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 41:24)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 41:24:

  • Kankanaey: “Then they abruptly-ate-all-of the ones whose fruit was well-formed. I related these two dreams of mine to those who were skilled in predicting-the-future, but none of them were able-to-explain.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Those seven thin and withered heads swallowed up the seven good heads of grain. I told this to all the astrologers. None of them were able to tell me the meaning of this.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then the lean/thin heads-of-grain ate-up the seven good/full sheaves. I already told this to the magicians, but not even one among them could-explain its meaning.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “The thin heads of grain swallowed the seven good heads. I told these dreams to the magicians, but none of them could explain to me what they meant.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 41:23 - 41:24

And I told it to the magicians … explain it to me: see Gen 41.8.

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 .