Daniel 3 5

Daniel 3:5 kjv

That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:

Daniel 3:5 nkjv

that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up;

Daniel 3:5 niv

As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.

Daniel 3:5 esv

that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.

Daniel 3:5 nlt

When you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments, bow to the ground to worship King Nebuchadnezzar's gold statue.

Daniel 3 verses

Daniel 3 5 meaning

Daniel 3:5 describes a moment of mandatory universal worship to a colossal golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. It specifies that upon hearing a full ensemble of musical instruments, all peoples, nations, and languages are to prostrate themselves in an act of reverence and submission to the idol. This command represents the ultimate test of loyalty to the Babylonian Empire and its god-king, demanding religious conformity from all its subjects.

Daniel 3 5 Context

Daniel Chapter 3 presents a dramatic confrontation between King Nebuchadnezzar's absolute power and the unwavering faithfulness of three Hebrew exiles: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Nebuchadnezzar had constructed an enormous golden image (ninety feet high and nine feet wide) on the plain of Dura, assembling all his satraps, prefects, governors, counselors, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all officials from the provinces for its dedication. The purpose was to establish a unified, state-mandated religion, with the golden image likely representing the king or a patron deity of Babylon, solidifying imperial authority. Verse 5 issues the royal decree for mandatory, immediate, and synchronized worship, using a carefully chosen, diverse musical ensemble to signal the moment of prostration for everyone present, irrespective of their original background or beliefs. The threat for non-compliance was instant execution by being thrown into a fiery furnace, making the choice stark and severe.

Daniel 3 5 Word analysis

• בְּעִדָּנָא (bə‘iḏdānā’) / "that when": Lit. "in the moment," emphasizing a precise and universally understood timing. It signals an immediate and collective action.
• דִּי־תִשְׁמְעוּן קָל (dî-tišmĕ‘ûn qāl) / "you hear the sound": Highlights the auditory cue for the command. It's not a verbal instruction repeated but a sensory signal to ensure no one misses it. "You" is plural, addressing the diverse multitude.
• קַרְנָא (qarnā’) / "horn": A loud, brass or wind instrument, likely used for signaling and grand pronouncements, giving the call to worship authority and prominence. (Equivalent to a shofar or cornet).
• מַשְׁרוֹקִיתָא (mašrôqîṯā’) / "pipe": A flute-like instrument, possibly producing a more piercing or melodious sound, adding to the variety.
• קַתְרוֹס (qaṯrôs) / "lyre": A stringed instrument, probably a Greek loanword (kitharis/kithara). Indicates the cultural breadth and possibly the grand and diverse nature of Nebuchadnezzar's court.
• סַבְּכָא (sabbəḵā’) / "trigone": A type of stringed instrument, possibly a triangular harp, also likely a Greek loanword (sambuca/sabbeka). Its inclusion underscores the richness of the musical arrangement.
• פְסַנְתֵּרִין (pəsanṯērîn) / "harp": Another stringed instrument, similar to a psaltery, likely a Greek loanword (psaltērion). Emphasizes further the full sonic landscape being created.
• סוּמְפֹּנְיָה (sûmpōnyāh) / "bagpipe": From the Greek symphonia, it could denote a bagpipe (as traditionally interpreted) or generally "an ensemble/harmony of music." As listed with specific instruments, its likely a distinct instrument that contributed a sustained, full sound.
• וְכֹל זְנֵי זְמָרָא (wəḵōl zənê zəmārā’) / "and all kinds of music": This phrase functions as an emphatic, comprehensive summation. It ensures no musical instrument or sound type is exempt from the trigger for worship, eliminating any possible excuse for non-compliance.
• תִּפְּלוּן וְתִסְגְּדוּן (tippělûn wəṯisgĕḏûn) / "you are to fall down and worship": Two distinct actions signifying complete and total submission. "Fall down" (prostrate oneself) denotes physical humility and abject subservience. "Worship" (bow down/pay homage) signifies an act of religious veneration, indicating the spiritual demand involved. This isn't mere political loyalty but a sacred rite commanded by the king.
• לְצֶלֶם דַּהֲבָא (ləṣelem dahabā’) / "the golden image": The specific object of their worship. "Golden" highlights its value, splendor, and royal decree; "image" clarifies its nature as a representation, an idol crafted by human hands.
• דִּי הֲקִים נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר מַלְכָּא (dî hăqîm Nəḇūḵaḏneṣṣar malḵā’) / "that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up": Emphasizes the human origin and specific authority behind the decree. It roots the object of worship in Nebuchadnezzar's power and not in any divine or eternal being, directly contrasting with the God of Israel.

Daniel 3 5 Bonus section

The list of instruments (horn, pipe, lyre, trigone, harp, bagpipe) reflects the multicultural nature of the Babylonian Empire and possibly Greek influence, as some terms are transliterated Greek words. This detail underscores that the decree targeted a diverse populace. The king's insistence on such a grand musical signal demonstrates an understanding of mass psychology and the power of shared experience in fostering conformity. The command was designed to be unmistakable and irresistible, transforming individual belief into a public, synchronized act of worship to the king's authority. This incident serves as a historical paradigm for future instances of governmental or societal pressure to conform to ungodly demands, highlighting the eternal conflict between human decrees and divine loyalty.

Daniel 3 5 Commentary

Daniel 3:5 captures the heart of Nebuchadnezzar's demand: a spectacle of overwhelming imperial power and religious uniformity. The orchestration of various instruments served not merely as a signal but as a means to create a grand, enveloping soundscape designed to compel emotional and psychological submission. This meticulously planned sensory experience, combined with the dire threat of the fiery furnace, created immense pressure for conformity. The choice was not merely political but profoundly spiritual, directly challenging the foundational commandment of Israelite monotheism. For the Jewish exiles, this command to "fall down and worship the golden image" was an unequivocal demand to betray their covenant God, YHWH, who explicitly forbids the worship of idols made of precious metals and the veneration of other gods. The comprehensive nature of "all kinds of music" ensured that no one could claim ignorance or exception, making the test of faithfulness universal and absolute.