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.)

complete verse (1 Samuel 21:15)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 21:15:

  • Kupsabiny: “Let these/such mad men stay away from me! I don’t want such a person in my house.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “What! Don’t I [already] have madmen in my place [that you] bring him [here] to trouble me? What! Should I take him into my home?"” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “(There are) many insane here already, why did- you (plur.) -bring him here to my house and to-do-foolish-things in-front of me?’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Have you brought him because I do not have enough insane men here already ? I do not want him to come into my house!’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 21:15

Do I lack madmen…? This question may be better translated as a strong declaration in some languages, since it is not asked for the purpose of obtaining information. The meaning is rather “I have enough crazy people…” (Contemporary English Version).

To play the madman in my presence: New American Bible says “to carry on in my presence.”

The final question (Shall this fellow come into my house?) is rhetorical and may be translated as an imperative statement as in Contemporary English Version: “Keep him away from my palace!” New Century Version translates similarly: “Don’t let him in my house!”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .