Westward and northward and southward: that is, in all directions except the east. For the writer, who was located in Judea, Persia was situated to the east. It apparently had no interest in making conquests further east in the direction of India. In those languages where the words for north and south are particularly difficult, the essential meaning may be conveyed by saying something like “on all sides except the direction of the rising sun.”

No beast could stand before him: here the verb stand before is a way of saying “withstand him (or it)” (New Jerusalem Bible and New American Bible), “resist his power,” or “hold its own against him” (Moffatt).

No one who could rescue from his power: literally “no one who could save from his hand.” Compare 1.2 on this use of the word “hand.” In some languages it may be necessary to state an object for the verb rescue. Translators may say “rescue any of his victims” or something similar. Revised English Bible rewords this to say “from its power there was no escape.”

He did as he pleased: or “he did whatever he wanted to do,” or “he did whatever his heart desired.”

Magnified himself: this expression, which also occurs in 8.8, 11, 25 as well as in 11.36, 37, 39, is more literally “he grew” or “he became great.” But translators and commentators alike are in agreement that this does not mean physical growth. Yet there is not complete agreement as to exactly what kind of growth is indicated. The most widely accepted interpretation is that the reference is to growth in power. New Jerusalem Bible has “became strong,” and New American Bible reads “became very powerful.” Good News Translation, however, indicates that he “grew arrogant.” And An American Translationhas “accomplished great exploits.”

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 .