Daniel 3:16

Daniel 3:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answering Nebuchadnezzar the king, said, There is no need for us to give you an answer to this question.

Free Bible Version FBV

“King Nebuchadnezzar, we don't need to defend ourselves before you over this,” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the King, O Nebuchad-nezzar, we are not carefull to answere thee in this matter.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego have answered, yea, they are saying to the king Nebuchadnezzar, 'We have no need concerning this matter to answer thee.

World English Bible WEB

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

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Sidrach, Misach, and Abdenago answered and said to king Nabuchodonosor: We have no occasion to answer thee concerning this matter.

Translation for Translators T4T

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend our actions to you in this matter.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 3:16

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Daniel 3:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB עֲנ֗וֹ שַׁדְרַ֤ךְ מֵישַׁךְ֙ וַ/עֲבֵ֣ד נְג֔וֹ וְ/אָמְרִ֖ין לְ/מַלְכָּ֑/א נְבֽוּכַדְנֶצַּ֔ר לָֽא חַשְׁחִ֨ין אֲנַ֧חְנָה עַל דְּנָ֛ה פִּתְגָ֖ם לַ/הֲתָבוּתָֽ/ךְ

עֲנ֗וֹ ʻănâh H6032 to answer Adj

שַׁדְרַ֤ךְ Shadrak H7715 Shadrach Adj

מֵישַׁךְ֙ Mêyshak H4336 Meshach Adj

וַ/עֲבֵ֣ד ʻĂbêd Nᵉgôwʼ H5665 Abednego Adj | N-proper

נְג֔וֹ ʻĂbêd Nᵉgôwʼ H5665 Abednego Adj

וְ/אָמְרִ֖ין ʼămar H560 to say Adj | V-Qal

לְ/מַלְכָּ֑/א melek H4430 king Adj | N-ms | Art

נְבֽוּכַדְנֶצַּ֔ר Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar H5020 Nebuchadnezzar Adj

לָֽא lâʼ H3809 not Adj

חַשְׁחִ֨ין chăshach H2818 to need Adj

אֲנַ֧חְנָה ʼănachnâʼ H586 we Adj

עַל ʻal H5922 since Adj

דְּנָ֛ה dên H1836 this Adj

פִּתְגָ֖ם pithgâm H6600 edict Adj

לַ/הֲתָבוּתָֽ/ךְ tûwb H8421 to return Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 3:16

עֲנ֗וֹ ʻănâh H6032 "to answer" Adj

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.

שַׁדְרַ֤ךְ Shadrak H7715 "Shadrach" Adj

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.

מֵישַׁךְ֙ Mêyshak H4336 "Meshach" Adj

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.

וַ/עֲבֵ֣ד ʻĂbêd Nᵉgôwʼ H5665 "Abednego" Adj | N-proper

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.

נְג֔וֹ ʻĂbêd Nᵉgôwʼ H5665 "Abednego" Adj

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.

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Abed-nego. See also: Daniel 2:49; Daniel 3:20; Daniel 3:30.

וְ/אָמְרִ֖ין ʼămar H560 "to say" Adj | V-Qal

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.

לְ/מַלְכָּ֑/א melek H4430 "king" Adj | N-ms | Art

Melek means king, referring to a ruler or monarch, used in the Bible to describe kings like David and Solomon. It is translated as king or royal in the KJV.

Definition: king Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428) § 1) king

Usage: Occurs in 131 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 7:24.

נְבֽוּכַדְנֶצַּ֔ר Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar H5020 "Nebuchadnezzar" Adj

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.

לָֽא lâʼ H3809 "not" Adj

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.

חַשְׁחִ֨ין chăshach H2818 "to need" Adj

This word means necessity or need, and is used in the Bible to describe something that is required or essential, as seen in the book of Proverbs. It can also mean to be careful or have need of something.

Definition: verb (P'al) to need, have need

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: careful, have need of. See also: Ezra 6:9; Daniel 3:16.

אֲנַ֧חְנָה ʼănachnâʼ H586 "we" Adj

The Hebrew word for 'we' is used to refer to a group of people, including the speaker. It appears in the book of Daniel and Ezra, where it is used to express collective actions or thoughts. The word is also used in Aramaic.

Definition: we (first pers. pl.) Aramaic of a.nach.nu (אֲנַ֫חְנוּ "we" H0587)

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: we. See also: Ezra 4:16; Daniel 3:16; Daniel 3:17.

עַל ʻal H5922 "since" Adj

Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.

Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)

Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.

דְּנָ֛ה dên H1836 "this" Adj

This Hebrew word means 'this' or 'therefore' and is used to point to something specific. It is often used in the Bible to connect ideas or explain a reason.

Definition: demons pron 1) this, on account of this adv 2) therefore

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (afore-) time, [phrase] after this manner, here (-after), one...another, such, there(-fore), these, this (matter), [phrase] thus, where(-fore), which. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 2:29; Jeremiah 10:11.

פִּתְגָ֖ם pithgâm H6600 "edict" Adj

A pithgam is a command or decree, like a letter or official word from someone in authority.

Definition: 1) command, work, affair, decree 1a) word, report 1b) decree

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: answer, letter, matter, word. See also: Ezra 4:17; Ezra 6:11; Daniel 4:14.

לַ/הֲתָבוּתָֽ/ךְ tûwb H8421 "to return" Adj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

This Hebrew word means to return or reply, often used to describe giving an answer. It appears in various forms, including restore and return. In the Bible, it is used in Genesis and other books.

Definition: : reply 1) to return, come back 1a) (P'al) to return, come back 1b) (Aphel) 1b1) to restore, give back, answer 1b2) to return

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: answer, restore, return (an answer). See also: Ezra 5:5; Daniel 2:14; Daniel 4:33.

Study Notes — Daniel 3:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Daniel 3:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 3:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 3:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 3:16
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 3:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 3:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 3:16
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 3:16
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 3:16
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 3:16
Sermons on Daniel 3:16

Context — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Accused

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.

17If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. 18But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Daniel 1:7	The chief official gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
2	Daniel 3:12	But 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.”

Daniel 3:16 Summary

This verse shows us that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were very confident in their faith and did not feel the need to explain themselves to King Nebuchadnezzar. They knew that God was with them and would take care of them, no matter what happened, as seen in Romans 8:28. They were willing to trust in God's power and deliverance, even if it meant facing death, similar to the faith of Stephen in Acts 7:59-60. This verse teaches us to have faith and trust in God, even when things seem impossible, and to remember that God is always with us, as promised in Matthew 28:20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to answer King Nebuchadnezzar's question?

They refused to answer because they knew that their faith in the one true God would be sufficient to deliver them, as seen in Daniel 3:17, and they did not need to justify their actions to the king, trusting in God's sovereignty as stated in Psalm 115:3.

What can we learn from the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in this verse?

We can learn the importance of standing firm in our faith, even in the face of persecution, just like the apostles in Acts 5:29, and trusting in God's power to deliver us, as seen in 2 Timothy 4:17-18.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of faith and obedience in the book of Daniel?

This verse highlights the theme of faith and obedience, as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrate unwavering commitment to their faith, even when faced with death, similar to the faith of Daniel in Daniel 6:10, and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty as seen in Isaiah 46:10.

What does this verse teach us about the nature of God and His relationship with His people?

This verse teaches us that God is a God of deliverance and faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6, and that He is always with His people, even in times of persecution and trial, as stated in Hebrews 13:5-6.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am being called to stand firm in my faith, even if it means facing opposition or persecution?
How can I, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, trust in God's sovereignty and power to deliver me in times of trouble?
What are some ways that I can demonstrate my commitment to my faith, even when it is difficult or unpopular, like the early church in Acts 4:29-31?
How can I, in my daily life, reflect the courage and conviction of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as seen in Daniel 3:16-18?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 3:16

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king,.... In a mild and gentle manner, without affronting his majesty, or insulting his gods, and yet without the least degree of servile

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 3:16

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 3:16

Heb. We care not, we may not, there is no need of any answer in this case, for it is in vain for us to deliberate and debate the matter; the king is resolved to have his will of us, and we are resolved on the contrary; for to obey him in this horrid thing will be disobedience against our God to the highest.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 3:16

Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we [are] not careful to answer thee in this matter.Ver. 16. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered.] With a heroic faith and well knit resolution. A sound faith and a clear conscience, saith one, are able by their native puissance to pull the very heart, as it were, out of hell, and with confidence and conquest to look even death and the devil in the face. We are not careful to answer thee.] The saint hath a quietus est rest that supersedeth all his cares. Some render it non necesse habemus. As the king would admit no discussing his decree, but would have it absolutely obeyed, so they were at a point never to do it, nor to be removed from their religion. The heavens shall sooner fall, said that martyr, than I will start or stir an inch from what I have professed. With the like undaunted courage answered Cyprian the proconsul; Basil, the Arian emperor Valens; Dr Taylor, Stephen Gardiner; Mr Hawkes, bloody Bonner. A fagot will make you believe the sacrament of the altar, said Bonner. No, no, answered Hawkes, a point for your fagot. What God thinks meet to be done, that shall ye do, and no more. “ Paenae sunt pennae queis super astra vehor. ” Acts and Mon., 1445.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 3:16

(16) O Nebuchadnezzar.—They mention the king by name, so as to make their address correspond with his (Daniel 3:14). His attention would in this way be directed to the strong antithesis between his statement (Daniel 3:15) and theirs (Daniel 3:17). Great though the distinction was between king and subject in such a country as Babylon, yet that distinction was lost when any collision occurred between duty to Jehovah and obedience to a royal edict. We are not careful.—More correctly, as translated by Theodotion, We have no need—i.e., it is needless for us to give any reply.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 3:16

Verse 16. We are not careful] We have no need to put thee to any farther trouble; we have made up our minds on this subject, and have our answer ready: Be it known unto thee, WE WILL NOT SERVE THY GODS. This was as honest as it was decisive.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 3:16

16. are not careful] have no need (R.V.).

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 3:16

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king - They appear to have answered promptly, and without hesitation, showing that they had carefully considered the subject, and that with

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 3:16

16-18. In answer to the king’s remark concerning Jehovah the Hebrews replied: “We have no need to answer thee a word in this matter.

Sermons on Daniel 3:16

	Sermon	Description
	But Suppose God Doesn't Do It by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights how their faith in God allowed them to be delivered from
	I Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's presence, sovereignty, and love. He encourages the audience to have a quiet heart and not rush after thei
	(Mount Vernon) Daniel by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a wise and righteous life. He uses the example of a man who behaved wisely because of God's presence with him. The s
	Guarding the Sheep by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker identifies himself as a watchman called by God to warn the Church of Jesus Christ. He expresses his concern about the prosperity gospel and the false te
	Daniel, a Role Model by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution. He references the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego f
	2) Ministry From Spring Harvest - Chapter 3 by George Verwer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He emphasizes that God sometimes chooses to deliver his people from dif
	A Story Within a Story by Dennis Kinlaw	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the brutal and violent realities of the world we live in, including the rape and murder of innocent people. He shares a story of a girl who wa