Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 3:14
To answer or respond to something, often by speaking or singing. In the Bible, it can mean to pay attention or testify, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:3.
Definition: 1) to answer, respond 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to answer, make reply 1a2) to respond
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: answer, speak. See also: Psalms 60:7; Daniel 3:24; Daniel 7:2.
Nebuchadnezzar was a king of Babylon who lived during the time of the Divided Monarchy, and is first mentioned in 2 Kings 24:1. He was the father of Belshazzar and is known for capturing Jerusalem and taking Judah captive. His name is Aramaic for may Nebo protect the crown.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.24.1; father of: Belshazzar (H1112) Aramaic of ne.vu.khad.nets.tsar (נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּר, נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר "Nebuchadnezzar" H5019) § Nebuchadnezzar = "may Nebo protect the crown" the great king of Babylon who captured Jerusalem and carried Judah captive
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Nebuchadnezzar. See also: Ezra 2:1; Daniel 3:19; Daniel 5:18.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say or speak, often used when God commands or declares something, as seen in many KJV translations. It is used with great flexibility, including to command, declare, or tell. This word appears in various contexts, including Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: (P'al) to say, to speak, to command, to tell, to relate Aramaic of a.mar (אָמַר "to say" H0559)
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: command, declare, say, speak, tell. See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 3:28; Jeremiah 10:11.
This word means a plan or intention, like a purpose or goal. It can also mean true or faithful, like being loyal to someone or something. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's plans or human intentions.
Definition: 1) purpose adj 2) (CLBL) true
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: true. See also: Daniel 3:14.
Shadrach was a friend of Daniel, renamed by King Nebuchadnezzar, who refused to worship false gods in Babylon. He appears in the book of Daniel. His name means royal or great scribe.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.1.6; also called Shadrach at Dan.1.7; 2.49; 3.12,13,14,16,19,20,22,23,26,28,29,30; Aramaic of cha.nan.yah (חֲנַנְיָ֫הוּ "Hananiah" H2608T) § Shadrach = "royal" or "the great scribe" 1) the godly friend of Daniel whom Nebuchadnezzar renamed Shadrach; one of the three friends who with Daniel refused to make themselves unclean by eating food from the king's table which went against the dietary laws which God had given the Jews; also one of the three who were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a graven image of Nebuchadnezzar and who were saved by the angel of the Lord 1a) also, 'Hananiah' (H2608L)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Shadrach. See also: Daniel 2:49; Daniel 3:20; Daniel 3:30.
Meshach, a friend of Daniel, was given his name by King Nebuchadnezzar. He and Daniel refused unclean food in Daniel 1. Meshach means guest of the king.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.1.6; also called Meshach at Dan.1.7; 2.49; 3.12,13,14,16,19,20,22,23,26,28,29,30; Aramaic of mi.sha.el (מִישָׁאֵל "Mishael" H4332I) § Meshach = "guest of the king" 1) the godly friend of Daniel who Nebuchadnezzar renamed Meshach; one of the three friends who with Daniel refused to make themselves unclean by eating food from the king's table which went against the dietary laws which God had given the Jews; also one of the three who were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a graven image of Nebuchadnezzar and who were saved by the angel of the Lord 1a) original name 'Mishael'
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Meshak. See also: Daniel 2:49; Daniel 3:20; Daniel 3:30.
Abed-Nego was a friend of Daniel, also known as Azariah, meaning 'servant of Nebo'. He was renamed by Nebuchadnezzar and stood with Daniel against unclean food.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.1.6; also called Abednego at Dan.2.49; 3.12,13,14,16,19,20,22,23,26,28,29,30; Aramaic of a.zar.yah (עֲזַרְיָה "Azariah" H5838Z) § Abed-nego = "servant of Nebo" 1) the godly friend of Daniel who Nebuchadnezzar renamed Abednego; one of the three friends who with Daniel refused to make themselves unclean by eating food from the king's table which went against the dietary laws which God had given the Jews; also one of the three who were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a graven image of Nebuchadnezzar and who were saved by the angel of the Lord 1a) also, 'Azariah' (H5838 or H5839)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Abed-nego. See also: Daniel 2:49; Daniel 3:20; Daniel 3:30.
Abed-Nego was a friend of Daniel, also known as Azariah, meaning 'servant of Nebo'. He was renamed by Nebuchadnezzar and stood with Daniel against unclean food.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.1.6; also called Abednego at Dan.2.49; 3.12,13,14,16,19,20,22,23,26,28,29,30; Aramaic of a.zar.yah (עֲזַרְיָה "Azariah" H5838Z) § Abed-nego = "servant of Nebo" 1) the godly friend of Daniel who Nebuchadnezzar renamed Abednego; one of the three friends who with Daniel refused to make themselves unclean by eating food from the king's table which went against the dietary laws which God had given the Jews; also one of the three who were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a graven image of Nebuchadnezzar and who were saved by the angel of the Lord 1a) also, 'Azariah' (H5838 or H5839)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Abed-nego. See also: Daniel 2:49; Daniel 3:20; Daniel 3:30.
This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.
Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.
Means 'not' or 'nothing', often used to show something is absent or non-existent, like in Genesis. It implies a simple or absolute negation. Used over 2000 times in the Bible.
Definition: no, not, nothing Aramaic of lo (לֹא "not" H3808)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: or even, neither, no(-ne, -r), (can-) not, as nothing, without. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 3:16; Jeremiah 10:11.
This Hebrew word is used to affirm existence, like saying there is something. It appears in conversations between God and people, like in Genesis. The KJV translates it as there is.
Definition: 1) there is, there are 2) particle denoting existence
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: art thou, can, do ye, have, it be, there is (are), [idiom] we will not. See also: Ezra 4:16; Daniel 3:14; Daniel 5:11.
To serve means to worship or pay reverence to someone or something, often used to describe ministering to God or others in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to serve, worship, revere, minister for, pay reverence to 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to pay reverence to 1a2) to serve
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: minister, serve. See also: Ezra 7:24; Daniel 3:28; Daniel 7:27.
In Aramaic, this word refers to an idol or image, emphasizing the idea of a false representation of God, as warned against in the Bible.
Definition: image, idol Aramaic of tse.lem (צֶ֫לֶם "image" H6754)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: form, image. See also: Daniel 2:31; Daniel 3:5; Daniel 3:19.
In the Bible, this word means gold, a valuable metal. It is often used to describe items made of gold, such as jewelry or decorations.
Definition: gold Aramaic of za.hav (זָהָב "gold" H2091)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en). See also: Ezra 5:14; Daniel 3:7; Daniel 5:29.
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
Qum means to establish or confirm something, like setting up a new system or lifting someone up to a position of power, as described in the books of Kings and Chronicles.
Definition: : establish/stand_firm/confirm/fulfill/fix 1) to arise, stand 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to arise from 1a2) to come on the scene (fig) 1a3) to arise (out of inaction) 1a4) to stand 1a5) to endure 1b) (Pael) to set up, establish 1c) (Aphel) 1c1) to set up 1c2) to lift up 1c3) to establish 1c4) to appoint 1d) (Hophal) to be made to stand
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: appoint, establish, make, raise up self, (a-) rise (up), (make to) stand, set (up). See also: Ezra 5:2; Daniel 4:14; Daniel 7:24.
Means 'not' or 'nothing', often used to show something is absent or non-existent, like in Genesis. It implies a simple or absolute negation. Used over 2000 times in the Bible.
Definition: no, not, nothing Aramaic of lo (לֹא "not" H3808)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: or even, neither, no(-ne, -r), (can-) not, as nothing, without. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 3:16; Jeremiah 10:11.
This word is similar to H5456, but it specifically means to worship or show homage to someone, often by bowing down. It's used in the Bible to describe worshiping God or idols. The concept is seen in the book of Daniel.
Definition: 1) to prostrate oneself, do homage, worship 1a) (P'al) to do homage
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: worship. See also: Daniel 2:46; Daniel 3:11; Daniel 3:28.
Context — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Accused
12But there are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who have ignored you, O king, and have refused to serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”
13Then Nebuchadnezzar, furious with rage, summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king,
14and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden statue I have set up?
15Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the statue I have made, very good. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?”
16Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Jeremiah 50:2 |
“Announce and declare to the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it; hold nothing back when you say, ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame; Marduk is shattered, her images are disgraced, her idols are broken in pieces.’ |
| 2 |
Daniel 3:1 |
King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. |
| 3 |
Isaiah 46:1 |
Bel crouches; Nebo cowers. Their idols weigh down beasts and cattle. The images you carry are burdensome, a load to the weary animal. |
| 4 |
Daniel 4:8 |
But at last, into my presence came Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods). And I told him the dream: |
| 5 |
Exodus 21:13–14 |
If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death. |
Daniel 3:14 Summary
[In this verse, King Nebuchadnezzar is asking Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego if they will worship his golden statue, which represents his power and authority. The three men have already refused to worship the statue, and the king wants to know why. This situation is similar to the one in Exodus 20:3-5, where the Israelites are commanded to worship only God. The king's question shows that he is trying to assert his control over the three men and their faith. As believers, we can learn from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's example to stand firm in our faith and trust in God's power to deliver us, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and 1 Peter 3:14-17.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Nebuchadnezzar ask Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego if they served his gods or worshiped the golden statue?
King Nebuchadnezzar asked this question because he was aware that the three men had refused to worship the statue, as reported by their accusers in Daniel 3:12, and he wanted to confirm their disobedience before taking action, as seen in Daniel 3:13-14.
What was the significance of the golden statue in this context?
The golden statue represented the king's authority and power, and worshiping it was a way of acknowledging his dominance, as stated in Daniel 3:15, similar to the way the Israelites were commanded to worship only God in Exodus 20:3-5.
How did the actions of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego reflect their faith in God?
By refusing to worship the golden statue, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrated their loyalty to God, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:13-14, and their trust in His power to deliver them, as expressed in Psalm 23:4.
What can we learn from the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to King Nebuchadnezzar's question?
We can learn about the importance of standing firm in our faith, even in the face of persecution or pressure to conform, as seen in Daniel 3:16-18 and 1 Peter 3:14-17.
Reflection Questions
- How would I respond if I were in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's position, facing pressure to worship a false god?
- What are some modern-day 'golden statues' that I may be tempted to worship, and how can I avoid idolatry in my own life?
- How can I cultivate the kind of faith and courage that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrated in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can stand firm in my faith, even when it's difficult or unpopular, and trust in God's power to deliver me?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 3:14
Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, is it true,.... What I have heard of you, what you are charged with and accused of; surely it cannot be; so Aben Ezra and Saadiah interpret the word as we do,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 3:14
Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Is it true? - rather, as margin.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 3:14
Now when these men were brought before the king, though in rage, yet he doth not presently throw them into the fire, but makes inquiry by interrogatories, that he might see first if they were guilty, by hearing them speak for themselves, and telling them he expected obedience and conformity to his laws from them, and it was in vain to look for any indulgence from him, he would bate them nothing, they should be burned. What! do ye make a jest of my gods, and my religion, and my commands? so the word tseda in the Syriac doth signify, to scoff or deride, as if he had said, Is it true indeed that ye refuse to worship my gods? do ye do it in earnest, or in jest? it seems by your carriage, if it be true what I hear of you, that ye slight my gods, and make a mock of my authority, but ye shall know there is no jesting with these edge-tools.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 3:14
Daniel 3:14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, [Is it] true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?Ver. 14. Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, &c., ] q.d., I can very hardly believe it. Certe tu non occidisti patrem; Sure thou didst not kill thy father! saith Augustus Caesar once to a parricide, whom he had in examination; and Suetonins saith that it was usual with him to examine malefactors in that way, as if he could not believe any such thing of them. Some render the text Num de industria aut certo consilio? Do ye this on set purpose to cross and provoke me? Others, as Montanus, Nunquid desolatio? q.d., What! you to oppose the command of a king? If this be suffered, what disorder, yea, desolation, must needs follow! Pride ever aggravateth anything done against its own mind. Tremel., Buxtorf.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 3:14
(14) Is it true?—Literally, Is it of design or of set purpose that you have done this?
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 3:14
14. Is it true] Probably this is right (cf. Theod. εἰἀληθῶς; Pesh. in truth), though it requires a slight change in the text (δΰζγΰ [see Daniel 2:5; Daniel 2:8] for δφγΰ). R.V. (with Ges.) of purpose (Hitz., Keil, of malicious purpose): upon this view the word would be a Hebraism[227], from the rare root found in 1 Samuel 24:11; Exodus 21:13; Numbers 35:20; Numbers 35:22[228]: this however rather means to lie in wait (see R.V. of the passages quoted), being used of one aiming at the life of another, and the word found here would not be derived correctly even from this verb. [227] The Syr. verb ẓ ?edβ with derivatives, cited by Ges. in his Thes., is not recognized by Payne Smith (who has only ẓ ?edad, from which the word found here could not be derived). [228] Levy, NHWB. iv. 170, quotes also three examples (in the sense of lying in wait, or capturing) from Talmud and Midrash (cf. Chald. Wφrterb. ii. 316).
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 3:14
Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true - Margin, “of purpose;” that is, have you done this intentionally?
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 3:14
13-15. See note, Daniel 3:5. “Infuriated with rage” (Greek version) against his proteges, the king gives the three Hebrews one more opportunity of saving their lives by excusing themselves for what
Sermons on Daniel 3:14
| Sermon | Description |
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(In the Word) 11 - the Mother of Harlots
by Milton Green
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than adhering to old traditions or wrong teachings. They urge listeners to listen to the e |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 13 - God's True Message
by Milton Green
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of the day of the Lord, where God will judge and punish all nations based on their actions. He warns that whatever one gives out |
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(Daniel) in the Furnace for God
by Willie Mullan
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Nebuchadnezzar and the three men who were thrown into the fiery furnace. He emphasizes the astonishment of the king when he sees |
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Daniel - the Lord in the Outworking of History
by William Fitch
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In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Daniel and its themes of God's sovereignty and the victory of faith. The sermon begins by discussing how Daniel and his friends |
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Shining Bright in Our Trials
by David Wilkerson
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David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord with joy and gladness, rooted in the assurance of His protection over His children. He illustrates how biblical figure |
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Epistle 239
by George Fox
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George Fox emphasizes the importance of patience and faith in Christ, the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world, as the source of victory over trials and tribulations |
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The Image of Gold
by Arno Clemens Gaebelein
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Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about Nebuchadnezzar's pride leading to idolatry and the deification of man, symbolizing the times of the Gentiles and foreshadowing the end times w |