Answered: literally “answered saying….” In some languages the context may require a word that gives a stronger expression of emotion. New Jerusalem Bible has “retorted,” Revised English Bible “rejoined”; Good News Translation says “exclaimed,” while Bible en français courant renders the verb “cried out.”

I know with certainty: given the emotive impact of this passage, the Revised Standard Version rendering sounds somewhat stilted and weak. Some other versions have said “It is clear to me” (New Jerusalem Bible and Revised English Bible), “I see quite plainly” (Moffatt), and “Just as I thought!” (Good News Translation).

You are trying to gain time: literally “you are buying time,” that is, “you are looking for a way to have some more time” or “you are trying to delay the punishment.” New American Bible has “you are bargaining for time.”

The word from me is sure: see verse 5.

There is but one sentence for you: these words indicate that the same sentence, or verdict, will be applied to all of those involved. Other ways of saying this are “you will all receive the same punishment,” or “they (indefinite) will punish every one of you in the same way,” or “the same penalty will be given to all of you,” or “the same judgment will be pronounced on all of you,” or “I will have you all punished in the same way.”

You have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words: this gives a part of the reason for the judgment that would be passed and may therefore require a restructuring of the verse in some languages. It is important that the verb form used indicates a continuing process rather than a single event. This is why Good News Translation has “to go on telling me lies….” Some other possible renderings of these words may be “you conspired to continue deceiving me…” or “you plotted to keep on tricking me with lies….”

Till the times change: it is obvious that it is not a change in time that was hoped for as much as a change in the attitude of the king that would come with the passage of time. If necessary it is possible to say “until I change my mind” or something similar. Other versions have rendered this as “in the hope that with time things may alter” (New English Bible/Revised English Bible), “hoping the situation will change” (New International Version), “till the crisis is past” (New American Bible).

Therefore tell me …: or “So I want you to tell me…,” or “I demand that you reveal to me what the dream was, so that I can be assured that you are able to tell me what it means.”

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René & Ellington, John. A Handbook on Daniel. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .