OET interlinear DAN 11:24

11:24a

In a time of peace, he will invade the richest provinces: The Hebrew word that the BSB translates as a time of peace is literally “in quietness/peace.” It is the same word as in 11:21c and you should translate it the same way here. For example:

Without warning he shall come into the richest parts of the province (NRSV)

In an unexpected time he will invade the most productive areas of the province

He will invade a wealthy province without warning (GNT)

he will invade the richest provinces: The Hebrew verb that the BSB translates as invade is the general word meaning “come.” In this context it is implied that the despicable ruler and his army will enter these prosperous lands in order to rob them and control them. Here is another way to translate this:

he will invade the richest parts of the provinces (GW)

the richest provinces: The Hebrew phrase that the BSB translates as the richest provinces is more literally “the fatness of the province.” This is a metaphor for fertility and prosperity. The land in this area was rich and fertile and good for farming.

11:24b

and do what his fathers and forefathers never did: This verse part indicates that the despicable ruler would act in a way unlike that of his ancestors, the kings who ruled before him. This should be translated in a way that implies that his actions were more evil than those of his predecessors. Your translation should not imply that his accomplishments were more praiseworthy than those of his predecessors. Here are some other ways to translate this:

which is something his ancestors never did (CEV)

acting as his father or his fathers’ fathers never acted (NJB)

In some languages it may be natural to translate this as a separate sentence. For example:

He will do what none of his ancestors did.

his fathers and forefathers: This phrase is an emphatic way of referring to the ancestors of the despicable ruler. Emphasize this in a way that is natural in your language. For example:

not a single one of his ancestors (UBS Handbook)

11:24c

He will lavish plunder, loot, and wealth on his followers: The king of the North will give to his followers the various riches and treasures that his soldiers stole. Here are some other ways to translate this:

Then he will divide among his followers all of its treasures and property. (CEV)

He will rob the countries he defeats and give those things to his followers. (NCV)

plunder, loot, and wealth: The Hebrew words that the BSB translates as plunder, loot, and wealth are synonyms in this context. Together they refer to the money and treasures that the king gave to his soldiers, money and treasures that they had taken from their defeated enemies. In some languages it may be natural to describe these things with a verb or verbs rather than a series of three nouns. For example:

the goods and property he has captured in war (GNT)

He will rob the countries he defeats and will give those things to his followers. (NCV)

11:24d

he will plot against the strongholds: This clause indicates the king of the North will plan to capture the fortresses or strongholds of his enemies. He will make military preparations to defeat their fortified cities. Here are some other ways to translate this:

He will plan to defeat and destroy strong cities (NCV)

He will make plans to attack fortresses (GNT)

but only for a time: The phrase but only for a time indicates that these things will only happen for a short or limited period of time. In some languages it may be helpful to make this explicit. For example:

but he will be successful for only a short time (NCV)

In some languages it may be natural to translate this as a separate sentence:

But none of this will last very long. (CEV)