But: the connecting word is important here. And in some cases it will have to be strengthened by an accompanying adverb. One possibility is to say “But eventually” or “After them (the four kingdoms)” as in Bible en français courant. New Jerusalem Bible has simply “Then.”

The saints of the Most High: New Revised Standard Version renders saints as “the holy ones.” The reference here is to those who are faithful to the true God, namely, the people of Israel. But within the framework of this apocalyptic vision it is unwise to say this too clearly, although it is probably a good idea to make it clear that “people” are involved. The expression translated the Most High is actually a plural (“the most high ones”), but it is most likely a plural of majesty that should be rendered as a singular. Compare 3.26 and 4.17.

Receive … and possess: the repetition of the word kingdom after each of these two verbs will be unnatural in many languages. But the two verbs do focus on two somewhat different aspects, the first having to do with receiving royal power, and the second with retaining it.

For ever, for ever and ever: the Aramaic formula used here is way of expressing an absolute superlative. These words serve to emphasize the fact that the people of God will always keep the power that he gives to them.

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 .