This verse is almost a word-for-word repetition of verse 12 above. However, in place of the verb rendered found shade in verse 12, this verse actually has a more general word meaning “to live” or “to rest” for the beasts. And for the birds, instead of dwelt this verse has a term of slightly different meaning. Note that New Revised Standard Version translates the verb in verse 12 “were fed,” while the verb in this verse is rendered “had nests.” The same sort of meaning difference is distinguished in New International Version. It may or may not be possible to reflect these shades of meaning in the translation. But if it is possible to do so naturally, then it should be done.

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 .