Daniel 3 16

Daniel 3:16 kjv

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

Daniel 3:16 nkjv

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.

Daniel 3:16 niv

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.

Daniel 3:16 esv

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.

Daniel 3:16 nlt

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.

Daniel 3 verses

Daniel 3 16 Meaning

This verse records a declaration of unwavering faith and obedience to God by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, even in the face of imminent death by fiery furnace. Their refusal to bow down and worship Nebuchadnezzar's idol demonstrates a profound trust in God's power to deliver them, and a resolute commitment to His commandments above any human decree or threat. They acknowledge God's sovereignty and His ability to save them, but even if He chooses not to, they will not compromise their devotion.

Daniel 3 16 Context

This verse occurs within the narrative of Daniel chapter 3, where Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, erects a large golden image and commands all his officials and subjects to worship it. Refusal to obey meant being cast into a burning fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Jewish exiles serving in the Babylonian government, are singled out for their disobedience. This verse is their direct response to the king's accusation and the pronouncement of their impending punishment. Historically, this event underscores the tension between pagan Babylonian state religion and the monotheistic faith of the Jews, especially during the Babylonian exile. The practice of kingly worship or deification was not uncommon in ancient Near Eastern cultures, posing a significant challenge to the exclusive loyalty demanded by the God of Israel.

Daniel 3 16 Word analysis

• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: These are the Babylonian names given to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

• replied: From the Aramaic root עֲנָא (ana), meaning to answer, respond, or testify.

• O Nebuchadnezzar: Direct address to the king, indicating the seriousness of their response.

• we have no need: A polite but firm negation, implying they do not require his pronouncement or authority over this matter.

• to answer thee: They consider his command, based on idolatry, to be outside the legitimate realm of his authority.

• this matter: The specific issue of whether to worship the golden image.

• Behold: An interjection to draw attention to what follows, emphasizing the certainty of their conviction.

• our God whom we serve: A declaration of their personal relationship and covenant with the God of Israel. "Serve" (from שָׁרַת - sharat) signifies dedicated service and worship.

• is able: Expresses belief in God's power and capability.

• to deliver us: Their faith is not in an impersonal force, but in a God who actively intervenes on behalf of His faithful servants.

• from the furnace of fire burning hot: They explicitly acknowledge the terrifying reality of the consequence.

• And he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king: They articulate a confident expectation of divine deliverance from the king's power.

• But if not: This is a crucial conditional clause, demonstrating profound faith that transcends circumstances. It shows that their obedience is not contingent on a favorable outcome.

• be it known unto thee, O king: They wish for the king to understand their firm resolve, making their position unequivocally clear.

• that we will not serve thy gods: They directly refuse to engage in the act of worship demanded, specifically rejecting Babylonian deities.

• nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up: Their refusal is a direct defiance of the king's specific idolatrous command.

Daniel 3 16 Bonus section

This declaration reflects a core tenet of the Abrahamic faiths: the primacy of God's will and law over human authority, particularly when human commands conflict with divine commands. It showcases the transformative power of genuine faith, where devotion to God leads to a fearless stance against oppressive powers. The young men's bravery can be seen as a precursor to the courage exhibited by other biblical figures, and their faith in God's deliverance is ultimately realized in the text, though their theological statement ("But even if he does not") highlights the depth of their commitment independent of that outcome. Their refusal is not an act of rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar's civil authority, but a righteous refusal to obey an immoral and idolatrous command that violates God's law.

Daniel 3 16 Commentary

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego present a model of absolute faithfulness. Their response is marked by clear reasoning, resolute courage, and unshakeable trust. They begin by asserting God's power to save them, affirming their belief in His active intervention. However, the strength of their faith is most profoundly revealed in the conditional "But if not." This statement indicates that their loyalty to God is not a transaction or a guarantee of a specific outcome; their obedience is intrinsic and independent of deliverance. This is the pinnacle of faith – believing and obeying regardless of the consequences, trusting God's sovereignty even in the face of death. Their willingness to face the fiery furnace underscores their understanding of the eternal consequences of idolatry compared to the temporary suffering of persecution. This demonstrates a high view of God's glory and the sanctity of His commands.