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 4:36)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Daniel 4:36:

  • Kupsabiny: “When my sanity was back, God raised me up and made me strong in my rule again. Then my leaders and advisers welcomed me to come back to my leadership. The people honored me much more than they did before.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “When my understanding returned, my glory, honor, and the majesty of my kingdom were given back to me. My advisers and officials came to meet me. And I came back again to my throne, and I became greater than before. ” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “‘When my good mind returned my honor and glory as king were- also -restored. My officials and my advisers received me back, and I became more powerful than before.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “When I was able to think correctly again, I was honored again, and I was able to rule my glorious/great kingdom again. My advisors came to me again to talk about what should be done, and I became greater and more powerful than I was before.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Daniel 4:36

At the same time: or “At that time.”

My reason returned: see verse 34 and comments.

My majesty and splendor returned to me: such nouns may not fit with a verb like returned in some languages. This may therefore be reworded “I received my majesty and splendor once again.” Possibly translators may find it more natural to say “God gave back my majesty and splendor.” In some languages these abstract nouns may have to be rendered “honor and power” or “respect and greatness.”

My counselors and my lords: see 3.24. The root of the second of these two terms comes from the Aramaic word for “great,” and the term is used to refer to important individuals in the royal court. The word “nobles” is sometimes used to translate it. Some languages may have to speak of “my advisors and the leaders in my kingdom” or “the great ones who confer with me.”

I was established in my kingdom: the verb here obviously has the meaning “established again” or “reestablished,” as in New Revised Standard Version and Revised English Bible, since Nebuchadnezzar had been firmly established as king before his illness.

And still more greatness was added to me: this indicates that, in spite of the magnificence he enjoyed before his illness, Nebuchadnezzar received even more prominence.

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 .