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 2:3)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Daniel 2:3:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then, that king said to them, ‘I had some very bad dreams, so I want to know what those dreams show.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “the king said to them, "I have seen a dream so my heart is anxiety. I want to know its meaning."” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “When- they -came the king said to them, ‘I had-a-dream that extremely troubles me, so I called for you (plur.) for I want to know what is the meaning of that dream.’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “he said, ‘I had a dream last night that worries me. Tell me what I dreamed, because I want to know what the dream means.’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Daniel 2:3

The king said: since the previous verse refers to the king by his title three times (Revised Standard Version), it may be more natural in some languages to use a pronoun in place of the noun at the beginning of this verse: “he said….” But in others it will be perfectly natural to repeat the title here.

I had a dream: literally “I dreamed a dream” (compare verse 1 above). In some languages people may say “I saw a dream” or “I slept a dream.” Whatever is natural should be used in the translation.

My spirit is troubled: see comments on “his spirit was troubled” in verse 1 above.

To know the dream: as in the previous verse, this may mean either “to know what the dream was” (because he had forgotten it) or “to know what the dream meant” (because he did not understand it). Most likely the latter is the intended meaning of the writer.

In some languages it may be necessary to make clear the relationship between my spirit is troubled and to know the dream. Some possible models are “I had a dream that will allow my spirit no rest until I know what it means” (New American Bible), “my mind is troubled by a wish to understand it” (New Jerusalem Bible), or “I want to know what the dream means because my mind is very upset.”

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 .