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 6:13

I know that it is because of this may be rendered “I know this is why” (Good News Bible), “These crimes are the reason” (Contemporary English Version), or simply “That’s why.”

That these evils have come upon me may be expressed as “all these terrible things have happened to me” (Good News Bible) or “things have suddenly gone so wrong for me.”

And behold, I am perishing of deep grief in a strange land: For behold see 1Macc 2.12. Another way to express this attention-getting word is “Look at me,” so this final sentence may be rendered “Look at me! Here I am in a foreign country, dying of despair [or, depression].”

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.