
the spirit of the gods
Quote: ר֥וּחַ אֱלָהִ֖ין (1)Belshazzar believed that Daniel’s power came from the false gods that Belshazzar worshiped. See how you translated a similar phrase in Daniel 4:8.
and … illumination and insight and excellent wisdom are found in you
Quote: וְנַהִיר֧וּ וְשָׂכְלְתָנ֛וּ וְחָכְמָ֥ה יַתִּירָ֖ה הִשְׁתְּכַ֥חַת בָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and … you have light and understanding and excellent wisdom”
Daniel 5:15
Now the wise men and enchanters have been brought in before me
Quote: וּכְעַ֞ן הֻעַ֣לּוּ קָֽדָמַ֗י חַכִּֽימַיָּא֙ אָֽשְׁפַיָּ֔א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Now the wise men and enchanters have come in before me”
make known to me
Quote: לְהוֹדָעֻתַ֑נִי (1)Alternate translation: “tell me”
Daniel 5:16
you will be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck
Quote: אַרְגְּוָנָ֣א תִלְבַּ֗שׁ והמונכא דִֽי־דַהֲבָא֙ עַֽל־צַוְּארָ֔ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will give you purple clothes and a gold neck chain”
you will be clothed with purple
Quote: אַרְגְּוָנָ֣א תִלְבַּ֗שׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Purple cloth was rare and reserved for royal officials. Alternate translation: “you will be dressed in royal clothing”
and you will be the third ruler in the kingdom
Quote: וְתַלְתָּ֥א בְמַלְכוּתָ֖א תִּשְׁלַֽט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“and you will be the number three ruler of the kingdom”
Daniel 5:17
Let your gifts be for yourself
Quote: מַתְּנָתָךְ֙ לָ֣ךְ לֶֽהֶוְיָ֔ן (1)Alternate translation: “I do not want your gifts”
Daniel 5:19
all peoples, nations, and languages
Quote: כֹּ֣ל עַֽמְמַיָּ֗א אֻמַיָּא֙ וְלִשָּׁ֣נַיָּ֔א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This phrase uses the word all as a generalization that represents a large number. Alternate translation: “a great number of people, of different nations and languages”
all peoples, nations, and languages
Quote: כֹּ֣ל עַֽמְמַיָּ֗א אֻמַיָּא֙ וְלִשָּׁ֣נַיָּ֔א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “nations” and “languages” represent people from different nations who speak different languages. See how you translated this in Daniel 3:4. Alternate translation: “people from different nations and who speak different languages”
trembled and feared before him
Quote: הֲו֛וֹ זאעין וְדָחֲלִ֖ין מִן־קֳדָמ֑וֹהִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of the fear. Alternate translation: “were very afraid of him”
Whom he wished, he killed
Quote: דִּֽי־הֲוָ֨ה צָבֵ֜א הֲוָ֣א קָטֵ֗ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase does not mean King Nebuchadnezzar put people to death himself, but rather those he commanded. Alternate translation: “Nebuchadnezzar commanded his soldiers to kill those he wanted to die”
Whom he wished, he raised up
Quote: וְדִֽי־הֲוָ֤ה צָבֵא֙ הֲוָ֣ה מָרִ֔ים (1)Alternate translation: “He raised up those he wanted to raise up”
and whom he wished, he humbled
Quote: וְדִֽי־הֲוָ֥ה צָבֵ֖א הֲוָ֥ה מַשְׁפִּֽיל (1)Alternate translation: “and he humbled those he wished to humble”
Daniel 5:20
his heart was lifted up
Quote: רִ֣ם לִבְבֵ֔הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here heart refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: “the king was arrogant”
and his spirit was hardened
Quote: וְרוּחֵ֖הּ תִּֽקְפַ֣ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here spirit refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: “and the king was hardened”
and his spirit was hardened
Quote: וְרוּחֵ֖הּ תִּֽקְפַ֣ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
the stubbornness of the king is spoken of as if he were hardened. Alternate translation: “and the king became stubborn”
so that he acted presumptuously
Quote: לַהֲזָדָ֑ה (1)He was rudely and overly confident.
he was brought down from his kingly throne
Quote: הָנְחַת֙ מִן־כָּרְסֵ֣א מַלְכוּתֵ֔הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “throne” refers to his authority to rule. Alternate translation: “his authority was taken away”
he was brought down from his kingly throne
Quote: הָנְחַת֙ מִן־כָּרְסֵ֣א מַלְכוּתֵ֔הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people took away his kingdom”
Daniel 5:21
He was driven away from the sons of mankind
Quote: וּמִן־בְּנֵי֩ אֲנָשָׁ֨א טְרִ֜יד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The people chased him away from them”
and his mind was made like that of an animal
Quote: וְלִבְבֵ֣הּ ׀ עִם־חֵיוְתָ֣א שוי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here mind represents his thoughts. Alternate translation: “and he thought as an animal thinks”
with the dew of heaven
Quote: וּמִטַּ֥ל שְׁמַיָּ֖א (1)The dew is the moisture that is found on the ground in the mornings.
and … whom he wishes
Quote: וּלְמַן־דִּ֥י יִצְבֵּ֖ה (1)Alternate translation: “whomever he chooses”
Daniel 5:22
Belshazzar
Quote: בֵּלְשַׁאצַּ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Belshazzar was the son of Nebuchadnezzar who became king after his father. See how you wrote this name in Daniel 5:1.
have not humbled your heart
Quote: לָ֥א הַשְׁפֵּ֖לְתְּ לִבְבָ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here heart refers to Belshazzar himself. Alternate translation: “have not humbled yourself”
Daniel 5:23
Instead, you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven
Quote: וְעַ֣ל מָרֵֽא־שְׁמַיָּ֣א ׀ הִתְרוֹמַ֡מְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
To rebel against God is spoken of as raising oneself up against him. Alternate translation: “Instead, you have rebelled against the Lord of heaven”
of his house
Quote: דִֽי־בַיְתֵ֜הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
What and where “his house” is can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “from his temple in Jerusalem”
but … the God in whose hand is your breath
Quote: וְלֵֽאלָהָ֞א דִּֽי־נִשְׁמְתָ֥ךְ בִּידֵ֛הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “breath” refers to life and “hand” refers to power or control. Alternate translation: “but … the God who gives you breath” or “but … the God who has control over your entire life”
and whose are all your ways
Quote: וְכָל־אֹרְחָתָ֥ךְ לֵ֖הּ (1)Alternate translation: “and everything you do”
Daniel 5:24
and this writing was inscribed
Quote: וּכְתָבָ֥א דְנָ֖ה רְשִֽׁים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and it wrote this message”
Daniel 5:25
This is the writing that was inscribed
Quote: וּדְנָ֥ה כְתָבָ֖א דִּ֣י רְשִׁ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “This is the message that the hand wrote”
Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin
Quote: מְנֵ֥א מְנֵ֖א תְּקֵ֥ל וּפַרְסִֽין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate
These are the Aramaic words that were written on the wall. Spell these words with the sounds that fit your language.
Daniel 5:26
Mene,’ ‘God has numbered
Quote: מְנֵ֕א מְנָֽה־אֱלָהָ֥א (1)Alternate translation: “‘Mene’ means ‘God has numbered”
Daniel 5:27
Tekel,’ ‘you have been weighed
Quote: תְּקֵ֑ל תְּקִ֥ילְתָּה (1)Alternate translation: “‘Tekel’ means ‘you are weighed”
you have been weighed on the scales and found lacking
Quote: תְּקִ֥ילְתָּה בְמֹֽאזַנְיָ֖א וְהִשְׁתְּכַ֥חַתְּ חַסִּֽיר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Judging the worthiness of the king to rule is spoken of as weighing him. This means that the king is not worthy to rule. Alternate translation: “your worthiness to rule has been judged, and you have been found to be unworthy”
you have been weighed on the scales and found lacking
Quote: תְּקִ֥ילְתָּה בְמֹֽאזַנְיָ֖א וְהִשְׁתְּכַ֥חַתְּ חַסִּֽיר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has examined your worthiness to rule, and he has found that you are not worthy”
Daniel 5:28
Peres
Quote: פְּרֵ֑ס (1)Peres is the singular form of “Pharsin” in 5:25.
Peres,’ ‘your kingdom has been divided
Quote: פְּרֵ֑ס פְּרִיסַת֙ מַלְכוּתָ֔ךְ (1)Alternate translation: “‘Peres’ means ‘your kingdom has been divided”
your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians
Quote: פְּרִיסַת֙ מַלְכוּתָ֔ךְ וִיהִיבַ֖ת לְמָדַ֥י וּפָרָֽס (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has divided your kingdom and given it to the Medes and Persians”
Daniel 5:29
Belshazzar
Quote: בֵּלְשַׁאצַּ֗ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Belshazzar was the son of Nebuchadnezzar who became king after his father. See how you wrote this name in Daniel 5:1.
A chain of gold was put around his neck
Quote: והמונכא דִֽי־דַהֲבָ֖א עַֽל־צַוְּארֵ֑הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They put a chain of gold around his neck”
the third ruler
Quote: שַׁלִּ֛יט תַּלְתָּ֖א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“the number three ruler”
Daniel 5:31
received the kingdom
Quote: קַבֵּ֖ל מַלְכוּתָ֑א (1)Alternate translation: “became the ruler of the kingdom”
Daniel 6
Daniel 6 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Some translations set the content of letters farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the letter in 6:25-27.
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in the letter in 6:26-27.
Special concepts in this chapter
Daniel and the lions
Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den for praying to Yahweh, but Yahweh protected him and the lions did not hurt him at all.
Daniel 6:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
The events in this chapter take place after the Persians conquered the Babylonians and Darius the Mede began to rule in Babylon.
It pleased Darius
Quote: שְׁפַר֙ קֳדָ֣ם דָּרְיָ֔וֶשׁ (1)Alternate translation: “King Darius decided”
120 satraps
Quote: לַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֖א מְאָ֣ה וְעֶשְׂרִ֑ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one hundred and twenty provincial governors”
Daniel 6:2
Over them were
Quote: וְעֵ֤לָּא מִנְּהוֹן֙ (1)The word them refers to the 120 satraps.
so that the king might suffer no loss
Quote: וּמַלְכָּ֖א לָֽא־לֶהֱוֵ֥א נָזִֽק (1)Alternate translation: “so that nothing should be stolen from the king” or “so that no one would steal anything from the king”
Daniel 6:3
became distinguished above
Quote: הֲוָ֣א מִתְנַצַּ֔ח עַל (1)Alternate translation: “excelled above” or “was more capable than”
an extraordinary spirit was in him
Quote: ר֤וּחַ יַתִּירָא֙ בֵּ֔הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here spirit refers to Daniel. It means he had was unusually capable. Alternate translation: “he was an exceptional person”
an extraordinary spirit
Quote: ר֤וּחַ יַתִּירָא֙ (1)This spirit enabled him do better than the other leaders.
to appoint him over
Quote: לַהֲקָמוּתֵ֖הּ עַל (1)Alternate translation: “to give him authority over” or “to put him in charge of”
Daniel 6:4
Then the high officials and the satraps were seeking to find a ground for accusation against Daniel with regard to the kingdom
Quote: אֱדַ֨יִן סָֽרְכַיָּ֜א וַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֗א הֲו֨וֹ בָעַ֧יִן עִלָּ֛ה לְהַשְׁכָּחָ֥ה לְדָנִיֵּ֖אל מִצַּ֣ד מַלְכוּתָ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The other administrators were jealous of Daniel. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Then the other chief administrators and the provincial governors became jealous. So they looked for mistakes in the work Daniel did for the kingdom”
but they were not able to find any ground for accusation or corruption
Quote: וְכָל־עִלָּ֨ה וּשְׁחִיתָ֜ה לָא־יָכְלִ֣ין לְהַשְׁכָּחָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but they could find no mistakes or negligence in his work”
Daniel 6:5
any ground for accusation against this Daniel
Quote: לְדָנִיֵּ֥אל דְּנָ֖ה כָּל־עִלָּ֑א (1)Alternate translation: “any reason to complain about Daniel”
Daniel 6:6
live forever
Quote: לְעָלְמִ֥ין חֱיִֽי (1)This was a normal way to greet a king.
Daniel 6:7
whoever makes a petition
Quote: כָל־דִּֽי־יִבְעֵ֣ה בָ֠עוּ (1)Alternate translation: “whoever makes a request”
shall be thrown into the den of lions
Quote: יִתְרְמֵ֕א לְגֹ֖ב אַרְיָוָתָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “your soldiers must throw that person into the den of lions”
into the den of lions
Quote: לְגֹ֖ב אַרְיָוָתָֽא (1)This may refer to a room or pit where lions were kept.
Daniel 6:8
may not be revoked
Quote: לָ֥א תֶעְדֵּֽא (1)Alternate translation: “cannot be canceled”
Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel knew that the document had been signed
Quote: וְ֠דָנִיֵּאל כְּדִ֨י יְדַ֜ע דִּֽי־רְשִׁ֤ים כְּתָבָא֙ (1)It is important to the story to state clearly that Daniel knew about the new law before he prayed to God.
now his windows were open in his roof chamber toward Jerusalem
Quote: וְכַוִּ֨ין פְּתִיחָ֥ן לֵהּ֙ בְּעִלִּיתֵ֔הּ נֶ֖גֶד יְרוּשְׁלֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is background information that explains how Daniel’s enemies knew he was praying to God.
Daniel 6:12
Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man within thirty days, except to you, O king, must be thrown into the den of lions
Quote: הֲלָ֧א אֱסָ֣ר רְשַׁ֗מְתָּ דִּ֣י כָל־אֱנָ֡שׁ דִּֽי־יִבְעֵה֩ מִן־כָּל־אֱלָ֨הּ וֶֽאֱנָ֜שׁ עַד־יוֹמִ֣ין תְּלָתִ֗ין לָהֵן֙ מִנָּ֣ךְ מַלְכָּ֔א יִתְרְמֵ֕א לְג֖וֹב אַרְיָותָ֑א (1)They asked this question to make the king confirm that he had made the decree.
into the den of lions
Quote: לְג֖וֹב אַרְיָותָ֑א (1)This may refer to a room or pit where lions were kept. See how you translated this in Daniel 6:7.
Daniel 6:13
Daniel, who is one of the people of the exile from Judah
Quote: דִּ֣י דָנִיֵּ֡אל דִּי֩ מִן־בְּנֵ֨י גָלוּתָ֜א דִּ֣י יְה֗וּד (1)This is not a respectful way of referring to Daniel. They intentionally used this phrase to avoid giving Daniel the respect he was due as a chief administrator.
who is one of the people of the exile from Judah
Quote: דִּי֩ מִן־בְּנֵ֨י גָלוּתָ֜א דִּ֣י יְה֗וּד (1)Alternate translation: “who is an immigrant from Judah”
pays no attention to you
Quote: לָא־שָׂ֨ם עליך (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means he ignores the king. Alternate translation: “does not obey you”
Daniel 6:14
and he set his mind on Daniel to deliver him
Quote: וְעַ֧ל דָּנִיֵּ֛אל שָׂ֥ם בָּ֖ל לְשֵׁיזָבוּתֵ֑הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here mind refers to his thinking. Alternate translation: “and he thought very hard about how to rescue Daniel”
Daniel 6:15
no injunction or statute that the king establishes can be changed
Quote: כָל־אֱסָ֥ר וּקְיָ֛ם דִּֽי־מַלְכָּ֥א יְהָקֵ֖ים לָ֥א לְהַשְׁנָיָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The men were implying that since no decree or statute of the king can be changed, Daniel must be thrown into the pit of lions. This can be stated clearly if needed. Alternate translation: “no injunction or statute that the king establishes can be changed. They must throw Daniel into the pit of lions”
Daniel 6:16
and Daniel was brought in and thrown
Quote: וְהַיְתִיו֙ לְדָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל וּרְמ֕וֹ (1)Alternate translation: “and his soldiers went and got Daniel and thew him”
into the den of lions
Quote: לְגֻבָּ֖א דִּ֣י אַרְיָוָתָ֑א (1)This may refer to a room or pit where lions were kept. See how you translated this in Daniel 6:7.
Your God, whom you serve continually, may he deliver you
Quote: אֱלָהָ֗ךְ דִּ֣י אנתה פָּֽלַֽח־לֵהּ֙ בִּתְדִירָ֔א ה֖וּא יְשֵׁיזְבִנָּֽךְ (1)The king is expressing his desire for God to save Daniel.
may he deliver you
Quote: ה֖וּא יְשֵׁיזְבִנָּֽךְ (1)Alternate translation: “may he save you from the lions”
Daniel 6:17
the den
Quote: גֻּבָּ֑א (1)This may refer to a room or pit where lions were kept. See how you translated this in Daniel 6:7.
and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles so that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel
Quote: וְחַתְמַ֨הּ מַלְכָּ֜א בְּעִזְקְתֵ֗הּ וּבְעִזְקָת֙ רַבְרְבָנ֔וֹהִי דִּ֛י לָא־תִשְׁנֵ֥א צְב֖וּ בְּדָנִיֵּֽאל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The function of the signet ring can be stated clearly. The king and the noblemen pressed their rings into a seal made of wax. Alternate translation: “and the king pressed his signet ring into a wax seal, the nobles did this too. No one was allowed to break the seal and help Daniel”
nothing might be changed concerning Daniel
Quote: לָא־תִשְׁנֵ֥א צְב֖וּ בְּדָנִיֵּֽאל (1)Alternate translation: “no one could help Daniel”
Daniel 6:18
and spent the night fasting
Quote: וּבָ֣ת טְוָ֔ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This symbolic act showed that the king was worried about Daniel.
No entertainment was brought before him
Quote: וְדַחֲוָ֖ן לָא־הַנְעֵ֣ל קָֽדָמ֑וֹהִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He did not have anyone entertain him”
and his sleep fled from him
Quote: וְשִׁנְתֵּ֖הּ נַדַּ֥ת עֲלֽוֹהִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here sleep is spoken of as if it could run away from the king. Alternate translation: “and he did not sleep at all that night”
Daniel 6:19
to the den of lions
Quote: לְגֻבָּ֥א דִֽי־אַרְיָוָתָ֖א (1)This may refer to a room or pit where lions were kept. See how you translated this in Daniel 6:7.
Daniel 6:22
I was found blameless
Quote: זָכוּ֙ הִשְׁתְּכַ֣חַת לִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he knows that I have done nothing wrong”
Daniel 6:23
the den
Quote: גֻּבָּ֑א (1)This may refer to a room or pit where lions were kept. See how you translated this in Daniel 6:7.
and no harm was found on him
Quote: וְכָל־חֲבָל֙ לָא־הִשְׁתְּכַ֣ח בֵּ֔הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and they did not find any wounds on Daniel”
Daniel 6:24
and they had not reached the bottom of the den before
Quote: וְלָֽא־מְט֞וֹ לְאַרְעִ֣ית גֻּבָּ֗א עַ֠ד דִּֽי (1)Alternate translation: “and before they reached the floor of the lions’ den”
Daniel 6:25
the peoples, nations, and languages
Quote: עַֽמְמַיָּ֞א אֻמַיָּ֧א וְלִשָּׁנַיָּ֛א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here nations and languages represent people from different nations who speak different languages. See how you translated this in Daniel 3:4. Alternate translation: “the people from different nations and who spoke different languages”
in all the earth
Quote: בְּכָל־אַרְעָ֖א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
King Darius wrote his message to his entire kingdom which was huge. Here it says all the earth as a generalization to emphasis how large his kingdom was, though it did not include everyone on the earth. Alternate translation: “in his entire kingdom”
May your peace abound
Quote: שְׁלָמְכ֥וֹן יִשְׂגֵּֽא (1)This is a form of greeting that is used to wish someone well in all areas of life.
Daniel 6:26
tremble and fear
Quote: זאעין וְדָ֣חֲלִ֔ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words are similar and can be combined. Alternate translation: “shake with fear”
the God of Daniel
Quote: אֱלָהֵ֣הּ דִּי־דָֽנִיֵּ֑אל (1)Alternate translation: “the God that Daniel worships”
he is the living God and enduring forever
Quote: ה֣וּא ׀ אֱלָהָ֣א חַיָּ֗א וְקַיָּם֙ לְעָ֣לְמִ֔ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The two phrases the living God and enduring forever express the same concept, that God lives forever.
and his kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, and his dominion will be to the end
Quote: וּמַלְכוּתֵהּ֙ דִּֽי־לָ֣א תִתְחַבַּ֔ל וְשָׁלְטָנֵ֖הּ עַד־סוֹפָֽא׃ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases are parallel, emphasizing how God’s kingdom will never end.
and his kingdom is one which will not be destroyed
Quote: וּמַלְכוּתֵהּ֙ דִּֽי־לָ֣א תִתְחַבַּ֔ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and no one will destroy his kingdom” or “and his kingdom will last forever”
and his dominion will be to the end
Quote: וְשָׁלְטָנֵ֖הּ עַד־סוֹפָֽא (1)Alternate translation: “and he will rule forever”
Daniel 6:27
he who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions
Quote: דִּ֚י שֵׁיזִ֣יב לְדָֽנִיֵּ֔אל מִן־יַ֖ד אַרְיָוָתָֽא (1)Alternate translation: “he has not allowed the strong lions to hurt Daniel”
Daniel 6:28
during the reign of Darius and during the reign of Cyrus the Persian
Quote: בְּמַלְכ֣וּת דָּרְיָ֑וֶשׁ וּבְמַלְכ֖וּת כּ֥וֹרֶשׁ פרסיא (1)Cyrus the Persian was the king who ruled after Darius.
Daniel 7
Daniel 7 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 7:9-10, 13-14, and 23-27.
Special concepts in this chapter
The four beasts
There will be four successive kingdoms before Yahweh sets up his eternal kingdom. (See: eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever)
The Son of Man
God will give the Son of Man an eternal kingdom and he will judge people from the books. (See: Son of Man, son of man and judge, judgment)
Daniel 7:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageGeneral Information:
Chapters 7 and 8 are not in chronological order. They happened while Belshazzar was still the king, before the rule of Darius and Cyrus that was discussed in chapter 6. In Daniel’s vision, he saw animals that were symbols of other things. Later in the vision someone explains the meaning of those symbols.
of Belshazzar
Quote: לְבֵלְאשַׁצַּר֙ (1)Belshazzar was the name of Nebuchadnezzar’s son, who became king after him. See how you wrote this name in Daniel 5:1.
a dream and visions in
Quote: חֵ֣לֶם & וְחֶזְוֵ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words dream and visions both refer to the same dream that is described in this chapter. Alternate translation: “visions while he was dreaming in”
Daniel 7:2
the four winds of heaven
Quote: אַרְבַּע֙ רוּחֵ֣י שְׁמַיָּ֔א (1)Alternate translation: “winds from everywhere” or “strong winds from all four directions”
were stirring up
Quote: מְגִיחָ֖ן (1)Alternate translation: “whipped up” or “agitated” or “caused high waves in”
Daniel 7:4
The first was like a lion but had the wings of an eagle
Quote: קַדְמָיְתָ֣א כְאַרְיֵ֔ה וְגַפִּ֥ין דִּֽי־נְשַׁ֖ר לַ֑הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
This was a symbolic creature, and not an animal that exists.
its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man
Quote: מְּרִ֨יטוּ גַפַּ֜יהּ וּנְטִ֣ילַת מִן־אַרְעָ֗א וְעַל־רַגְלַ֨יִן֙ כֶּאֱנָ֣שׁ הֳקִימַ֔ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone tore off its wings and lifted it up from the ground and made it stand on two feet like a human being”
and the mind of a man was given to it
Quote: וּלְבַ֥ב אֱנָ֖שׁ יְהִ֥יב לַֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here mind refers to thinking. Alternate translation: “and it was given the ability to think like a human being”
and the mind of a man was given to it
Quote: וּלְבַ֥ב אֱנָ֖שׁ יְהִ֥יב לַֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and someone gave it the ability to think like a human being”
Daniel 7:5
another beast, a second one, like a bear
Quote: חֵיוָה֩ אָחֳרִ֨י תִנְיָנָ֜ה דָּמְיָ֣ה לְדֹ֗ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
This was not an actual bear, but a symbolic animal that was similar to a bear.
ribs
Quote: עִלְעִ֛ין (1)The ribs are large curved bones of the chest that connect to the spine.
it was told
Quote: אָמְרִ֣ין לַ֔הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone told it”
Daniel 7:6
another, like a leopard
Quote: אָֽחֳרִי֙ כִּנְמַ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
This was not an actual leopard, but a symbolic animal that was similar to a leopard.
four wings … And … four heads
Quote: גַּפִּ֥ין אַרְבַּ֛ע & וְאַרְבְּעָ֤ה רֵאשִׁין֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
The four wings and four heads are symbols, but their meaning is unclear.
and on its back it had four wings of a bird
Quote: וְלַ֨הּ גַּפִּ֥ין אַרְבַּ֛ע דִּי־ע֖וֹף עַל־גביה (1)Alternate translation: “and the animal had four wings of a bird on its back”
and dominion was given to it
Quote: וְשָׁלְטָ֖ן יְהִ֥יב לַֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and someone gave it authority to rule”
Daniel 7:7
a fourth beast, dreadful and terrifying and exceedingly strong. It had large iron teeth; it devoured and crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns
Quote: חֵיוָ֣ה רביעיה דְּחִילָה֩ וְאֵֽימְתָנִ֨י וְתַקִּיפָ֜א יַתִּ֗ירָא וְשִׁנַּ֨יִן דִּֽי־פַרְזֶ֥ל לַהּ֙ רַבְרְבָ֔ן אָֽכְלָ֣ה וּמַדֱּקָ֔ה וּשְׁאָרָ֖א ברגליה רָפְסָ֑ה וְהִ֣יא מְשַׁנְּיָ֗ה מִן־כָּל־חֵֽיוָתָא֙ דִּ֣י קָֽדָמַ֔יהּ וְקַרְנַ֥יִן עֲשַׂ֖ר לַֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
This is also not an actual animal. It is a symbolic creature.
and trampled down the remainder with its feet
Quote: וּשְׁאָרָ֖א ברגליה רָפְסָ֑ה (1)Alternate translation: “and walked on and crushed what was left ”
Daniel 7:8
the horns
Quote: בְּקַרְנַיָּ֗א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Translators may write a footnote like this: “Horns are a symbol of power and represent powerful leaders.”
and three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots
Quote: וּתְלָ֗ת מִן־קַרְנַיָּא֙ קַדְמָ֣יָתָ֔א אתעקרו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and the little horn tore out three of the first horns”
and a mouth speaking great things
Quote: וּפֻ֖ם מְמַלִּ֥ל רַבְרְבָֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the horn was boasting, using its mouth to do so. Alternate translation: “the horn had a mouth and boasted about doing great things”
Daniel 7:9-14
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageGeneral Information:
Most of the text of verses 9-14 is symbolic language with parallel lines that have similar meaning. For this reason, the ULT and UST present them in poetic form. (See also: Parallelism)
Daniel 7:9
thrones were set in place
Quote: כָרְסָוָן֙ רְמִ֔יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone set thrones in their places”
and the Ancient of Days
Quote: וְעַתִּ֥יק יוֹמִ֖ין (1)This is a title for God that means he is eternal. Alternate translation: “and the One Who Has Lived Forever” or “the One Who Has Always Lived”
took his seat. His clothing … and the hair of his head
Quote: יְתִ֑ב לְבוּשֵׁ֣הּ & וּשְׂעַ֤ר רֵאשֵׁהּ֙ (1)This passage describes God as sitting down, with clothing and hair like a person. This does not mean that God really is like this, but it is how Daniel saw God in a vision.
took his seat
Quote: יְתִ֑ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means he sat down. Alternate translation: “sat down on his throne”
His clothing was white as snow
Quote: לְבוּשֵׁ֣הּ ׀ כִּתְלַ֣ג חִוָּ֗ר (1)His clothing is compared to snow to show that it was very white. Alternate translation: “His clothing was very white”
and the hair of his head was like pure wool
Quote: וּשְׂעַ֤ר רֵאשֵׁהּ֙ כַּעֲמַ֣ר נְקֵ֔א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Something about God’s hair looked like pure wool. This could mean: (1) it was very white or (2) it was thick and curly.
was like pure wool
Quote: כַּעֲמַ֣ר נְקֵ֔א (1)Alternate translation: “was like clean wool” or “was like wool that is washed”
His throne was flames of fire, its wheels were burning fire
Quote: כָּרְסְיֵהּ֙ שְׁבִיבִ֣ין דִּי־נ֔וּר גַּלְגִּלּ֖וֹהִי נ֥וּר דָּלִֽק (1)This describes the throne of God and its wheels as if they were made of fire. The words flames and burning fire mean basically the same thing and can be translated the same way.
its wheels
Quote: גַּלְגִּלּ֖וֹהִי (1)It is unclear why God’s throne is described as having wheels. Thrones normally do not have wheels, but the text clearly states that this throne has some kind of wheels. Use a general term for wheels if possible.
Daniel 7:10
A river of fire was flowing and coming out from before him
Quote: נְהַ֣ר דִּי־נ֗וּר נָגֵ֤ד וְנָפֵק֙ מִן־קֳדָמ֔וֹהִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The quick way in which fire came from the presence of God is spoken of as if it was water flowing in a river. Alternate translation: “Fire poured out in front of him like water in a river”
before him
Quote: קֳדָמ֔וֹהִי (1)The word him refers to God, the Ancient of Days from Daniel 7:9.
thousands upon thousands
Quote: אֶ֤לֶף אלפים (1)This probably refers to a large group rather than to a precise number. Alternate translation: “tens of thousands times tens of thousands” or “uncountable numbers of people”
and myriads
Quote: וְרִבּ֥וֹ (1)This probably refers to a large group rather than to a precise number. Alternate translation: “thousands of thousands” or “great numbers of people”
The court sat
Quote: דִּינָ֥א יְתִ֖ב (1)This means that God, the judge, was ready to investigate the evidence and make his judgment. Alternate translation: “The judge was ready to judge” or “The judge was seated”
and the books were opened
Quote: וְסִפְרִ֥ין פְּתִֽיחוּ (1)These are the books that contain the evidence to be used in court. Alternate translation: “and the books of evidence were opened”
Daniel 7:11
the beast was killed, and its body was destroyed, and it was given to the burning fire
Quote: קְטִילַ֤ת חֵֽיוְתָא֙ וְהוּבַ֣ד גִּשְׁמַ֔הּ וִיהִיבַ֖ת לִיקֵדַ֥ת אֶשָּֽׁא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they killed the fourth animal, destroyed its body, and gave it to someone to burn it up”
the beast was killed
Quote: קְטִילַ֤ת חֵֽיוְתָא֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The beast was killed because the judge determined that it was guilty. Alternate translation: “they executed the animal” or “the judge commanded and they killed the animal”
the beast
Quote: חֵֽיוְתָא֙ (1)This refers to the fourth beast that had the ten horns and the horn that spoke boastfully. Alternate translation: “the most frightening beast” or “the animal that had the boastful horn”
Daniel 7:12
As for the rest of the beasts
Quote: וּשְׁאָר֙ חֵֽיוָתָ֔א (1)It may be helpful to your readers to say, “the other three beasts.”
their dominion was taken away
Quote: הֶעְדִּ֖יו שָׁלְטָנְה֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the judge took away their authority to rule” or “their authority to rule ended”
but an extension in life was given to them for a season and a time
Quote: וְאַרְכָ֧ה בְחַיִּ֛ין יְהִ֥יבַת לְה֖וֹן עַד־זְמַ֥ן וְעִדָּֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they continued to live for a period of time” or “the judge let them live a little longer”
Daniel 7:13
one like a son of man was coming
Quote: כְּבַ֥ר אֱנָ֖שׁ אָתֵ֣ה הֲוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The person that Daniel saw was not a normal man, but had a human figure like a man. “someone was coming who resembled a son of man, that is, he had a human figure”
with the clouds of heaven
Quote: עִם־עֲנָנֵ֣י שְׁמַיָּ֔א (1)Alternate translation: “with the clouds of the sky”
the Ancient of Days
Quote: עַתִּ֤יק יֽוֹמַיָּא֙ (1)This refers to God who is eternal. See how you translated this title in Daniel 7:9
and was presented before him
Quote: וּקְדָמ֖וֹהִי הַקְרְבֽוּהִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and they presented this son of man to him” or “and he stood before him”
Daniel 7:14
And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom
Quote: וְלֵ֨הּ יְהִ֤יב שָׁלְטָן֙ וִיקָ֣ר וּמַלְכ֔וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The one who looked like a son of man received authority to rule, glory, and royal power”
and a kingdom
Quote: וּמַלְכ֔וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, kingdom* refers to “authority.”
the peoples, nations, and languages
Quote: עַֽמְמַיָּ֗א אֻמַיָּ֛א וְלִשָּׁנַיָּ֖א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here nations and languages represent people from different nations who speak different languages. See how you translated this in Daniel 3:4. Alternate translation: “the people from different nations and who speak different languages”
will not pass away, … will not be destroyed
Quote: לָ֣א יֶעְדֵּ֔ה & לָ֥א תִתְחַבַּֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean the same thing.
will not be destroyed
Quote: לָ֥א תִתְחַבַּֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will ever destroy”
Daniel 7:15
my spirit was distressed inside of me, and the visions of my head kept alarming me
Quote: אֶתְכְּרִיַּ֥ת רוּחִ֛י & בְּג֣וֹא נִדְנֶ֑ה & וְחֶזְוֵ֥י רֵאשִׁ֖י יְבַהֲלֻנַּֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases describe how Daniel was feeling. The second one gives more information about the first one, explaining about his grieved spirit.
my spirit was distressed inside of me
Quote: אֶתְכְּרִיַּ֥ת רוּחִ֛י & בְּג֣וֹא נִדְנֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here my spirit refers to Daniel himself. Alternate translation: “I was very sad inside”
Daniel 7:16
one of those who were standing there
Quote: חַד֙ מִן־קָ֣אֲמַיָּ֔א (1)This is one of the heavenly beings who were standing before God’s throne. This could mean: (1) these are angels, spirits who serve God (2) these are people who have died and are now in heaven.
concerning all this
Quote: עַֽל־כָּל־דְּנָ֑ה (1)Alternate translation: “about the things I had seen”
Daniel 7:17
These great beasts, which are four in number
Quote: אִלֵּין֙ חֵיוָתָ֣א רַבְרְבָתָ֔א דִּ֥י אִנִּ֖ין אַרְבַּ֑ע (1)Alternate translation: “These four large beasts”
are four kings
Quote: אַרְבְּעָ֥ה מַלְכִ֖ין (1)Alternate translation: “represent four kings”
are four kings who will arise from the earth
Quote: אַרְבְּעָ֥ה מַלְכִ֖ין יְקוּמ֥וּן מִן־אַרְעָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here from the earth means they are real people. Alternate translation: “are four kings who will come to power on the earth” or “are four men who will rise up from among the people of the earth and become kings”
Daniel 7:18
and they will possess the kingdom
Quote: וְיַחְסְנ֤וּן מַלְכוּתָא֙ (1)Alternate translation: “and they will rule over the kingdom”
forever and ever
Quote: וְעַ֖ד עָלַ֥ם עָלְמַיָּֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
This repetition of ideas emphasizes that this kingdom will never come to an end.
Daniel 7:19
exceedingly dreadful
Quote: דְּחִילָ֣ה יַתִּ֗ירָה (1)Alternate translation: “very frightening”
trampled down
Quote: רָֽפְסָֽה (1)Alternate translation: “walked on and crushed”
Daniel 7:20
the ten horns that were on its head
Quote: קַרְנַיָּ֤א עֲשַׂר֙ דִּ֣י בְרֵאשַׁ֔הּ (1)Alternate translation: “the ten horns on the head of the fourth beast”
came up, and before which three fell down
Quote: סִלְקַ֔ת ונפלו מִן־קדמיה תְּלָ֑ת (1)Alternate translation: “grew up, and about the three horns that fell down in front of it” or “grew up, and about the three horns that fell down because of it”
and before which three fell down
Quote: ונפלו מִן־קדמיה תְּלָ֑ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Here fell down is a euphemism that means “they were destroyed.” Alternate translation: “which destroyed the three horns”
and a mouth speaking great things
Quote: וְפֻם֙ מְמַלִּ֣ל רַבְרְבָ֔ן (1)Alternate translation: “and its mouth that boasted” or “and the mouth of the new horn that boasted”
and which was greater in appearance than its companions
Quote: וְחֶזְוַ֖הּ רַ֥ב מִן־חַבְרָתַֽהּ (1)The horn with the eyes and a mouth seemed to be greater than the other horns.
Daniel 7:21
and this horn
Quote: וְקַרְנָ֣א דִכֵּ֔ן (1)This refers to the fourth horn that is described in Daniel 7:20.
Daniel 7:22
until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given
Quote: עַ֣ד דִּֽי־אֲתָ֗ה עַתִּיק֙ יֽוֹמַיָּ֔א וְדִינָ֣א יְהִ֔ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until the Ancient of Days came and brought justice”
the Ancient of Days
Quote: עַתִּיק֙ יֽוֹמַיָּ֔א (1)This is a title for God that emphasizes that he is eternal. See how you translated this title in Daniel 7:9.
Daniel 7:23-27
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageGeneral Information:
Most of the text of verses 23-27 is symbolic language. For this reason, the ULT presents them in poetic form.
Daniel 7:23
Thus he said
Quote: כֵּן֮ אֲמַר֒ (1)The person speaking is the one that Daniel approached in Daniel 7:16.
Thus he said
Quote: כֵּן֮ אֲמַר֒ (1)Alternate translation: “That person answered”
It will devour the whole earth, and trample it down and crush it
Quote: וְתֵאכֻל֙ כָּל־אַרְעָ֔א וּתְדוּשִׁנַּ֖הּ וְתַדְּקִנַּֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This does not mean the fourth kingdom will destroy the planet, but that it will brutally attack, conquer, and destroy all other kingdoms on earth.
Daniel 7:24
As for the ten horns
Quote: וְקַרְנַיָּ֣א עֲשַׂ֔ר (1)Alternate translation: “Concerning the ten horns” or “Now, about the ten horns”
out of this kingdom ten kings will arise
Quote: מִנַּהּ֙ מַלְכוּתָ֔ה עַשְׂרָ֥ה מַלְכִ֖ין יְקֻמ֑וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
These ten kings will rule one after the other. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “ten kings will rule over this fourth kingdom, one after another”
and another will arise after them
Quote: וְאָחֳרָ֞ן יְק֣וּם אַחֲרֵיה֗וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This other king is not one of the ten. It may be helpful to refer to him as “the eleventh king.” Alternate translation: “after that an eleventh king will become powerful”
He will be different from the previous ones
Quote: וְה֤וּא יִשְׁנֵא֙ מִן־קַדְמָיֵ֔א (1)Alternate translation: “He will be different from the other ten kings”
and he will put down three kings
Quote: וּתְלָתָ֥ה מַלְכִ֖ין יְהַשְׁפִּֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
He will defeat three of the original ten kings. It may be helpful to state that those three kings are represented by the three horns that were pulled out. Alternate translation: “he will defeat the three kings that were represented by the three horns that were pulled out”
Daniel 7:25
He will speak words against the Most High
Quote: וּמִלִּ֗ין לְצַ֤ד עליא יְמַלִּ֔ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that the newest king will openly disagree with and say bad things about the Most High.
He will intend … into his hand
Quote: וְיִסְבַּ֗ר & בִּידֵ֔הּ (1)The words He and his refer to the newest king, not the Most High.
to change the times and the law
Quote: לְהַשְׁנָיָה֙ זִמְנִ֣ין וְדָ֔ת (1)Both terms refer to the law of Moses. The times refers to the festivals that were an important part of the religion of Israel in the Old Testament.
They will be given into his hand
Quote: וְיִתְיַהֲב֣וּן בִּידֵ֔הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here his hand refers to his control. Alternate translation: “The newest king will be given control the religious festivals and laws”
They will be given into his hand
Quote: וְיִתְיַהֲב֣וּן בִּידֵ֔הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The newest king will control the religious festivals and laws”
a time, times, and half a time
Quote: עִדָּ֥ן וְעִדָּנִ֖ין וּפְלַ֥ג עִדָּֽן (1)Here, each time refers to a year. This means “three and half years.” This is not the normal way the Israelites counted. Try to translate it in a way that preserves this way of counting. Alternate translation: “one year plus two years plus six months”
Daniel 7:26
But the court will sit
Quote: וְדִינָ֖א יִתִּ֑ב (1)This means that the judge will be ready to investigate evidence and make his judgment. Alternate translation: “But the judge will judge” or “The judge will sit down”
and his dominion will be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed
Quote: וְשָׁלְטָנֵ֣הּ יְהַעְדּ֔וֹן לְהַשְׁמָדָ֥ה וּלְהוֹבָדָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the members of the court will take the royal power away from the newest king, and they will consume him and destroy him”
and his dominion
Quote: וְשָׁלְטָנֵ֣הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, dominion refers to “authority.” See how you translated this in Daniel 7:14.
Daniel 7:27
Then the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High
Quote: וּמַלְכוּתָ֨ה וְשָׁלְטָנָ֜א וּרְבוּתָ֗א דִּ֚י מַלְכְוָת֙ תְּח֣וֹת כָּל־שְׁמַיָּ֔א יְהִיבַ֕ת לְעַ֖ם קַדִּישֵׁ֣י עֶלְיוֹנִ֑ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then the Most High God will give the kingdom and the dominion of all the earth to his holy people”
Then the kingdom and the dominion
Quote: וּמַלְכוּתָ֨ה וְשָׁלְטָנָ֜א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two terms mean basically the same thing and emphasize that this will concern all forms of official authority.
and the greatness of the kingdoms
Quote: וּרְבוּתָ֗א דִּ֚י מַלְכְוָת֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word greatness, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “great.” Alternate translation: “everything that is great about the kingdoms”
of the kingdoms under the whole heaven
Quote: דִּ֚י מַלְכְוָת֙ תְּח֣וֹת כָּל־שְׁמַיָּ֔א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom under the whole heaven refers to all the kingdoms on earth. Alternate translation: “of all the kingdoms on earth”
His kingdom
Quote: מַלְכוּתֵהּ֙ (1)Alternate translation: “The kingdom of the Most High”
will be an everlasting kingdom
Quote: מַלְכ֣וּת עָלַ֔ם (1)Alternate translation: “will be a kingdom that will exist forever” or “will be a kingdom that will never end”
Daniel 7:28
Here is the end of the matter
Quote: עַד־כָּ֖ה סוֹפָ֣א דִֽי־מִלְּתָ֑א (1)This means that Daniel has finished describing the vision. Alternate translation: “That is what I saw in my vision” or “This is the end of the description of what I saw in my vision”
Daniel 8
Daniel 8 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
The vision of the ram and the male goat
Although specific interpretation of this vision is not given, most scholars believe Daniel saw Greece overthrowing Media-Persia before breaking up into four kingdoms. One of these kingdoms stopped the temple worship for a while and then it was restored. (See: temple, house, house of God and restore, restoration)
Daniel 8:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageGeneral Information:
Chapters 7 and 8 are not in chronological order. They happened while Belshazzar was still the king, before the rule of Darius and Cyrus that was discussed in chapter 6. In Daniel’s vision, he saw animals that were symbols of other things. Later in the vision someone explains the meaning of those symbols.
In the third year
Quote: בִּשְׁנַ֣ת שָׁל֔וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“In year three”
Belshazzar
Quote: בֵּלְאשַׁצַּ֣ר (1)Belshazzar is the son of Nebuchadnezzar who became king after his father. See how you translated this name in Daniel 5:1.
had a vision appear to me (after the one that appeared to me at the first
Quote: חָז֞וֹן נִרְאָ֤ה אֵלַי֙ & אַחֲרֵ֛י הַנִּרְאָ֥ה אֵלַ֖י בַּתְּחִלָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is background information to remind the reader that this is Daniel’s second vision. Alternate translation: “had a second vision appear to me”
Daniel 8:2
the citadel
Quote: הַבִּירָ֔ה (1)A citadel was a walled city that was guarded and protected.
was in Susa, … is in … Elam. … the Ulai Canal
Quote: בְּשׁוּשַׁ֣ן & בְּעֵילָ֣ם & אוּבַ֥ל אוּלָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Susa, Elam, and the Ulai Canal are names of places.
the … Canal
Quote: אוּבַ֥ל (1)A canal is a narrow man-made waterway.
Daniel 8:3
a ram … It had two horns
Quote: אַ֣יִל אֶחָ֗ד & וְל֣וֹ קְרָנָ֑יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
It is normal for rams to have two horns. These horns, however, have symbolic meaning.
but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last
Quote: וְהָאַחַת֙ גְּבֹהָ֣ה מִן־הַשֵּׁנִ֔ית וְהַ֨גְּבֹהָ֔ה עֹלָ֖ה בָּאַחֲרֹנָֽה (1)Alternate translation: “but the longer one grew more slowly than the shorter one, and the shorter one grew to be even longer than it”
Daniel 8:4
I saw the ram charging
Quote: רָאִ֣יתִי אֶת־הָאַ֡יִל מְנַגֵּחַ֩ (1)Alternate translation: “I saw the ram rushing” or “I saw the ram running very quickly”
to rescue out of his hand
Quote: מַצִּ֖יל מִיָּד֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Rams do not have hands. Here hand refers to the ram’s power. Alternate translation: “to rescue anyone from him” or “to rescue anyone from his power”
Daniel 8:5
across the face of the whole earth
Quote: עַל־פְּנֵ֣י כָל־הָאָ֔רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The phrase the whole earth is an exaggeration that means he came from far away. Alternate translation: “from far away across the surface of the land”
The goat had a conspicuous horn between his eyes
Quote: וְהַ֨צָּפִ֔יר קֶ֥רֶן חָז֖וּת בֵּ֥ין עֵינָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Goats have two horns on the sides of their heads. This image should be explained. Alternate translation: “The goat had a single large horn in the center of his head”
Daniel 8:6
in his powerful rage
Quote: בַּחֲמַ֥ת כֹּחֽוֹ (1)Alternate translation: “and he was very angry”
Daniel 8:7
and trampled on him
Quote: וַֽיִּרְמְסֵ֔הוּ (1)To trample something is to crush it by stepping on it.
the ram from his power
Quote: לָאַ֖יִל מִיָּדֽוֹ (1)Alternate translation: “the ram from the goat because of his power”
Daniel 8:8
Then the male goat magnified himself exceedingly
Quote: וּצְפִ֥יר הָעִזִּ֖ים הִגְדִּ֣יל עַד־מְאֹ֑ד (1)Alternate translation: “the goat made himself very large and strong”
the great horn was broken
Quote: נִשְׁבְּרָה֙ הַקֶּ֣רֶן הַגְּדוֹלָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “something broke off the large horn”
toward the four winds of heaven
Quote: לְאַרְבַּ֖ע רוּח֥וֹת הַשָּׁמָֽיִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the four winds of heaven is an idiom that refers to the four main directions (north, east, south, west) from which the winds blow. Alternate translation: “in four different directions”
Daniel 8:9
which grew exceedingly great
Quote: וַתִּגְדַּל־יֶ֛תֶר (1)Alternate translation: “but it became very large”
toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Beautiful Land
Quote: אֶל־הַנֶּ֥גֶב וְאֶל־הַמִּזְרָ֖ח וְאֶל־הַצֶּֽבִי (1)This probably means it pointed in those directions. This can be stated. Alternate translation: “and pointed toward the south and then toward the east and then toward the beautiful land of Israel”
the Beautiful Land
Quote: הַצֶּֽבִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is a reference to the land of Israel.
Daniel 8:10
Some of the host and some of the stars … and trampled on them
Quote: מִן־הַצָּבָ֥א וּמִן־הַכּוֹכָבִ֖ים וַֽתִּרְמְסֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the horn is given qualities of a person and is engaging in war.
Daniel 8:11
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationGeneral Information:
The horn is given additional qualities of a person.
the Prince of the host
Quote: שַֽׂר־הַצָּבָ֖א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to God himself, who is the leader of the angel army.
It took away from him the regular burnt offering
Quote: וּמִמֶּ֨נּוּ֙ הרים הַתָּמִ֔יד (1)Here took away means the horn stopped the offering. Here him refers to God, the commander of the army. Alternate translation: “It stopped the people from making their regular burnt offering to him”
and the place of his sanctuary was overthrown
Quote: וְהֻשְׁלַ֖ךְ מְכ֥וֹן מִקְדָּשֽׁוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it defiled his sanctuary”
Daniel 8:12
It will throw truth to the ground
Quote: וְתַשְׁלֵ֤ךְ אֱמֶת֙ אַ֔רְצָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The horn ignoring truth is spoken of as if it will throw truth to the ground. Alternate translation: “The horn will reject the truth”
Daniel 8:13
a holy one
Quote: אֶֽחָד־קָד֖וֹשׁ (1)Alternate translation: “an angel”
the giving over of the sanctuary
Quote: תֵּ֛ת וְקֹ֥דֶשׁ (1)Alternate translation: “the surrender of the sanctuary”
and the host to be trampled on
Quote: וְצָבָ֖א מִרְמָֽס (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the horn trampling on heaven’s army”
Daniel 8:14
2300 evenings and mornings
Quote: עֶ֣רֶב בֹּ֔קֶר אַלְפַּ֖יִם וּשְׁלֹ֣שׁ מֵא֑וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Here evenings and mornings is a merism that refers to everything in between, which means full days. Alternate translation: “2,300 sunsets and sunrises” or “2,300 days”
Then the sanctuary will be put right
Quote: וְנִצְדַּ֖ק קֹֽדֶשׁ (1)Alternate translation: “the temple will be purified and set in order again”
Daniel 8:16
the voice of a man between the banks of the Ulai, and he called out and said
Quote: קוֹל־אָדָ֖ם בֵּ֣ין אוּלָ֑י וַיִּקְרָא֙ וַיֹּאמַ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here a man is being referred to by his voice. Alternate translation: “a man calling from the Ulai Canal and saying”
Daniel 8:17
and fell on my face
Quote: וָאֶפְּלָ֖ה עַל־פָּנָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is an act of worship in which someone lies flat on the ground.
is for the time of the end
Quote: לְעֶת־קֵ֥ץ (1)This does not refer to the final moment in time, but rather to the events that will happen immediately before the end. Alternate translation: “is for the final days” or “is for the end of the world”
Daniel 8:18
I fell into a deep sleep
Quote: נִרְדַּ֥מְתִּי (1)This is a type of sleep when someone is sleeping heavily and does not wake up easily.
Daniel 8:19
the indignation
Quote: הַזָּ֑עַם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the time when God will judge. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the time when God judges in anger”
it refers to the appointed time of the end
Quote: לְמוֹעֵ֥ד קֵֽץ (1)Alternate translation: “it refers to the time when the world will end”
Daniel 8:20-26
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageGeneral Information:
In verses 20-26, the angel explains to Daniel the symbolic meaning of the things he saw in his vision. The animals and horns actually represent human rulers and kingdoms.
Daniel 8:20
represents the kings of Media and Persia
Quote: מַלְכֵ֖י מָדַ֥י וּפָרָֽס (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) this refers to the kings of Media and Persia or (2) this is a metonym in which the kings represents the kingdoms of Media and Persia. Alternate translation: “represents the kingdoms of Media and Persia”
Daniel 8:21
is the king of Greece
Quote: מֶ֣לֶךְ יָוָ֑ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) this refers to the king of Greece or (2) this is a metonym in which the king represents the kingdom of Greece. Alternate translation: “is the kingdom of Greece”
and the large horn that is between his eyes is
Quote: וְהַקֶּ֤רֶן הַגְּדוֹלָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בֵּין־עֵינָ֔יו ה֖וּא (1)Alternate translation: “and the large horn between his eyes represents”
Daniel 8:22
The horn that was broken and the four that arose in its place
Quote: וְהַ֨נִּשְׁבֶּ֔רֶת וַתַּֽעֲמֹ֥דְנָה אַרְבַּ֖ע תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ (1)Alternate translation: “Where the large horn was broken off, four others arose, which”
and the four that arose in its place represent four kingdoms
Quote: וַתַּֽעֲמֹ֥דְנָה אַרְבַּ֖ע תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ אַרְבַּ֧ע מַלְכֻי֛וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The four horns represent the four new kingdoms. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and they represent the four kingdoms into which the kingdom of the first king will be divided, and”
but not with his power
Quote: וְלֹ֥א בְכֹחֽוֹ (1)Alternate translation: “but they will not have as much power as the king represented by the large horn”
Daniel 8:23
At the latter end of their rule
Quote: וּֽבְאַחֲרִית֙ מַלְכוּתָ֔ם (1)Alternate translation: “As those kingdoms approach their end”
when the transgressors have reached their limit
Quote: כְּהָתֵ֖ם הַפֹּשְׁעִ֑ים (1)Alternate translation: “when the transgressors have reached their full” or “when those sinful kings have run their course”
of bold face
Quote: עַז־פָּנִ֖ים (1)This means someone who looks defiant, or like he will refuse to obey.
Daniel 8:24
His power … but not by his own power
Quote: כֹּחוֹ֙ וְלֹ֣א בְכֹח֔וֹ (1)Alternate translation: “but someone else will give him his power”
Daniel 8:25
he will make deceit prosper
Quote: וְהִצְלִ֤יחַ מִרְמָה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here deceit is spoken of as if it is a person who will prosper. Alternate translation: “the amount of deception will increase”
under his hand
Quote: בְּיָד֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here hand refers to his rule. Alternate translation: “under his rule”
the Prince of princes
Quote: שַׂר־שָׂרִים֙ (1)This refers to God.
and … but by no human hand
Quote: וּבְאֶ֥פֶס יָ֖ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here hand refers to power. This can be also stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “and … not by any human power” or “and … by divine power”
he will be broken
Quote: יִשָּׁבֵֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here he refers to his power. Alternate translation: “his rule will end”
Daniel 8:26
seal up the vision
Quote: סְתֹ֣ם הֶֽחָז֔וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The angel speaks about the vision as if it were a scroll that could be closed with a wax seal. This prevented anyone from seeing the contents until the seal was broken. Alternate translation: “close and seal up what you have written about the vision” or “do not tell anyone about the vision now”
Daniel 8:27
was overcome and lay sick for days
Quote: נִהְיֵ֤יתִי וְנֶֽחֱלֵ֨יתִי֙ יָמִ֔ים (1)Alternate translation: “was exhausted and lay in bed sick for several days”
and went about the business of the king
Quote: וָאֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה אֶת־מְלֶ֣אכֶת הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (1)Alternate translation: “and did the work that the king had assigned to me”
But I was appalled by the vision
Quote: וָאֶשְׁתּוֹמֵ֥ם עַל־הַמַּרְאֶ֖ה (1)Alternate translation: “I was dismayed by the vision” or “I was very confused by the vision”
Daniel 9
Daniel 9 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Daniel told the future
Gabriel told Daniel a prophecy that Jerusalem would be rebuilt. Then later an anointed person would be killed and the worship at the temple stopped. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and anoint, anointed, anointing and temple, house, house of God)
The unusual expression of numbers in 9:24-26
This passage uses the expressions “seventy sevens of years,” “seven sevens and sixty-two sevens,” and “sixty-two sevens of years” to denote ““490 years,” “49 years and then 434 years,” and “434 years,” respectively. The original language uses the idea of a “week” to express the idea of a group of sevens, but these numbers are clearly meant to denote years, not weeks. Most translators should use the ways normal in their languages to express these numbers.
Daniel 9:1
General Information:
Chapters 7 and 8 were not in chronological order. They happened while Belshazzar was still the king. Chapter 9 now returns to the events of the reign of Darius who became king in chapter 6.
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundThis is background information about who Ahasuerus was. The UST places this in parentheses to make that clear.
who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָמְלַ֔ךְ עַ֖ל מַלְכ֥וּת כַּשְׂדִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who became king over the realm of the Babylonians” or “who conquered the Babylonians”
over the realm of
Quote: עַ֖ל מַלְכ֥וּת (1)Alternate translation: “over the country of” or “over the kingdom of”
Daniel 9:2
the number of years which was revealed as the word of Yahweh to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years
Quote: מִסְפַּ֣ר הַשָּׁנִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר הָיָ֤ה דְבַר־יְהוָה֙ אֶל־יִרְמִיָ֣ה הַנָּבִ֔יא לְמַלֹּ֛אות לְחָרְב֥וֹת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם שִׁבְעִ֥ים שָׁנָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
Alternate translation: “from the time Jerusalem was destroyed, it would remain in ruins for 70 years”
of the desolations of
Quote: לְחָרְב֥וֹת (1)This means no one would help or rebuild Jerusalem during that time.
Daniel 9:3
Then I turned my face to the Lord God
Quote: וָאֶתְּנָ֣ה אֶת־פָּנַ֗י אֶל־אֲדֹנָי֙ הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here face represents Daniel’s attention. Alternate translation: “I focused my attention on the Lord God” or “I directed my thoughts toward the Lord God”
to seek him
Quote: לְבַקֵּ֥שׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Those who want to know Yahweh and please him are spoken of as if they are literally seeking to find Yahweh.
with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes
Quote: בְּצ֖וֹם וְשַׂ֥ק וָאֵֽפֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
These are symbolic acts of repentance and sorrow.
Daniel 9:4
and I made confession
Quote: וָאֶתְוַדֶּ֑ה (1)Alternate translation: “and I confessed our sins”
who keeps covenant and steadfast love for those who love him
Quote: שֹׁמֵ֤ר הַבְּרִית֙ וְֽהַחֶ֔סֶד לְאֹהֲבָ֖יו (1)Alternate translation: “who does what you said you would do in your covenant, and you faithfully love those”
Daniel 9:5
We have sinned and done wrong
Quote: חָטָ֥אנוּ וְעָוִ֖ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases express one idea in two different ways for emphasis.
We have acted wickedly and rebelled
Quote: והרשענו וּמָרָ֑דְנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases express one idea in two different ways for emphasis.
from your commandments and ordinances
Quote: מִמִּצְוֺתֶ֖ךָ וּמִמִּשְׁפָּטֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words commandments and ordinances share similar meanings and refer to the whole law.
Daniel 9:6
We have not listened to your servants the prophets
Quote: וְלֹ֤א שָׁמַ֨עְנוּ֙ אֶל־עֲבָדֶ֣יךָ הַנְּבִיאִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here not listened means they did not obey their message. Alternate translation: “We have not obeyed the message of your prophets”
spoke in your name
Quote: דִּבְּרוּ֙ בְּשִׁמְךָ֔ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here name refers to God’s authority. Alternate translation: “spoke with your authority” or “spoke as your representative”
the people of the land
Quote: עַ֥ם הָאָֽרֶץ (1)Here land refers to Israel. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people”
Daniel 9:7
To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness
Quote: לְךָ֤ אֲדֹנָי֙ הַצְּדָקָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being righteous is spoken of as if righteousness were an object that **belongs(( to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Lord, you are righteous”
To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness
Quote: לְךָ֤ אֲדֹנָי֙ הַצְּדָקָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word righteousness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “righteous.” Alternate translation: “Lord, you are righteous”
but to us belongs shame on our faces
Quote: וְלָ֛נוּ בֹּ֥שֶׁת הַפָּנִ֖ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being ashamed is spoken of as if shame were an object that belongs to people. Alternate translation: “but we are ashamed of what we have done”
but to us belongs shame on our faces
Quote: וְלָ֛נוּ בֹּ֥שֶׁת הַפָּנִ֖ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word shame, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “ashamed.” Alternate translation: “but we are ashamed of what we have done”
but to us belongs
Quote: וְלָ֛נוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The word us includes Daniel and the Israelites, but it does not include God.
shame on our faces
Quote: בֹּ֥שֶׁת הַפָּנִ֖ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means their shame is visible to all.
because of their treachery which they have committed against you
Quote: בְּמַעֲלָ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר מָֽעֲלוּ־בָֽךְ (1)Alternate translation: “because we greatly betrayed you” or “because we were very unfaithful to you”
Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness
Quote: לַֽאדֹנָ֣י אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ הָרַחֲמִ֖ים וְהַסְּלִח֑וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Having these traits is spoken of as if they belonged to the Lord. Alternate translation: “The Lord our God is compassionate and forgives”
Daniel 9:10
and have not obeyed the voice of Yahweh our God
Quote: וְלֹ֣א שָׁמַ֔עְנוּ בְּק֖וֹל יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here voice refers to the commands that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: “and we have not obeyed what Yahweh told us to do”
Daniel 9:11
and turned aside
Quote: וְס֕וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The words turned aside mean that Israel stopped obeying God’s laws.
have been poured out on us
Quote: וַתִּתַּ֨ךְ עָלֵ֜ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The abundance of the curse and the oath are spoken of as if they were poured out like water.
have been poured out on us
Quote: וַתִּתַּ֨ךְ עָלֵ֜ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you have brought upon us”
that are written in the law of Moses
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֤ר כְּתוּבָה֙ בְּתוֹרַת֙ מֹשֶׁ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that Moses wrote about in the law”
Daniel 9:12
under the whole heaven
Quote: תַּ֚חַת כָּל־הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in the whole world”
there has not been done anything
Quote: לֹֽא־נֶעֶשְׂתָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “nothing has happened”
like what has been done to Jerusalem
Quote: כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר נֶעֶשְׂתָ֖ה בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “like what you have done to Jerusalem”
Daniel 9:13
As it is written in the law of Moses
Quote: כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר כָּתוּב֙ בְּתוֹרַ֣ת מֹשֶׁ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “As Moses wrote in the law”
turning away from our iniquities
Quote: לָשׁוּב֙ מֵֽעֲוֺנֵ֔נוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here stopping evil activity is spoken of as turning away from them. Alternate translation: “stopping our evil actions”
Daniel 9:14
Therefore Yahweh has kept the calamity ready
Quote: וַיִּשְׁקֹ֤ד יְהוָה֙ עַל־הָ֣רָעָ֔ה (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh has prepared this disaster”
yet we have not obeyed his voice
Quote: וְלֹ֥א שָׁמַ֖עְנוּ בְּקֹלֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here voice refers to the things that Yahweh commanded. Alternate translation: “but we have not done what he told us to do”
Daniel 9:15
with a mighty hand
Quote: בְּיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here mighty hand is a metonym for strength. Alternate translation: “with great strength”
and have made a name for yourself, as it is this day
Quote: וַתַּֽעַשׂ־לְךָ֥ שֵׁ֖ם כַּיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה (1)Alternate translation: “and you caused people to know how great you are, as you still do today”
we have sinned, we have been wicked
Quote: חָטָ֖אנוּ רָשָֽׁעְנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two clauses mean basically the same thing and are used together to emphasize how bad sin is.
we have sinned, we have been wicked
Quote: חָטָ֖אנוּ רָשָֽׁעְנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Daniel and Israel sinned and did wicked things, but we does not include God.
Daniel 9:16
your anger and your wrath
Quote: אַפְּךָ֙ וַחֲמָ֣תְךָ֔ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words anger and wrath mean basically the same thing and emphasize how terrible God’s anger is when he acts on it.
your holy mountain
Quote: הַר־קָדְשֶׁ֑ךָ (1)This mountain may be holy because God’s temple is there. Alternate translation: “the mountain where your holy temple is”
for our sins … our fathers
Quote: בַחֲטָאֵ֨ינוּ֙ & אֲבֹתֵ֔ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Here our refers to Daniel and Israel, but not to God.
have become an object of scorn
Quote: לְחֶרְפָּ֖ה (1)Alternate translation: “have become a target of disrespect”
Daniel 9:17
So now
Quote: וְעַתָּ֣ה (1)This phrase shows that the next phase in Daniel’s prayer is about to start.
your servant … his pleas for mercy
Quote: עַבְדְּךָ֙ & תַּ֣חֲנוּנָ֔יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The words your servant and his here refer to Daniel. He speaks about himself in the third person as a sign of respect for God.
make your face shine on
Quote: וְהָאֵ֣ר פָּנֶ֔יךָ עַל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably as if Yahweh’s face shone a light. Alternate translation: “act kindly toward” or “act with favor toward”
your … sanctuary
Quote: מִקְדָּשְׁךָ֖ (1)This refers to the temple in Jerusalem.
Daniel 9:18
incline your ear
Quote: הַטֵּ֨ה & אָזְנְךָ֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To incline … your ear is an idiom that means to listen. Alternate translation: “please listen”
incline your ear and hear
Quote: הַטֵּ֨ה & אָזְנְךָ֮ וּֽשֲׁמָע֒ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases means the same thing and emphasize Daniel’s desire for God to listen to his prayer. Alternate translation: “please listen”
open your eyes
Quote: פקחה עֵינֶ֗יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To open your eyes is an idiom that means to see. Alternate translation: “notice us” or “pay attention”
open your eyes and see
Quote: פקחה עֵינֶ֗יךָ וּרְאֵה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases means the same thing and emphasize Daniel’s desire for God to pay attention to his prayer. Alternate translation: “notice us” or “pay attention”
is called by your name
Quote: נִקְרָ֥א שִׁמְךָ֖ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here name represents ownership. Alternate translation: “is your city” or “belongs to you”
Daniel 9:19
do not delay
Quote: אַל־תְּאַחַ֑ר (1)This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “act quickly”
Daniel 9:20
my people Israel
Quote: עַמִּ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (1)Alternate translation: “the people of Israel to whom I belong”
Daniel 9:21
the man Gabriel
Quote: וְהָאִ֣ישׁ גַּבְרִיאֵ֡ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is the same angel Gabriel who appeared in the form of a man in Daniel 8:16. Alternate translation: “Gabriel, who appeared as a man”
in the vision at the first
Quote: בֶחָז֤וֹן בַּתְּחִלָּה֙ (1)This may refer to the first vision that Daniel had while he was awake. Alternate translation: “in the previous vision” or “in the vision I saw before” or “in a vision before”
came to me in swift flight
Quote: מֻעָ֣ף בִּיעָ֔ף נֹגֵ֣עַ אֵלַ֔י (1)Alternate translation: “flew down to me quickly”
at the time of the evening sacrifice
Quote: כְּעֵ֖ת מִנְחַת־עָֽרֶב (1)The Jewish people sacrificed to God each evening just before the sun went down.
Daniel 9:22
to give you insight and understanding
Quote: לְהַשְׂכִּילְךָ֥ בִינָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words insight and understanding mean the same thing and emphasize that Gabriel will help Daniel to understand the message completely.
Daniel 9:23
a word went out
Quote: יָצָ֣א דָבָ֗ר (1)Alternate translation: “God gave the order”
Therefore consider the word
Quote: וּבִין֙ בַּדָּבָ֔ר (1)Alternate translation: “Therefore think about this message”
the vision
Quote: בַּמַּרְאֶֽה (1)This refers back to the prophesy of Jeremiah in Daniel 9:2.
Daniel 9:24
Seventy sevens are decreed for your people and your holy city
Quote: שָׁבֻעִ֨ים שִׁבְעִ֜ים נֶחְתַּ֥ךְ עַֽל־עַמְּךָ֣ ׀ וְעַל־עִ֣יר קָדְשֶׁ֗ךָ (1)God decreed that he would do the things in this verse for the people and the holy city.
Seventy sevens
Quote: שָׁבֻעִ֨ים שִׁבְעִ֜ים (1)This is not the normal way the Israelites counted. If possible, try to translate in a way that preserves this use of the number seven. Alternate translation: “Seventy times seven years”
your people and your holy city
Quote: עַמְּךָ֣ ׀ וְעַל־עִ֣יר קָדְשֶׁ֗ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word your here refers to Daniel. The people are the Israelites and the holy city is Jerusalem.
to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin
Quote: לְכַלֵּ֨א הַפֶּ֜שַׁע ולחתם חטאות (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The idea is repeated to emphasize how certain it is that this will happen.
to seal up vision and prophecy
Quote: וְלַחְתֹּם֙ חָז֣וֹן וְנָבִ֔יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here seal up is an idiom that means to accomplish. Alternate translation: “to accomplish vision and prophesy”
vision and prophecy
Quote: חָז֣וֹן וְנָבִ֔יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words in this context mean the same thing. They ensure Daniel that Jeremiah’s vision was indeed a prophecy.
Daniel 9:25
Know and understand
Quote: וְתֵדַ֨ע וְתַשְׂכֵּ֜ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words are used together to make the importance clear. Alternate translation: “You must clearly understand” or “You must know for sure”
an anointed one
Quote: מָשִׁ֣יחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Anointing is a symbolic act to show that someone is chosen. Alternate translation: “the person that God anoints” or “the person that God chooses”
there will be seven sevens and sixty-two sevens
Quote: שָׁבֻעִ֖ים שִׁבְעָ֑ה וְשָׁבֻעִ֞ים שִׁשִּׁ֣ים וּשְׁנַ֗יִם (1)This is not the normal way the Israelites counted. If possible, try to translate in a way that preserves this use of the number seven. Alternate translation: “there will be seven times seven years and sixty-two times seven years”
there will be seven sevens and sixty-two sevens
Quote: שָׁבֻעִ֖ים שִׁבְעָ֑ה וְשָׁבֻעִ֞ים שִׁשִּׁ֣ים וּשְׁנַ֗יִם (1)These numbers added together are 69 of the 70 sevens spoken of in verse 24.
It will be built
Quote: וְנִבְנְתָה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will rebuild Jerusalem”
and moat
Quote: וְחָר֔וּץ (1)A moat was a deep ditch around a city or building to protect it, usually with water in it.
but in times of distress
Quote: וּבְצ֖וֹק הָעִתִּֽים (1)Alternate translation: “but in a time of great trouble”
Daniel 9:26
the sixty-two sevens
Quote: הַשָּׁבֻעִים֙ שִׁשִּׁ֣ים וּשְׁנַ֔יִם (1)This is not the normal way the Israelites counted. If possible, try to translate in a way that preserves this use of the number seven. See how you translated this number in Daniel 9:25. Alternate translation: “sixty-two times seven”
the anointed one will be cut off and will have nothing
Quote: יִכָּרֵ֥ת מָשִׁ֖יחַ וְאֵ֣ין ל֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will destroy the anointed one and he will have nothing”
the anointed one
Quote: מָשִׁ֖יחַ (1)Anointing is a symbolic act to show that someone is chosen. See how you translated this title in Daniel 9:25. Alternate translation: “the person that God anoints” or “the person that God chooses”
of the prince who is to come
Quote: נָגִ֤יד הַבָּא֙ (1)This is a foreign ruler, not “the anointed one.” Alternate translation: “of a foreign ruler who will come” or “of a powerful ruler who will come”
Its end will come with a flood
Quote: וְקִצּ֣וֹ בַשֶּׁ֔טֶף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The army will destroy the city and the holy place just as a flood destroys things.
Desolations are decreed
Quote: נֶחֱרֶ֖צֶת שֹׁמֵמֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has decreed ruin for the city and sanctuary” or “God has declared that the enemy army will destroy everything”
Daniel 9:27
He will make … strong … he will put an end to
Quote: וְהִגְבִּ֥יר & יַשְׁבִּ֣ית (1)Here He and he refer to the coming ruler who will destroy the anointed one.
for one seven. In the middle of the seven
Quote: שָׁב֣וּעַ אֶחָ֑ד וַחֲצִ֨י הַשָּׁב֜וּעַ (1)Here seven is used to refer to a period of seven years. Alternate translation: “for seven years. Halfway through the seven years”
he will put an end to
Quote: יַשְׁבִּ֣ית (1)Alternate translation: “he will stop” or “he will halt”
sacrifice and offering
Quote: זֶ֣בַח וּמִנְחָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words basically mean the same thing. The repetition is to show that the ruler will prevent all types of sacrifices. Alternate translation: “all forms of sacrificing” or “every type of offering”
the wing of abominations
Quote: כְּנַ֤ף שִׁקּוּצִים֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This may refer to the defensive structures on top of the walls of the temple, which are called abominations because they are full of idols. Alternate translation: “the walls of the temple that are full of abominations”
will come one who makes desolate
Quote: מְשֹׁמֵ֔ם (1)Alternate translation: “will come a person who completely destroys”
the complete destruction that is decreed is poured out
Quote: כָּלָה֙ וְנֶ֣חֱרָצָ֔ה תִּתַּ֖ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has poured out completely all the destruction that he decreed”
the complete destruction that is decreed is poured out
Quote: כָּלָה֙ וְנֶ֣חֱרָצָ֔ה תִּתַּ֖ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “pouring out" is an idiom for bringing destruction upon this person. Alternate translation: “God has decreed that he will bring about the complete destruction that he has decreed”
the desolator
Quote: שֹׁמֵֽם (1)Alternate translation: “the person who caused the destruction”
Daniel 10
Daniel 10 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter begins a section where Daniel is given a prophecy about the future from an angel. This section continues for the remainder of the book. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Daniel 10:1
In the third year of Cyrus king of
Quote: בִּשְׁנַ֣ת שָׁל֗וֹשׁ לְכ֨וֹרֶשׁ֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
Alternate translation: “In year 3 of the rule of Cyrus the king of Persia”
a word was revealed to Daniel
Quote: דָּבָר֙ נִגְלָ֣ה לְדָֽנִיֵּ֔אל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can also be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “God revealed a message to Daniel”
Daniel 10:4
On the twenty-fourth day of the first month
Quote: וּבְי֛וֹם עֶשְׂרִ֥ים וְאַרְבָּעָ֖ה לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The twenty-fourth day is near the middle of April on Western calendars.
Daniel 10:5
whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold
Quote: וּמָתְנָ֥יו חֲגֻרִ֖ים בְּכֶ֥תֶם (1)Alternate translation: “and he was wearing a belt of pure gold”
from Uphaz
Quote: אוּפָֽז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Uphaz is a place. Its location is not known
Daniel 10:6
His body was like topaz
Quote: וּגְוִיָּת֣וֹ כְתַרְשִׁ֗ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
His body gleamed with blue or yellow light as if it were made of topaz. Alternate translation: “His body gleamed like topaz”
was like topaz
Quote: כְתַרְשִׁ֗ישׁ (1)The word topaz refers to a blue or yellow gemstone, also known as beryl, peridot, or chrysolite.
his face was like the appearance of lightning
Quote: וּפָנָ֞יו כְּמַרְאֵ֤ה בָרָק֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
His face shone brightly as a bolt of lightning shines. Alternate translation: “his face shone with light as bright as the flash of lightning”
his eyes were like flaming torches
Quote: וְעֵינָיו֙ כְּלַפִּ֣ידֵי אֵ֔שׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
His eyes were bright with light as if they were flaming torches. Alternate translation: “his eyes were so bright that it seemed they had torches burning inside them”
his arms and his feet were like the gleam of polished bronze
Quote: וּזְרֹֽעֹתָיו֙ וּמַרְגְּלֹתָ֔יו כְּעֵ֖ין נְחֹ֣שֶׁת קָלָ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
His arms and feet were as shiny as if they were made of polished bronze. Alternate translation: “his arms and feet shone like polished bronze that reflects the light around it”
and the sound of his words was like the sound of a multitude
Quote: וְק֥וֹל דְּבָרָ֖יו כְּק֥וֹל הָמֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
His voice was so loud that it was as if a crowd of people were all talking loudly. Alternate translation: “and his voice was as loud as a huge crowd all calling out together”
Daniel 10:8
So I was left alone and saw
Quote: וַאֲנִי֙ נִשְׁאַ֣רְתִּי לְבַדִּ֔י וָֽאֶרְאֶ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “So no one was with me, and I saw”
No strength remained in me
Quote: וְלֹ֥א נִשְׁאַר־בִּ֖י כֹּ֑ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “I became weak”
Daniel 10:9
I fell on my face in a deep sleep with my face to the ground
Quote: וַאֲנִ֗י הָיִ֛יתִי נִרְדָּ֥ם עַל־פָּנַ֖י וּפָנַ֥י אָֽרְצָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Possible meanings are: (1) Daniel was so scared by what he saw that he deliberately laid on the ground, where he then fainted or (2) Daniel fainted and then fell forward onto the ground.
Daniel 10:10
a hand touched me
Quote: יָ֖ד נָ֣גְעָה בִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here a person’s hand represents that person, probably the man whom Daniel saw in Daniel 10:5. Alternate translation: “someone touched me with his hand”
Daniel 10:11
O Daniel, man greatly treasured
Quote: דָּנִיֵּ֣אל אִישׁ־חֲ֠מֻדוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Daniel, you whom God greatly treasures”
greatly treasured
Quote: חֲ֠מֻדוֹת (1)Alternate translation: “much valued and loved”
Daniel 10:12
you set your heart to understand
Quote: נָתַ֧תָּ אֶֽת־לִבְּךָ֛ לְהָבִ֧ין (1)Alternate translation: “you determined to understand the vision”
your words were heard
Quote: נִשְׁמְע֣וּ דְבָרֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “God heard your words”
Daniel 10:13
But the prince of
Quote: וְשַׂ֣ר (1)Here this refers to a spirit who has authority over a human nation. Alternate translation: “But the spirit prince of”
Michael, one of the chief princes
Quote: מִֽיכָאֵ֗ל אַחַ֛ד הַשָּׂרִ֥ים הָרִאשֹׁנִ֖ים (1)Alternate translation: “Michael, one of the chief angels” or “Michael, one of the archangels”
the kings of Persia
Quote: מַלְכֵ֥י פָרָֽס (1)This probably refers to the various kings who ruled over nations in the Persian Empire, and who had to obey the king of Persia.
Daniel 10:15
I turned my face toward the ground
Quote: נָתַ֧תִּי פָנַ֛י אַ֖רְצָה (1)Daniel may have done this to show humble reverence, or because he was afraid. Alternate translation: “I looked at the ground”
Daniel 10:16
one in the likeness of the sons of man touched
Quote: כִּדְמוּת֙ בְּנֵ֣י אָדָ֔ם נֹגֵ֖עַ (1)This may refer to the one who had just spoken to Daniel. However, some versions interpret it as referring to a different person. Alternate translation: “one who looked like a human touched”
in the likeness of the sons of man
Quote: כִּדְמוּת֙ בְּנֵ֣י אָדָ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here this expression refers to human beings in general. Alternate translation: “who was like a human being”
pains
Quote: צִירַי֙ (1)This refers to severe emotional suffering.
Daniel 10:17
How can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord
Quote: וְהֵ֣יךְ יוּכַ֗ל עֶ֤בֶד אֲדֹנִי֙ זֶ֔ה לְדַבֵּ֖ר עִם־אֲדֹ֣נִי זֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Daniel asks this question meaning that he cannot speak to the angel because he is not the angel’s equal. Alternate translation: “I am not able to answer you because I am only your servant”
and there is no breath left in me
Quote: וּנְשָׁמָ֖ה לֹ֥א נִשְׁאֲרָה־בִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom refers to breathing. Alternate translation: “and I cannot breathe” or “and it is very hard to breathe”
Daniel 10:18
the one with the appearance of a man
Quote: כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה אָדָ֖ם (1)Alternate translation: “the one who looked like a human”
Daniel 10:19
O man greatly treasured
Quote: אִישׁ־חֲמֻד֛וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you whom God greatly treasures”
Be strong and be strong
Quote: חֲזַ֣ק וַחֲזָ֑ק (1)The words Be strong and be strong are repeated for emphasis.
I was strengthened
Quote: הִתְחַזַּ֔קְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I became strong”
Daniel 10:20
the prince of Persia
Quote: שַׂ֣ר פָּרָ֑ס (1)Here prince refers to a spirit who rules and guards a human nation. See how you translated a similar phrase in Daniel 10:13. Alternate translation: “the spirit prince of Persia”
Daniel 10:21
But I will tell you
Quote: אֲבָל֙ אַגִּ֣יד לְךָ֔ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This implies that the angel will tell Daniel about this immediately, before he goes away. Alternate translation: “But first I will tell you”
what is inscribed in the Book of Truth
Quote: אֶת־הָרָשׁ֥וּם בִּכְתָ֖ב אֱמֶ֑ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “what the Book of Truth says” or “what someone wrote in the Book of Truth”
There is no one who stands strong with me against these, except Michael your prince
Quote: וְאֵ֨ין אֶחָ֜ד מִתְחַזֵּ֤ק עִמִּי֙ עַל־אֵ֔לֶּה כִּ֥י אִם־מִיכָאֵ֖ל שַׂרְכֶֽם (1)Alternate translation: “Michael your prince is the only one to show himself strong with me against them” or “Michael your prince is the only one who helps me against them”
Michael your prince
Quote: מִיכָאֵ֖ל שַׂרְכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word your is plural. It refers to Daniel and the rest of the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Michael, the prince of your people”
Michael your prince
Quote: מִיכָאֵ֖ל שַׂרְכֶֽם (1)Translate “prince” when it refers to Michael as you did Daniel 10:13. Alternate translation: “Michael your guardian angel”
Daniel 11
Daniel 11 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The final prophecy continues in this chapter. The kings of the North and of the South will fight many wars against each other. The king of the South is probably a reference to Egypt. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Daniel 11:1
General Information:
In Daniel 11:1 through 12:4, the one who was speaking to Daniel in chapter 10 tells him what is written in the book of truth. This is as he said he would do in Daniel 10:21.
in the first year of Darius the Mede
Quote: בִּשְׁנַ֣ת אַחַ֔ת לְדָרְיָ֖וֶשׁ הַמָּדִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Darius was the King of the Medes. Here, the first year refers to the first year that he was king. Alternate translation: “in the first year of the reign of Darius the king of the Medes”
Daniel 11:2
three more kings will arise in Persia
Quote: עוֹד֩ שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה מְלָכִ֜ים עֹמְדִ֣ים לְפָרַ֗ס (1)Alternate translation: “three other kings will rule over Persia”
and a fourth will gain far more riches than all the others
Quote: וְהָֽרְבִיעִי֙ יַעֲשִׁ֤יר עֹֽשֶׁר־גָּדוֹל֙ מִכֹּ֔ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
Alternate translation: “and after them a fourth king will come into power who will have more money than the three before him”
he will stir up everyone
Quote: יָעִ֣יר הַכֹּ֔ל (1)Alternate translation: “he will cause everyone to want to fight”
Daniel 11:3
Then a mighty king will arise
Quote: וְעָמַ֖ד מֶ֣לֶךְ גִּבּ֑וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The idea of rising up or standing is often used for someone who becomes powerful. Alternate translation: “Then a mighty king will begin to reign”
and he will rule with great dominion
Quote: וּמָשַׁל֙ מִמְשָׁ֣ל רַ֔ב (1)This could mean: (1) that the size of this kingdom would be very great, or (2) that the king would rule his kingdom with very great power.
Daniel 11:4
his kingdom will be broken and divided
Quote: תִּשָּׁבֵ֣ר מַלְכוּת֔וֹ וְתֵחָ֕ץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his kingdom will break apart and divide” or “his kingdom will break apart into pieces”
toward the four winds of heaven
Quote: לְאַרְבַּ֖ע רוּח֣וֹת הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם (1)See how you translated this in Daniel 7:2.
but not to his posterity
Quote: וְלֹ֣א לְאַחֲרִית֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The idea of not being divided and shared out is implied here. Alternate translation: “but it will not be divided for his own descendants” or “but it will not be shared by his own descendants”
his kingdom will be uprooted and given to others besides these
Quote: תִנָּתֵשׁ֙ מַלְכוּת֔וֹ וְלַאֲחֵרִ֖ים מִלְּבַד־אֵֽלֶּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The kingdom is spoken of as if it were a plant that someone destroyed by uprooting it.
his kingdom will be uprooted and given to others besides these
Quote: תִנָּתֵשׁ֙ מַלְכוּת֔וֹ וְלַאֲחֵרִ֖ים מִלְּבַד־אֵֽלֶּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This idea can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “another power will uproot and destroy his kingdom and others who are not his descendants will rule over it”
Daniel 11:5
but one of his princes will become stronger than he and will rule; his dominion will be a great dominion
Quote: וּמִן־שָׂרָ֑יו וְיֶחֱזַ֤ק עָלָיו֙ וּמָשָׁ֔ל מִמְשָׁ֥ל רַ֖ב מֶמְשַׁלְתּֽוֹ (1)A commander of the king of the South will become the king of the North.
Daniel 11:6
they will make an alliance
Quote: יִתְחַבָּ֔רוּ (1)The king of the South will make an alliance with the king of the North. This alliance would be a formal agreement that both nations are required to follow. Alternate translation: “the king of the South and the king of the North will promise to work together”
The daughter of the king of the South will come to the king of the North to make an agreement
Quote: וּבַ֣ת מֶֽלֶךְ־הַנֶּ֗גֶב תָּבוֹא֙ אֶל־מֶ֣לֶךְ הַצָּפ֔וֹן לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת מֵישָׁרִ֑ים (1)The king of the South will give his daughter in marriage to the king of the North. The marriage will confirm the agreement between the two kings.
the strength of her arm, … or his arm
Quote: כּ֣וֹחַ הַזְּר֗וֹעַ & וּזְרֹע֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here arm stands for power.
She will be given up
Quote: וְתִנָּתֵ֨ן הִ֤יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This appears to refer to a plot to kill her and those who made the alliance. This phrase may be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “They will abandon her”
Daniel 11:7
from a branch of her roots
Quote: מִנֵּ֥צֶר שָׁרָשֶׁ֖יהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This family is spoken of as if it were a tree. The roots represent ancestors, and the branch represents a descendant. Alternate translation: “a descendant of her ancestors” or “one of her descendants”
her roots
Quote: שָׁרָשֶׁ֖יהָ (1)The word her refers to the daughter of the king of the South in Daniel 11:6.
He will come against the army
Quote: וְיָבֹ֣א אֶל־הַחַ֗יִל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word he refers to her descendant, and here it also refers to his army. Alternate translation: “He and his army will attack the army of the king of the North”
He will deal with them
Quote: וְעָשָׂ֥ה בָהֶ֖ם (1)Here them refers to the soldiers of the enemy army. Alternate translation: “He will fight the enemy soldiers”
Daniel 11:9
Then he will come
Quote: וּבָ֗א (1)The word he refers to the king of the North.
Daniel 11:10
His sons
Quote: ובנו (1)Alternate translation: “The sons of the king of the North”
and assemble a multitude of great forces
Quote: וְאָסְפוּ֙ הֲמוֹן֙ חֲיָלִ֣ים רַבִּ֔ים (1)Alternate translation: “and gather together many men who can fight in battles”
and overflow like a flood
Quote: וְשָׁטַ֣ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The way the large army covers the land will be like a flood of water. Alternate translation: “and will be so great in number that they will cover all the land”
Daniel 11:11
Then he will raise up a great multitude
Quote: וְהֶעֱמִיד֙ הָמ֣וֹן רָ֔ב (1)Alternate translation: “Then he will assemble a great army”
but the multitude will be given into his hand
Quote: וְנִתַּ֥ן הֶהָמ֖וֹן בְּיָדֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here hand represents the control of the king of the South. Alternate translation: “and the multitude will be defeated by the king of the South”
but the multitude will be given into his hand
Quote: וְנִתַּ֥ן הֶהָמ֖וֹן בְּיָדֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the king of the North will surrender his army to the king of the South”
Daniel 11:12
When the multitude is carried off
Quote: וְנִשָּׂ֥א הֶהָמ֖וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “When the king of the South captures the army of the North”
will be lifted up
Quote: ירום (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being lifted up represents the idea of becoming very proud. Alternate translation: “will become very proud”
and he will cause tens of thousands to fall
Quote: וְהִפִּ֛יל רִבֹּא֖וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here falling represents dying in battle. Alternate translation: “and he will have his army kill many thousands of his enemies” or “and he will kill many thousands of his enemies”
tens of thousands
Quote: רִבֹּא֖וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
Alternate translation: “many thousands”
Daniel 11:14
many will rise against the king of the South
Quote: רַבִּ֥ים יַֽעַמְד֖וּ עַל־מֶ֣לֶךְ הַנֶּ֑גֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the idea of rising up represents rebelling. Alternate translation: “many people will rebel against the king of the South”
Men of violence among
Quote: וּבְנֵ֣י ׀ פָּרִיצֵ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This expression stands for violent people.
but they will stumble
Quote: וְנִכְשָֽׁלוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here stumbling represents failing. Alternate translation: “but they will not succeed”
Daniel 11:15
Then the king of the North will come
Quote: וְיָבֹא֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ הַצָּפ֔וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here king of the North includes his army also. Alternate translation: “Then the army of the king of the North will come”
heap up siege ramps
Quote: וְיִשְׁפֹּךְ֙ סֽוֹלֲלָ֔ה (1)This refers to the piling up of earth in order for soldiers to reach the height of city walls in order to attack them. Soldiers and slaves would put loose earth in baskets, carry them to the right place, and pour it out in order to raise the mounds.
fortifications
Quote: מִבְצָר֑וֹת (1)This refers to the walls and other things built to defend a city or fort from enemy soldiers.
for there will be no strength to stand
Quote: וְאֵ֥ין כֹּ֖חַ לַעֲמֹֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here standing represents the ability to fight. Alternate translation: “will be able to keep fighting against them”
Daniel 11:16
But he who comes against him will act according to his desires
Quote: וְיַ֨עַשׂ הַבָּ֤א אֵלָיו֙ כִּרְצוֹנ֔וֹ (1)Alternate translation: “But the invading king will do whatever he wants against the other king”
He will stand
Quote: וְיַעֲמֹ֥ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here standing represents ruling. Alternate translation: “The king will begin to rule”
in the Beautiful Land
Quote: בְּאֶֽרֶץ־הַצְּבִ֖י (1)This refers to the land of Israel. See how you translated this in Daniel 8:9.
with destruction in his hand
Quote: וְכָלָ֥ה בְיָדֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here destruction represents the power to destroy. Also, the power to destroy is spoken of as if it were something that someone could hold in his hand. Alternate translation: “and he will have power to destroy anything”
Daniel 11:17
He will set his face
Quote: וְיָשֵׂ֣ם ׀ פָּ֠נָיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom for a person deciding to do something and not being willing to change his mind. Alternate translation: “He will decide”
to come with the strength of his entire kingdom
Quote: לָב֞וֹא בְּתֹ֧קֶף כָּל־מַלְכוּת֛וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This probably refers to military power. Alternate translation: “to come with the force of all his army”
the daughter of women
Quote: וּבַ֤ת הַנָּשִׁים֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an elegant way of saying “a woman.”
Daniel 11:18
But a commander will end his insolence against him
Quote: וְהִשְׁבִּ֨ית קָצִ֤ין חֶרְפָּתוֹ֙ ל֔וֹ (1)Alternate translation: “But a commander will make the king of the North stop being arrogant”
he will cause his insolence to turn back upon him
Quote: חֶרְפָּת֖וֹ יָשִׁ֥יב לֽוֹ (1)Alternate translation: “he will cause the king of the North to suffer because he was arrogant toward others”
Daniel 11:19
Then he will turn his face toward the fortresses of
Quote: וְיָשֵׁ֣ב פָּנָ֔יו לְמָעוּזֵּ֖י (1)Alternate translation: “the king of the North begin to focus on the fortresses of”
and not be found
Quote: וְלֹ֥א יִמָּצֵֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is a way of saying that he will die. Alternate translation: “and he will no longer live”
and not be found
Quote: וְלֹ֥א יִמָּצֵֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This idea can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he will disappear” or “he will die”
Daniel 11:20
Then will arise in his place one who will send a tax collector
Quote: וְעָמַ֧ד עַל־כַּנּ֛וֹ מַעֲבִ֥יר נוֹגֵ֖שׂ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Rising up in a king’s place represents becoming king in place of the previous king. Alternate translation: “another man will become king of the North instead of that king and he will send a tax collector”
he will be broken
Quote: יִשָּׁבֵ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here he refers to the new king. Being broken represents dying. Alternate translation: “the new king will die”
though not in anger
Quote: וְלֹ֥א בְאַפַּ֖יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) no one was angry at the king, or (2) that the occasion and cause of the king’s death were kept secret.
Daniel 11:21
a despicable person to whom royal majesty has not been given
Quote: נִבְזֶ֔ה וְלֹא־נָתְנ֥וּ עָלָ֖יו ה֣וֹד מַלְכ֑וּת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The people will refuse to acknowledge him as king because he is not a descendant of kings. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a person whom the people will despise and will not honor as king”
Daniel 11:22
And the overflowing forces will be swept away before him
Quote: וּזְרֹע֥וֹת הַשֶּׁ֛טֶף יִשָּׁטְפ֥וּ מִלְּפָנָ֖יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being swept away represents being destroyed. Alternate translation: “And the opposing forces will be swept away as everything in the path of a flood is destroyed by it”
And the overflowing forces will be swept away before him and broken
Quote: וּזְרֹע֥וֹת הַשֶּׁ֛טֶף יִשָּׁטְפ֥וּ מִלְּפָנָ֖יו וְיִשָּׁבֵ֑רוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “His army will completely destroy a great army as a flood destroys everything in its path”
the prince of the covenant
Quote: נְגִ֥יד בְּרִֽית (1)This phrase refers to the person who filled the most important religious position that God required in his covenant, that of the high priest. Alternate translation: “the leader of the priests”
Daniel 11:23
After an alliance is made with him
Quote: וּמִן־הִֽתְחַבְּר֥וּת אֵלָ֖יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When other rulers make a peace treaty with him”
Daniel 11:24
plunder, booty, and possessions
Quote: בִּזָּ֧ה וְשָׁלָ֛ל וּרְכ֖וּשׁ (1)Alternate translation: “the valuable things that he and his army take from the people they defeat”
Daniel 11:25
He will stir up his power and his heart
Quote: וְיָעֵר֩ כֹּח֨וֹ וּלְבָב֜וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
His power and heart (that is, courage) are spoken of as if they were people whom someone could stir up in order to make them act. Alternate translation: “He will make himself powerful and will become courageous”
and his heart
Quote: וּלְבָב֜וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here heart represents courage.
will wage war
Quote: יִתְגָּרֶה֙ לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה (1)Alternate translation: “will fight against him”
but he will not stand
Quote: וְלֹ֣א יַעֲמֹ֔ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Not standing represents being defeated. Alternate translation: “but the king of the South will be defeated” or “but his army will be defeated”
Daniel 11:26
Even those who eat his fine food
Quote: וְאֹכְלֵ֧י פַת־בָּג֛וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the king’s advisers. It was usual for a king’s most trusted advisers to eat meals with him. Alternate translation: “Even the king’s best advisers”
His army will be swept away
Quote: וְחֵיל֣וֹ יִשְׁט֑וֹף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the severe defeat of an army is spoken of as a flood of water that completely sweeps it away. Alternate translation: “The enemy will completely defeat his army” or “His enemy will completely destroy his army as a flood destroys everything in its path”
and many will fall down slain
Quote: וְנָפְל֖וּ חֲלָלִ֥ים רַבִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here fall is an idiom that refers to dying in battle. Alternate translation: “many of his soldiers will die in battle”
and many will fall down slain
Quote: וְנָפְל֖וּ חֲלָלִ֥ים רַבִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Here fall and slain mean basically the same thing.
Daniel 11:27
with their hearts bent on evil
Quote: לְבָבָ֣ם לְמֵרָ֔ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here hearts represents a person’s desires. Desires are spoken of here as if they were an object that someone could set or place in a certain position. Alternate translation: “each determined to do evil to the other”
at the same table
Quote: וְעַל־שֻׁלְחָ֥ן אֶחָ֖ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, being at the same table represents the act of talking to each other.
but it will not suceed
Quote: וְלֹ֣א תִצְלָ֔ח (1)Alternate translation: “but their talking will not help them”
for the end is still to come at the appointed time
Quote: כִּי־ע֥וֹד קֵ֖ץ לַמּוֹעֵֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This tells why their meetings will not be successful. Alternate translation: “for the result of their actions will only come at the time that God has fixed”
Daniel 11:28
with much plunder, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant
Quote: בִּרְכ֣וּשׁ גָּד֔וֹל וּלְבָב֖וֹ עַל־בְּרִ֣ית קֹ֑דֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here heart represents the mind or thoughts of a person.
with much plunder, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant
Quote: בִּרְכ֣וּשׁ גָּד֔וֹל וּלְבָב֖וֹ עַל־בְּרִ֣ית קֹ֑דֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom his heart will be set against means to be determined to oppose something. This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “with riches. He will be determined to oppose the holy covenant”
but his heart will be set against the holy covenant
Quote: וּלְבָב֖וֹ עַל־בְּרִ֣ית קֹ֑דֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The king’s desire to act against the holy covenant represents his desire to stop the Israelites from obeying that covenant. Alternate translation: “determined to stop the Israelites from obeying the holy covenant”
the holy covenant
Quote: בְּרִ֣ית קֹ֑דֶשׁ (1)Here holy describes God’s covenant with Israel. It implies that the covenant should be honored and obeyed because it comes from God himself. Alternate translation: “God’s covenant, which all the Israelites should obey”
He will take action
Quote: וְעָשָׂ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This implies that the king will do certain actions in Israel. Alternate translation: “He will do what he wants to in Israel”
Daniel 11:30
For ships of Kittim will come against him
Quote: וּבָ֨אוּ ב֜וֹ צִיִּ֤ים כִּתִּים֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
These ships represent the army coming in those ships. Alternate translation: “an army will come from Kittim in ships in order to fight his army”
Kittim
Quote: כִּתִּים֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Kittim may refer to a settlement on the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea.
He will curse the holy covenant
Quote: וְזָעַ֥ם עַל־בְּרִֽית־ק֖וֹדֶשׁ (1)Alternate translation: “He will hate the people who worship God”
and pay attention to
Quote: וְיָבֵ֔ן עַל (1)Alternate translation: “and will act in favor for” or “and will help”
Daniel 11:31
Forces from him will rise up
Quote: וּזְרֹעִ֖ים מִמֶּ֣נּוּ יַעֲמֹ֑דוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The word him refers to the king of the North. Alternate translation: “His army will appear” or “His army will come”
the sanctuary fortress
Quote: הַמִּקְדָּ֤שׁ הַמָּעוֹז֙ (1)Alternate translation: “the sanctuary that the people use as a fortress”
They will take away the regular burnt offering
Quote: וְהֵסִ֣ירוּ הַתָּמִ֔יד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Taking away the offering represents preventing people from offering it. Alternate translation: “They will stop the priests from presenting the regular burnt offering”
the abomination that causes desolation
Quote: הַשִּׁקּ֥וּץ מְשׁוֹמֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to an idol that will make the temple desolate, that is, that will cause God to leave his temple. Alternate translation: “the disgusting idol that will cause God to abandon the temple” or “the disgusting thing that will make the temple unclean”
Daniel 11:32
those who act wickedly toward the covenant
Quote: וּמַרְשִׁיעֵ֣י בְרִ֔ית (1)Alternate translation: “those who wickedly disobeyed the covenant”
He will corrupt
Quote: יַחֲנִ֖יף (1)Alternate translation: “He will persuade to do evil”
who know their God
Quote: יֹדְעֵ֥י אֱלֹהָ֖יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here know means “be faithful.” Alternate translation: “who are faithful to their God”
will be strong and take action
Quote: יַחֲזִ֥קוּ וְעָשֽׂוּ (1)Alternate translation: “will be firm and resist them”
Daniel 11:33
But they will stumble by sword and by flame
Quote: וְנִכְשְׁל֞וּ בְּחֶ֧רֶב וּבְלֶהָבָ֛ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here stumble is a metaphor that represents experiencing a disaster of one kind or another, including death itself. Alternate translation: “they will die in battle and by sword or flame”
But they will stumble by sword and by flame
Quote: וְנִכְשְׁל֞וּ בְּחֶ֧רֶב וּבְלֶהָבָ֛ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here sword represents battles and warfare, and flame represents fire. Alternate translation: “they will die in battle and by burning to death”
But they will stumble
Quote: וְנִכְשְׁל֞וּ (1)Here they refers to the wise persons among the Israelites.
Daniel 11:34
Many will join themselves with them in hypocrisy
Quote: וְנִלְו֧וּ עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם רַבִּ֖ים בַּחֲלַקְלַקּֽוֹת (1)This refers to other people who will pretend to help the wise persons, but not because they truly wish to help them.
will join themselves
Quote: וְנִלְו֧וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here join themselves means “come to help.” Alternate translation: “will come to help them”
Daniel 11:35
Some of those who have insight will stumble in order to refine, purify, and cleanse them, until the time of the end
Quote: וּמִן־הַמַּשְׂכִּילִ֣ים יִכָּֽשְׁל֗וּ לִצְר֥וֹף בָּהֶ֛ם וּלְבָרֵ֥ר וְלַלְבֵּ֖ן עַד־עֵ֣ת קֵ֑ץ (1)This suffering will continue until the time when God has decided that it will end.
Some of those who have insight will stumble
Quote: וּמִן־הַמַּשְׂכִּילִ֣ים יִכָּֽשְׁל֗וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here stumble represents experiencing a disaster of one kind or another, including death itself.
in order to refine
Quote: לִצְר֥וֹף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
Here in order to introduces the result that will happen. Alternate translation: “so that God can refine”
in order to refine
Quote: לִצְר֥וֹף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
To refine refers to the purifying of metal by melting it in a fire. When God makes his people more faithful to himself, this is spoken of as if they were metal that a worker was making more pure by putting it into fire.
purify
Quote: וּלְבָרֵ֥ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
To purify refers to making people, places, or objects suitable for God’s use by separating them from sin and other forms of evil. It speaks of evil as if it were physical dirtiness that could be removed by washing.
the time of the end
Quote: עֵ֣ת קֵ֑ץ (1)Alternate translation: “the final days” or “the end of the world.” See how you translated this in Daniel 8:17.
it is still to come at the appointed time
Quote: ע֖וֹד לַמּוֹעֵֽד (1)Here the appointed time implies that God has set the time. This can be put into active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has set the time in the future”
Daniel 11:36
The king will act according to his desires
Quote: וְעָשָׂ֨ה כִרְצוֹנ֜וֹ הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ (1)Alternate translation: “The king will do whatever he wants”
The king
Quote: הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ (1)This refers to the king of the North.
He will exalt and magnify himself
Quote: וְיִתְרוֹמֵ֤ם וְיִתְגַּדֵּל֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The phrases exalt himself and magnify himself mean the same thing and indicate that the king will become very proud.
the God of gods
Quote: אֵ֣ל אֵלִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to the one true God. Alternate translation: “the supreme God” or “the only true God”
astonishing things
Quote: נִפְלָא֑וֹת (1)Alternate translation: “terrible things” or “shocking things”
until the indignation is accomplished
Quote: עַד־כָּ֣לָה זַ֔עַם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This phrase pictures God as storing up his indignation until his storeroom is completely full of it and he is ready to act according to it. Alternate translation: “until God is completely angry with him” or “until God is angry enough to take action against him”
Daniel 11:37
or to the one desired by women
Quote: וְעַל־חֶמְדַּ֥ת נָשִׁ֛ים (1)This seems to refer to the pagan god named Tammuz.
Daniel 11:38
the god of fortresses
Quote: וְלֶאֱלֹ֨הַּ֙ מָֽעֻזִּ֔ים (1)The king probably believed that this false god would help him to attack other people’s fortresses and keep his own. Alternate translation: “the god that controls fortresses”
instead of these
Quote: עַל־כַּנּ֖וֹ (1)The word these refers to the gods mentioned in Daniel 11:37.
Daniel 11:39
and he will divide up the land for a price
Quote: וַאֲדָמָ֖ה יְחַלֵּ֥ק בִּמְחִֽיר (1)This could mean: (1) “he will give the land to his followers as a reward” or (2) “he will sell land to his followers”
Daniel 11:40
At the time of the end
Quote: וּבְעֵ֣ת קֵ֗ץ (1)Alternate translation: “the final days” or “the end of the world.” See how you translated this in Daniel 8:17.
the king of the South … the king of the North
Quote: מֶ֣לֶךְ הַנֶּ֔גֶב & מֶ֣לֶךְ הַצָּפ֗וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
These phrases stand for the kings and their armies. Alternate translation: “the king of the South and his army … the king of the North and his army”
But … will storm against him
Quote: וְיִשְׂתָּעֵ֨ר עָלָ֜יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Violently attacking with an army is spoken of as if a storm happened. Alternate translation: “will attack him like a violent storm” or “will violently attack him”
overflow
Quote: וְשָׁטַ֥ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
When an army overruns a country, it is spoken of as if a flood occurred. See how you translated this in Daniel 11:10.
and pass through
Quote: וְעָבָֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Nothing will stop the army. Alternate translation: “will pass through the lands with no one to stop him”
Daniel 11:41
into the Beautiful Land
Quote: בְּאֶ֣רֶץ הַצְּבִ֔י (1)This refers to the land of Israel. See how you translated this in Daniel 8:9 and Daniel 11:16.
will fall
Quote: יִכָּשֵׁ֑לוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here falling represents the action of dying. Alternate translation: “will die”
But these will escape from his hand
Quote: וְאֵ֨לֶּה֙ יִמָּלְט֣וּ מִיָּד֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here hand represents power. Alternate translation: “But these will escape from his power” or “But he will not be able to destroy these nations”
Daniel 11:42
He will stretch out his hand against the countries
Quote: וְיִשְׁלַ֥ח יָד֖וֹ בַּאֲרָצ֑וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here hand represents power and control. Alternate translation: “He will extend his control over various lands”
against the countries
Quote: בַּאֲרָצ֑וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the idea is many countries or various countries.
Daniel 11:43
the Libyans and the Cushites will be in his footsteps
Quote: וְלֻבִ֥ים וְכֻשִׁ֖ים בְּמִצְעָדָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here footsteps represent submission. Alternate translation: “the Libyans and the Cushites will have to serve him”
the Libyans and the Cushites
Quote: וְלֻבִ֥ים וְכֻשִׁ֖ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Libya is a country west of Egypt, and Cush is a country south of Egypt. Alternate translation: “the people of Libya and Cush”
Daniel 11:44
and he will go out with great rage
Quote: וְיָצָא֙ בְּחֵמָ֣א גְדֹלָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rage, you can express the same idea with another word such as “angry.” Alternate translation: “he will be very angry and will go out”
and he will go out with great rage
Quote: וְיָצָא֙ בְּחֵמָ֣א גְדֹלָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You can explicitly state that he would go out with his army. Alternate translation: “he will become very angry and will go out with his army”
and he will go out
Quote: וְיָצָא֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
To go out represents the action of attacking the enemy.
and to devote many to destruction
Quote: וּֽלְהַחֲרִ֖ים רַבִּֽים (1)Alternate translation: “to destroy many people”
Daniel 11:45
his palatial tents
Quote: אָהֳלֶ֣י אַפַּדְנ֔וֹ (1)This refers to the king’s luxurious tents that he lived in when he was with his army in time of war.
between the seas and the beautiful holy mountain
Quote: בֵּ֥ין יַמִּ֖ים לְהַר־צְבִי־קֹ֑דֶשׁ (1)This probably refers to the region between the Mediterranean Sea and Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
and the beautiful holy mountain
Quote: לְהַר־צְבִי־קֹ֑דֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the hill in Jerusalem where God’s temple was. See how you translated somewhat similar phrases in Daniel 9:16 and Daniel 9:20.
Daniel 12
Daniel 12 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The final prophecy concludes in this chapter. It tells about the future resurrection of the dead and the final judgment. (See: resurrection and day of judgment)
Daniel 12:1
Michael, the great prince
Quote: מִֽיכָאֵ֜ל הַשַּׂ֣ר הַגָּד֗וֹל (1)Michael is an archangel. Here he is also given the title “great prince.”
Michael, … will arise
Quote: יַעֲמֹ֨ד מִֽיכָאֵ֜ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here rise up is an idiom that means to appear. Alternate translation: “Michael … will appear”
your people will be delivered
Quote: יִמָּלֵ֣ט עַמְּךָ֔ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will save your people”
everyone who is found written in the book
Quote: כָּל־הַנִּמְצָ֖א כָּת֥וּב בַּסֵּֽפֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “everyone whose name God has written in the book”
Daniel 12:2
Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake
Quote: וְרַבִּ֕ים מִיְּשֵׁנֵ֥י אַדְמַת־עָפָ֖ר יָקִ֑יצוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
The phrase sleep in the dust of the earth is another way of referring to those who have died. Alternate translation: “Many of those who have died will awaken”
Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake
Quote: וְרַבִּ֕ים מִיְּשֵׁנֵ֥י אַדְמַת־עָפָ֖ר יָקִ֑יצוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here awaken is an idiom that means to come back to life. Alternate translation: “Many of those who have died will come back to life”
Daniel 12:3
Those who have insight will shine like the brightness of the heavenly expanse
Quote: וְהַ֨מַּשְׂכִּלִ֔ים יַזְהִ֖רוּ כְּזֹ֣הַר הָרָקִ֑יעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This refers to God’s people who will share their wisdom with those around them.
and those who turn the many to righteousness
Quote: וּמַצְדִּיקֵי֙ הָֽרַבִּ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This refers to those who help others understand that they are separated from God, as if they were changing the direction in which they were going. Alternate translation: “those who teach others to live righteously”
and those who turn the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever
Quote: וּמַצְדִּיקֵי֙ הָֽרַבִּ֔ים כַּכּוֹכָבִ֖ים לְעוֹלָ֥ם וָעֶֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
These people are compared to the stars that shine. Alternate translation: “those who turn the many to righteousness will shine brightly like the stars forever and ever”
Daniel 12:4
keep the words secret, and seal up the book
Quote: סְתֹ֧ם הַדְּבָרִ֛ים וַחֲתֹ֥ם הַסֵּ֖פֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here words represents the book. Alternate translation: “close this book and keep it sealed”
until the time of
Quote: עַד־עֵ֣ת (1)Alternate translation: “the final days” or “the end of the world.” See how you translated this in Daniel 8:17.
Many will run back and forth, and knowledge will increase
Quote: יְשֹׁטְט֥וּ רַבִּ֖ים וְתִרְבֶּ֥ה הַדָּֽעַת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This seems to happen before the time of the end during which time the book is sealed. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Before that happens, many people will travel here and there, learning more and more about many things”
Daniel 12:5
General Information:
Daniel goes on to tell what he saw next in this vision that began in Daniel 10:1.
two others were standing
Quote: שְׁנַ֥יִם אֲחֵרִ֖ים עֹמְדִ֑ים (1)Alternate translation: “there were two other angels standing”
Daniel 12:6
to the man clothed in linen
Quote: לָאִישׁ֙ לְב֣וּשׁ הַבַּדִּ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This refers to the angel who appeared to Daniel in Daniel 10:5, not to one of the angels who is standing beside the river. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to the man who was wearing linen clothes” or “to the angel who was wearing linen clothes”
who was above the waters of the stream
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִמַּ֖עַל לְמֵימֵ֣י הַיְאֹ֑ר (1)This could mean: (1) the angel clothed in linen was above the river or (2) the angel was further upstream along the river.
How long will it be until the end of these wonders
Quote: עַד־מָתַ֖י קֵ֥ץ הַפְּלָאֽוֹת (1)This refers to the time from the beginning to the end of the events. Alternate translation: “How long will these amazing events last?”
these wonders
Quote: הַפְּלָאֽוֹת (1)At the time when the angel spoke to Daniel, none of the events in this vision had happened. This definitely refers to the events in Daniel 12:1-4, and may possibly also include the events in the vision from chapter 11.
Daniel 12:7
the man clothed in linen
Quote: אֶת־הָאִ֣ישׁ ׀ לְב֣וּשׁ הַבַּדִּ֗ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the man who was wearing linen clothes” or “the angel who was wearing linen clothes”
by him who lives forever
Quote: בְּחֵ֣י הָעוֹלָ֑ם (1)Alternate translation: “by God, who lives forever”
that it would be for a time, times, and half a time
Quote: כִּי֩ לְמוֹעֵ֨ד מֽוֹעֲדִ֜ים וָחֵ֗צִי (1)It is best to leave it ambiguous as to when this begins. If you must choose a starting point, the three and a half years probably start with the events of Daniel 12:1-4.
for a time, times, and half a time
Quote: לְמוֹעֵ֨ד מֽוֹעֲדִ֜ים וָחֵ֗צִי (1)These times are generally understood to refer to years. One and two and a half equal three and a half. Alternate translation: “three and a half years”
all these things will be completed
Quote: תִּכְלֶ֥ינָה כָל־אֵֽלֶּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all these things will have happened”
all these things
Quote: כָל־אֵֽלֶּה (1)At the time when the man clothed in linen spoke to Daniel, none of the events in this vision had happened. This refers to the events in Daniel 12:1-4, and may include the events in the vision from chapter 11.
Daniel 12:8
O my lord
Quote: אֲדֹנִ֕י (1)Daniel refers to the angel clothed in linen as my lord to show respect to the angel.
these things
Quote: אֵֽלֶּה (1)At the time when the angel clothed in linen spoke to Daniel, none of the events in this vision had happened. This definitely refers to the events in Daniel 12:1-4, and may possibly also include the events in the vision from chapter 11.
Daniel 12:9
for the words are shut up and sealed
Quote: כִּֽי־סְתֻמִ֧ים וַחֲתֻמִ֛ים הַדְּבָרִ֖ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The vision that was given to Daniel was not to be explained. The book was sealed and no one could access it. Alternate translation: “for you are to close up and seal the words you have written”
the time of the end
Quote: עֵ֥ת קֵֽץ (1)Alternate translation: “the final days” or “the end of the world.” See how you translated this in Daniel 8:17.
Daniel 12:10
Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined
Quote: יִ֠תְבָּֽרֲרוּ וְיִֽתְלַבְּנ֤וּ וְיִצָּֽרְפוּ֙ רַבִּ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Yahweh does the purifying. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will purify, cleanse, and refine many people”
Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined
Quote: יִ֠תְבָּֽרֲרוּ וְיִֽתְלַבְּנ֤וּ וְיִצָּֽרְפוּ֙ רַבִּ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These three terms mean basically the same thing.
and refined
Quote: וְיִצָּֽרְפוּ֙ (1)To refine something is to purify it by removing anything that does not belong in it.
but the wicked will act wickedly
Quote: וְהִרְשִׁ֣יעוּ רְשָׁעִ֔ים (1)The evil people will continue to do evil or sinful things.
None of the wicked will understand
Quote: וְלֹ֥א יָבִ֖ינוּ כָּל־רְשָׁעִ֑ים (1)The evil people can not understand spiritual knowledge.
but those who have insight will understand
Quote: וְהַמַּשְׂכִּלִ֖ים יָבִֽינוּ (1)Alternate translation: “but those who obey Yahweh are wise and will understand”
Daniel 12:11
the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that causes desolation is set up
Quote: הוּסַ֣ר הַתָּמִ֔יד וְלָתֵ֖ת שִׁקּ֣וּץ שֹׁמֵ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The king of the north is the one who stops the temple sacrifices. Alternate translation: “the king of the North takes away the regular burnt offering and sets up the abomination that causes complete desolation”
the abomination that causes desolation
Quote: שִׁקּ֣וּץ שֹׁמֵ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to an idol that will make the temple desolate, that is, that will cause God to leave his temple. See how you translated this in Daniel 11:31. Alternate translation: “the disgusting idol that will cause God to abandon the temple” or “the disgusting thing that will make the temple unclean”
there will be 1, 290 days
Quote: יָמִ֕ים אֶ֖לֶף מָאתַ֥יִם וְתִשְׁעִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
Here days refers to a period of time. It is most commonly rendered as days, but can also imply years.
Daniel 12:12
Blessed is he who is patient
Quote: אַשְׁרֵ֥י הַֽמְחַכֶּ֖ה (1)Alternate translation: “Blessed is the person who waits” or “Blessed is anyone who waits”
he who is patient
Quote: הַֽמְחַכֶּ֖ה (1)Alternate translation: “the one who remains faithful”
at the 1, 335 days
Quote: לְיָמִ֕ים אֶ֕לֶף שְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים וַחֲמִשָּֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
Here days is referring to a period of time most commonly rendered as days. However, it can also imply years.
Daniel 12:13
go your way
Quote: לֵ֣ךְ (1)This refers to Daniel continuing to live and serve the kings until the appointed time of his death. Alternate translation: “Daniel, you must continue your life”
Then you will rest
Quote: וְתָנ֛וּחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a gentle way of saying “you will die.”
and will stand
Quote: וְתַעֲמֹ֥ד (1)This is referring to the first resurrection of the dead when the righteous people will be raised up.
for your allotted portion
Quote: לְגֹרָלְךָ֖ (1)Alternate translation: “for the place God has assigned to you”