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 (Daniel 2:6)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Daniel 2:6:

  • Kupsabiny: “But if you tell what they mean, then I shall give you gifts and make you honored. So, please tell me those dreams and what they mean.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “If you tell [me] my dream and its meaning you will have gifts, rewards and great honor from me. So tell [me] my dream and its meaning."” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “But if you (plur.) indeed (can) guess my dream and (can) explain its meaning, I will- give- you (plur.) -gifts and give great/[lit. big] honor. Okay, you (plur.) guess now and then explain the meaning.’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But if you tell me what I dreamed and what it means, I will reward you. I will give you wonderful gifts and greatly honor you. So tell me what I dreamed and what it means!’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Daniel 2:6

But: the conjunction used should introduce the contrast between what will happen to the experts if they fail to fulfill the king’s request, as compared to what will happen if they are successful. In some languages it may be preferable to say something like “If, on the other hand…” (New Jerusalem Bible).

Show the dream and its interpretation: the original text does not state the indirect object of the verb show, but the pronoun “me” is unquestionably meant and has been supplied in a number of modern versions. It should probably be added in other languages if it is not clearly understood. It will be noted that these words are repeated at the end of this verse. Given the importance of this formula, it may be a good idea to retain the form at that point unless it would be unnatural to do so.

You shall receive from me: this is a rather awkward way of saying simply “I will give you….” Naturalness in the receptor language should determine how this is translated.

Gifts and rewards: the use of these two terms side by side is a way of expressing a superlative idea in Aramaic. For this reason, in some languages it will be possible to render the idea by using a single noun or a noun accompanied by an adjective: “wonderful gifts” or “special presents.” Or we may choose to modify the verb as in New English Bible: “you will be richly rewarded” (New English Bible).

Great honor: what is involved here is probably some honorary titles or actual political responsibilities accompanied by material gifts (compare 5.7).

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René & Ellington, John. A Handbook on Daniel. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .