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 (Genesis 41:19)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 41:19:

  • Kankanaey: “But that being so, there were again seven cows that came-out, but they were extremely-skinny with their ribs being-countable. They were bad/ugly cows. Absolutely nothing have-I-seen like those in the entire Egipto.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “After that seven thin cows, being just skin and bones, came out the river. I had never yet seen such cows in Egypt.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Shortly there were seven ugly and thin cows who came-up. I had never seen cows in all of Egipto like those in-ugliness.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Soon seven other cows, ugly and thin ones, came up behind them from the river. I never saw such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt!” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 41:19 - 41:20

Verse 19 adds such as I had never seen in all the land of Egypt, meaning “worse than any cows I had ever seen in Egypt.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .