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 2 Maccabees 11:32
And I have also sent Menelaus to encourage you: It is hard to see how anyone could have thought that the rebellious Jews would have been encouraged in any way by the presence of Menelaus (see verse 29). However, by sending Menelaus the king is also saying that he does not recognize Judas Maccabeus as a legitimate leader. To encourage you is not quite right. Good News Bible is better with “to set your minds at ease.” An alternative model for this verse is:
• I am also sending Menelaus to assure you that you have nothing to worry about [or, you don’t have to worry about anything].
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.
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