Daniel 3:18
Daniel 3:18 in Multiple Translations
But 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.”
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
But if not, be certain, O King, that we will not be the servants of your gods, or give worship to the image of gold which you have put up.
But even if he does not, Your Majesty needs to know that we would never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
But if not, bee it knowen to thee, O King, that wee will not serue thy gods, nor worship the golden image, which thou hast set vp.
And lo — not! be it known to thee, O king, that thy gods we are not serving, and to the golden image thou hast raised up we do no obeisance.'
But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.”
But if not, be it known to thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
But if he will not, be it known to thee, O king, that we will not worship thy gods, nor adore the golden statue which thou hast set up.
But even if he does not rescue us, you need to know that we will never worship your gods or the gold statue that you have set up.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 3:18
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 3:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֵ֣ן
לָ֔א
יְדִ֥יעַ
לֶהֱוֵא
לָ֖/ךְ
מַלְכָּ֑/א
דִּ֤י
ל/אלהי/ך
לֵֽ/אלָהָ/ךְ֙
לָא
איתי/נא
אִיתַ֣/נָא
פָֽלְחִ֔ין
וּ/לְ/צֶ֧לֶם
דַּהֲבָ֛/א
דִּ֥י
הֲקֵ֖ימְתָּ
לָ֥א
נִסְגֻּֽד
וְ/הֵ֣ן
hên
H2006
if
Adj | Conj
לָ֔א
lâʼ
H3809
not
Adj
יְדִ֥יעַ
yᵉdaʻ
H3046
to know
Adj
לֶהֱוֵא
hâvâʼ
H1934
to be
Adj
לָ֖/ךְ
Adj | Suff
מַלְכָּ֑/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
דִּ֤י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
ל/אלהי/ך
ʼĕlâhh
H426
god
Adj | N-mp | Suff
לֵֽ/אלָהָ/ךְ֙
ʼĕlâhh
H426
god
Adj | N-ms | Suff
לָא
lâʼ
H3809
not
Adj
איתי/נא
ʼîythay
H383
there is
Adj | Suff
אִיתַ֣/נָא
ʼîythay
H383
there is
Adj | Suff
פָֽלְחִ֔ין
pᵉlach
H6399
to serve
Adj
וּ/לְ/צֶ֧לֶם
tselem
H6755
image
Adj | Prep | N-ms
דַּהֲבָ֛/א
dᵉhab
H1722
gold
Adj | Art
דִּ֥י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
הֲקֵ֖ימְתָּ
qûwm
H6966
to stand
Adj
לָ֥א
lâʼ
H3809
not
Adj
נִסְגֻּֽד
çᵉgid
H5457
to do homage
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 3:18
וְ/הֵ֣ן
hên
H2006
"if"
Adj | Conj
A Hebrew word meaning therefore or if, used to show cause and effect, as seen in the book of Daniel. It can also be used to ask a question or show uncertainty.
Definition: behold, if, whether Aramaic of hen (הֵן "look!" H2005)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: (that) if, or, whether. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 2:9; Daniel 5:16.
לָ֔א
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.
יְדִ֥יעַ
yᵉdaʻ
H3046
"to know"
Adj
To know in Hebrew can also mean to let someone know or communicate, and is used in different forms, such as to certify, inform, or teach, in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (P'al) to know 1b) (Aphel) to let someone know, communicate, inform, cause to know
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: certify, know, make known, teach. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 2:30; Daniel 7:16.
לֶהֱוֵא
hâvâʼ
H1934
"to be"
Adj
Similar to H1933, this word means 'to be' or 'to exist', but with a broader range of applications, as seen in Daniel and Ezra. It can describe something coming to pass or becoming known.
Definition: 1) to come to pass, become, be 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to come to pass 1a2) to come into being, arise, become, come to be 1a2a) to let become known (with participle of knowing) 1a3) to be
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: be, become, [phrase] behold, [phrase] came (to pass), [phrase] cease, [phrase] cleave, [phrase] consider, [phrase] do, [phrase] give, [phrase] have, [phrase] judge, [phrase] keep, [phrase] labour, [phrase] mingle (self), [phrase] put, [phrase] see, [phrase] seek, [phrase] set, [phrase] slay, [phrase] take heed, tremble, [phrase] walk, [phrase] would. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 4:1; Daniel 7:23.
לָ֖/ךְ
""
Adj | Suff
מַלְכָּ֑/א
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj | 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.
דִּ֤י
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
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.
ל/אלהי/ך
ʼĕlâhh
H426
"god"
Adj | N-mp | Suff
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.
לֵֽ/אלָהָ/ךְ֙
ʼĕlâhh
H426
"god"
Adj | N-ms | Suff
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.
לָא
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.
איתי/נא
ʼîythay
H383
"there is"
Adj | Suff
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.
אִיתַ֣/נָא
ʼîythay
H383
"there is"
Adj | Suff
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.
פָֽלְחִ֔ין
pᵉlach
H6399
"to serve"
Adj
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.
וּ/לְ/צֶ֧לֶם
tselem
H6755
"image"
Adj | Prep | N-ms
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.
דַּהֲבָ֛/א
dᵉhab
H1722
"gold"
Adj | Art
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.
דִּ֥י
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
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.
הֲקֵ֖ימְתָּ
qûwm
H6966
"to stand"
Adj
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.
לָ֥א
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.
נִסְגֻּֽד
çᵉgid
H5457
"to do homage"
Adj
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.
Study Notes — Daniel 3:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 3:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 3:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 3:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 3:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 3:18
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 3:18
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 3:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 3:18
- Sermons on Daniel 3:18
Context — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Accused
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.”
19At this, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual, 20and he commanded some mighty men of valor in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing fiery furnace.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 5:29–32 | But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior, in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” |
| 2 | Matthew 10:39 | Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. |
| 3 | Revelation 2:10–11 | Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death. |
| 4 | Matthew 10:32–33 | Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven. |
| 5 | Luke 12:3–9 | What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops. I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. I tell you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will also confess him before the angels of God. But whoever denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. |
| 6 | Proverbs 28:1 | The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. |
| 7 | Isaiah 51:12–13 | “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You live in terror all day long because of the fury of the oppressor who is bent on destruction. But where is the fury of the oppressor? |
| 8 | Revelation 12:11 | They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death. |
| 9 | Daniel 3:28 | Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. |
| 10 | Joshua 24:15 | But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” |
Daniel 3:18 Summary
[This verse shows that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted God completely, even if He didn't rescue them from the furnace. They knew that God is sovereign, just like it says in Psalm 115:3, and that He can do whatever He wants. They were willing to die rather than worship a false god, which is a powerful example of faith and conviction. We can learn from their example by standing firm in our own faith, even when it's hard, and trusting in God's goodness and love, as seen in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to say 'even if He does not' in Daniel 3:18?
This phrase shows the men's unwavering trust in God, even if He chooses not to deliver them from the furnace, similar to Job's declaration in Job 13:15, where he says 'Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.'
Why did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the golden statue?
They refused to worship the statue because it went against the first commandment in Exodus 20:3, which states 'You shall have no other gods before Me.'
How can we apply the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to our own lives?
We can apply their faith by standing firm in our convictions, just like they did, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to 'trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.'
What can we learn from the response of Nebuchadnezzar in the following verses?
Nebuchadnezzar's rage in Daniel 3:19 shows the intense opposition that can come when we stand up for our faith, but as seen in Acts 5:29, we are called to 'obey God rather than men.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am being called to stand firm in my faith, even if it's difficult?
- How can I demonstrate the same level of trust in God's sovereignty as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did in this verse?
- What are some 'golden statues' in my life that I may be tempted to worship, and how can I avoid idolatry?
- In what ways can I show courage and conviction in the face of opposition, just like these three men did before King Nebuchadnezzar?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 3:18
But if not,.... If our God does not think fit to exert his power, and deliver us, which we are well assured he is able to do; if it is not his will, we are content, we are resigned unto it: be it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 3:18
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. But if not ... - connected with Daniel 3:18.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 3:18
They add this, But if not, to show they did not presume to tie God to this deliverance absolutely, for God is arbitrary, and knows how to deliver, and sometimes to suffer his saints to glorify him by suffering. It was therefore all one to them, which way of the two God would honour himself, they were resolved to venture suffering rather than sinning, and leave the cause to God.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 3:18
Daniel 3:18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.Ver. 18. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, &c.] We should not condition with God, but commit ourselves unto him in well doing, as unto a faithful creator, being unchangeably resolved rather to embrace fire than to resist light. Thus did all the noble army of martyrs, besides many worthy confessors, such as were the Prince of Conde at the same massacre of Paris, who would not redeem his life or liberty by going once to mass; John Frederick, prince elector of Saxony, to whom, when Charles V, whose prisoner he then was, offered to enlarge him, and to restore him to his former dignity, if he would but only assent to the "Interim mystical" doctrine, as they then called it, he absolutely refused; George, Marquis of Brandenburg, likewise about the same time, professed openly at an imperial diet held at Augsburg, Malle se, flexis ibi coram Caesarea maiestate genibus, spiculatori cervicem feriendam statim praebere, quam Deum et evangelium ipsius abnegare, i.e., That he had rather hold out his neck to be cut off by the headsman before the emperor than deny Christ and his gospel. At ego Chrysostomum secutus, said Calvin, when he was pressed to administer the Lord’ s Supper to some notorious offenders, after the example of Chrysostom; I will die rather than do it. Louis the French king being taken prisoner by Melechsala the sultan, conditions of peace being concluded between them, for more assurance thereof the sultan offered to swear that if he failed in performance, to renounce his Mohammed; requiring likewise the king to swear that if he failed, to deny his Christ to be God. Which profane oath the king detesting, and wishing rather to die than to give the same, the sultan, wondering at his constance, took his word without any oath at all, and so published the league. Bucholc., Chron. Scultet., Annal. Melch. Adam.
Turkish History.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 3:18
18. But even if He cannot, or will not, do this, still we can never fall down and worship thy gods. The three men shew the same courage, the same unflinching determination not to compromise their faith, which were shewn by the loyal Jews in the age of the Maccabees (1Ma 1:62-63; 2Ma 6:18 ff., 2Ma 6:7 &c.).
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 3:18
But if not - That is, “if he should “not” deliver us; if it should “not” occur that he would protect us, and save us from that heated oven: whatever may be the result in regard to us, our
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 3:18
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 3:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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The Knowledge of God by Robert Constable | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not just passively listening to sermons, but actively applying the teachings of God to our lives. The speaker encourages tr |
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Study in Daniel 3 Daniel-3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights the moment when King Nebuchadnezzar sees a fourth man in |
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Daniel - God Delivers His Servants by William Fitch | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and walking in His ways. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is used as an example of unwavering |
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Homily 33 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of emulating the faith and endurance of biblical figures like Job, the apostles, and the three children in the fiery furnace. He emphasiz |
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The Calling of God by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker tells a parable about a master who returns to his estate and rewards his servants based on their faithfulness and diligence. The master is pleased with |
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(First Baptist Church) #4 - the Welsh Revival of 1904-05 by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the impact of a revival on the community and the role of the police during this time. The speaker shares that before the revival, t |