Daniel (image)

Hand colored stencil print on washi by Sadao Watanabe (1965).

Image taken with permission from the SadaoHanga Catalogue where you can find many more images and information about Sadao Watanabe.

For other images of Sadao Watanabe art works in TIPs, see here.

Daniel

The term that is transliterated as “Daniel” in English is translated in American Sign Language with the sign for the letter D and for “lion,” referring to the story in Daniel 6. (Source: RuthAnna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Daniel” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

In Swiss-German Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “prayer” that illustrates Daniel’s close relationship with God.


“Daniel” in Swiss-German Sign Language, source: DSGS-Lexikon biblischer Begriffe , © CGG Schweiz

Following is a Russian Orthodox icon of Daniel from the 18th century (found in the Transfiguration Church, Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia).

 
Orthodox Icons are not drawings or creations of imagination. They are in fact writings of things not of this world. Icons can represent our Lord Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints. They can also represent the Holy Trinity, Angels, the Heavenly hosts, and even events. Orthodox icons, unlike Western pictures, change the perspective and form of the image so that it is not naturalistic. This is done so that we can look beyond appearances of the world, and instead look to the spiritual truth of the holy person or event. (Source )

Translation commentary on Daniel 2:13

So … and: the structure of this verse has been changed in some English versions to begin with “When the decree was issued…” (New American Bible) or “On publication of the decree…” (New Jerusalem Bible).

The decree went forth: in some languages wording like that of Revised Standard Version is unnatural. It may even give the impression that the decree had a will of its own. The idea, of course, is that the decree was published, which probably means that it was read out in public; but the agent who makes this happen will have to be expressed in many cases. Translators may consider “when the king made known his will…,” “when they (indefinite) announced the decision of the king…,” or “when messengers announced the king’s decree….”

The wise men: again this refers to all the experts mentioned earlier (verses 2 and 10). This should be made clear, as in Good News Translation “all of them.”

Be slain: it is quite likely that what is planned here is the gathering and mass execution in public of the all the wise men of the kingdom in a spectacular fashion. It is possible to understand the text as meaning “were being put to death.” This would indicate that the executions had already begun, but this is less probable. Once again the passive may have to be rendered as active: “that they should die” or “that the executioners should kill them.”

They sought: this is an indefinite form that gives a passive idea: “Daniel and his friends were sought.” But it may be possible to say “some men went out and found Daniel and his friends” or “… went to get….” Revised English Bible has “a search was made….”

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 .