Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Nehemiah 2:3:

• Kupsabiny: “But I said, ‘Long live, oh, king/ruler! Now that the town/city where (our) grandfathers were buried has become desolate/ruined, and the gates have been burned, what would make me not become sad/dejected?’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
• Hiligaynon: “but I replied to the king, ‘May you (sing.) live long, the Beloved King. I am sad because the city where my ancestors were-buried is ruined and its entrance/gates are burned.’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
• Kankanaey: “but I said to the king, ‘Sir King, may you (sing.) live-and-live (connotes good life) forever! I am not able-to-hide my sorrow/mourning because the city where- my ancestors -are-buried, it is totally ruined and its doors are burned.’” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
• English: “I replied, ‘Your majesty, I hope you will live a very long time! But how can I prevent myself from being sad, because the city where my ancestors are buried has been destroyed and is in ruins?/I cannot keep myself from looking sad, because the city where my ancestors are buried has been destroyed and is in ruins. Even the city gates have been completely burned.’” (Source: Translation for Translators)