self-referencing pronoun for king or queen

In Malay, the pronoun beta for the royal “I” (or “my” or “me”) that is used by royals when speaking to people of lower rank, subordinates or commoners to refer to themselves in these verses. This reflects the “language of the court because the monarchy and sultanate in Malaysia are still alive and well. All oral and printed literature (including newspapers and magazines) preserve and glorify the language of the court. Considering that the language of the court is part of the Malaysian language, court language is used sparingly where appropriate, specifically with texts relating to palace life.” (Source: Daud Soesilo in The Bible Translator 2025, p. 263ff.)

Translation commentary on 1 Maccabees 10:56

And now I will do for you as you wrote: Good News Bible says “I agree to your proposals.” Contemporary English Version makes it clear what as you wrote refers to by saying “I’ll let you marry my daughter, just as you asked in your letter.”

But meet me at Ptolemais: Good News Bible inserts the word “first,” indicating that a face-to-face meeting is Ptolemy’s own request, before such a marriage takes place. This insertion makes the clause sound more natural in English. Another possible model is “but first, let’s meet at Ptolemais” or “… in the city of Ptolemais.”

So that we may see one another: Good News Bible says “We can get acquainted there,” and Contemporary English Version has “so we can get to know each other.”

And I will become your father-in-law, as you have said: Good News Bible expresses this clause by putting the focus on the marriage, saying “and I will give you my daughter in marriage,” but this rendering loses the emphasis on the alliance to be cemented between the two men (see the comments on verse 54).

An alternative model for this verse is:

• I am willing to let you marry my daughter, as you asked in your letter. But I want to meet you first. Let’s get together [or, meet] in the city of Ptolemais. Then I will become your father-in-law, just as you have suggested.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.