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Daniel 3:20

Daniel 3:20 in Multiple Translations

and 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.

And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

And he commanded certain mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

And he gave orders to certain strong men in his army to put cords on Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego and put them into the burning and flaming fire.

Then he commanded some of his strongest soldiers, “Tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the furnace of blazing fire!”

And hee charged the most valiant men of warre that were in his armie, to binde Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the hote fierie fornace.

and to certain mighty men who [are] in his force he hath said to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, to cast into the burning fiery furnace.

He commanded certain mighty men who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

And he commanded the strongest men that were in his army, to bind the feet of Sidrach, Misach, and Abdenago, and to cast them into the furnace of burning fire.

After that was done, he commanded some of the very strong men of his army to tie Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and then to throw them into the blazing furnace.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 3:20

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 3:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/לְ/גֻבְרִ֤ין גִּבָּֽרֵי חַ֨יִל֙ דִּ֣י בְ/חַיְלֵ֔/הּ אֲמַר֙ לְ/כַפָּתָ֔ה לְ/שַׁדְרַ֥ךְ מֵישַׁ֖ךְ וַ/עֲבֵ֣ד נְג֑וֹ לְ/מִרְמֵ֕א לְ/אַתּ֥וּן נוּרָ֖/א יָקִֽדְתָּֽ/א
וּ/לְ/גֻבְרִ֤ין gᵉbar H1400 man Adj | Prep | N-mp
גִּבָּֽרֵי gibbâr H1401 mighty Adj
חַ֨יִל֙ chayil H2429 strength Adj
דִּ֣י dîy H1768 that Adj
בְ/חַיְלֵ֔/הּ chayil H2429 strength Adj | N-ms | Suff
אֲמַר֙ ʼămar H560 to say Adj
לְ/כַפָּתָ֔ה kᵉphath H3729 to bind Adj | V-Piel-Inf-a
לְ/שַׁדְרַ֥ךְ Shadrak H7715 Shadrach Adj | N-proper
מֵישַׁ֖ךְ Mêyshak H4336 Meshach Adj
וַ/עֲבֵ֣ד ʻĂbêd Nᵉgôwʼ H5665 Abednego Adj | N-proper
נְג֑וֹ ʻĂbêd Nᵉgôwʼ H5665 Abednego Adj
לְ/מִרְמֵ֕א rᵉmâh H7412 to cast Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a
לְ/אַתּ֥וּן ʼattûwn H861 furnace Adj | N-ms
נוּרָ֖/א nûwr H5135 fire Adj | Art
יָקִֽדְתָּֽ/א yᵉqad H3345 to burn Adj | Art
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 3:20

וּ/לְ/גֻבְרִ֤ין gᵉbar H1400 "man" Adj | Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for a person, often translated as 'man' or 'certain one', appears in various contexts, including the book of Daniel. It refers to a human being, male or female. This term is used to describe an individual.
Definition: a man, a certain (one) Aramaic of ge.ver (גֶּ֫בֶר "great man" H1397)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: certain, man. See also: Ezra 4:21; Daniel 3:22; Daniel 6:25.
גִּבָּֽרֵי gibbâr H1401 "mighty" Adj
This word means 'mighty' or 'valiant', describing a strong and powerful person, often a warrior. It is used to describe great men in the Bible, like King David's mighty men. The term conveys strength and courage.
Definition: mighty one, might Aramaic of ge.ver (גֶּ֫בֶר "great man" H1397)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: mighty. See also: Daniel 3:20.
חַ֨יִל֙ chayil H2429 "strength" Adj
This word also means strength or power, often referring to a large army or force. It's used in the Bible to describe the might of God or a powerful nation, as seen in Psalm 68:35.
Definition: 1) strength, army, power 1a) power 1b) force, army
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: aloud, army, [idiom] most (mighty), power. See also: Ezra 4:23; Daniel 4:11; Daniel 5:7.
דִּ֣י 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.
בְ/חַיְלֵ֔/הּ chayil H2429 "strength" Adj | N-ms | Suff
This word also means strength or power, often referring to a large army or force. It's used in the Bible to describe the might of God or a powerful nation, as seen in Psalm 68:35.
Definition: 1) strength, army, power 1a) power 1b) force, army
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: aloud, army, [idiom] most (mighty), power. See also: Ezra 4:23; Daniel 4:11; Daniel 5:7.
אֲמַר֙ ʼămar H560 "to say" Adj
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/כַפָּתָ֔ה kᵉphath H3729 "to bind" Adj | V-Piel-Inf-a
To bind or fetter, meaning to tie someone up. In the Bible, it can mean to restrict or limit someone's freedom, as seen in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to bind 1a) (P'il) to be bound 1b) (Pael) to bind
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bind. See also: Daniel 3:20; Daniel 3:23; Daniel 3:24.
לְ/שַׁדְרַ֥ךְ Shadrak H7715 "Shadrach" Adj | N-proper
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.
מֵישַׁ֖ךְ 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.
נְג֑וֹ 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.
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.
לְ/מִרְמֵ֕א rᵉmâh H7412 "to cast" Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a
To throw or cast something, like an object or a tribute, and to set or assess something. The word is used in the Bible to describe physical actions. It is translated as cast or impose in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to cast, throw 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to cast 1a2) to throw 1a2a) of tribute (fig) 1b) (Peil) 1b1) to be cast 1b2) to be placed, be set 1c) (Ithp'el) to be cast
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: cast (down), impose. See also: Ezra 7:24; Daniel 3:24; Daniel 7:9.
לְ/אַתּ֥וּן ʼattûwn H861 "furnace" Adj | N-ms
This word refers to a furnace or fireplace, often used for melting or burning. In the Bible, it describes a place of intense heat or fire, like a furnace used for refining metals. It is translated as furnace in the KJV.
Definition: furnace
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: furnace. See also: Daniel 3:6; Daniel 3:20; Daniel 3:26.
נוּרָ֖/א nûwr H5135 "fire" Adj | Art
This Hebrew word simply means fire, describing flames or something fiery. It's used in various KJV translations to convey the idea of heat, light, or passion, and is a fundamental element in the biblical world.
Definition: fire
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: fiery, fire. See also: Daniel 3:6; Daniel 3:23; Daniel 7:10.
יָקִֽדְתָּֽ/א yᵉqad H3345 "to burn" Adj | Art
This Hebrew word means to burn, like a fire. It's used to describe something on fire. In the Bible, it's used in the book of Exodus to describe the burning bush.
Definition: (P'al) to burn Aramaic of ya.qad (יָקַד "to burn" H3344)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: burning. See also: Daniel 3:6; Daniel 3:20; Daniel 3:26.

Study Notes — Daniel 3:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 16:23 And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely.
2 Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
3 Daniel 3:15 Now, if you are ready, as soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the statue I have made. 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?”
4 Acts 12:4–5 He arrested him and put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him.

Daniel 3:20 Summary

In this verse, we see Nebuchadnezzar's anger and pride as he commands his mighty men to throw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fiery furnace because they refused to worship his statue. This event shows us that standing up for our faith can be difficult and may lead to persecution, but as seen in Daniel 3:25 and Isaiah 43:2, God is always with us and will deliver us. We can learn from the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to trust in God's power and sovereignty, even in the face of extreme challenges. By trusting in God, we can have the courage to stand firm in our faith, just like these three Hebrews, and trust that God will work everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Nebuchadnezzar command his mighty men to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?

Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage towards Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego because they refused to worship his golden statue, as seen in Daniel 3:18, and he wanted to make an example of them, demonstrating his power and authority.

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

The faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of extreme persecution, as they declared in Daniel 3:18, and to be willing to suffer for our faith, as seen in Daniel 3:20.

How does this verse relate to the concept of suffering for one's faith?

This verse illustrates the extreme measures that believers may face when standing up for their faith, as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace, but it also points to the promise of God's deliverance, as seen in Daniel 3:25 and Isaiah 43:2.

What can we infer about Nebuchadnezzar's character from his actions in this verse?

Nebuchadnezzar's actions in this verse reveal his pride, anger, and desire for control, as he seeks to punish Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for their refusal to worship his statue, but ultimately, his actions will be used by God to demonstrate His power and glory, as seen in Daniel 3:24-25 and Proverbs 21:1.

Reflection Questions

  1. How would I respond if faced with a similar situation, where I had to choose between obeying God or obeying a worldly authority?
  2. What are some areas in my life where I may be compromising my faith, and how can I stand firm like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?
  3. How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with uncertain or difficult circumstances, like the three Hebrews in this verse?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the importance of standing up for my faith, even if it means facing persecution or ridicule, and how can I apply this to my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 3:20

And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army,.... The most famous for courage of mind, and strength of body, that were in all his army: to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego either

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 3:20

And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 3:20

Did he think these three men would have resisted, or that their God would defend them from his power, or that, if he had, the king and his mighty men could have prevailed? None of all this was in the case, for God purposed to show his power when the king did his worst, and to quench the violence of the fire, both of the furnace and of the king’ s fury, at once; and in the thing wherein he dealt proudly, to be above him.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 3:20

Daniel 3:20 And he commanded the most mighty men that [were] in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, [and] to cast [them] into the burning fiery furnace.Ver. 20. And he commanded the most mighty men.] That they might be the more strongly bound, and no resistance made.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 3:20

(20) The most mighty men.—He selected these as being the most likely to be able to bear the unusual heat of the fire. Whether he had any expectation that some attempt at a rescue would be made does not appear. We may gather, however, that the army was present at this horrible tragedy.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 3:20

Verse 20. The most mighty men] The generals, or chief officers of his army; not strong men, there was no need of such.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 3:20

20. the most] certain (lit. men: cf. in Heb. Deuteronomy 13:13 (14); Judges 19:22; 1 Kings 11:17).

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 3:20

And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army - Margin, “mighty of strength.” Chaldee, “And to mighty men, mighty men of strength who were in his army, he said.” He employed the

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 3:20

20. This choice of executioners was made in order to add impressiveness to this public warning against disobedience to the king and disrespect to the national gods.

Sermons on Daniel 3:20

SermonDescription
Erlo Stegen Jesus' Victory Over the Powers of Darkness by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of their transformation from being involved in witchcraft to becoming a believer in God. They describe a powerful encounter
T. Austin-Sparks Unsearchable Riches of Christ - Part 6 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Peter's imprisonment and miraculous escape as an example of how God's glory is revealed in times of tribulation and suffering. T
Erlo Stegen Let God Rule Supreme by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being wise and sober-minded, as fools are prone to error and downfall. The preacher also highlights the significance of ha
Chuck Smith A Thankful Heart by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances. He shares stories from the Bible, such as Paul and Silas praising God in prison
Rolfe Barnard Three Ways a Sovereign God Saves by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man named Sandworld who is seeking salvation. Sandworld meets two Christian men who guide him in prayer and witnessing. Through t
Art Katz Fren-12 Fondements Apostoliques - Confrontation by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a moment when he felt hopeless and tired while addressing an audience. He emphasizes the importance of trusting God in such moments, as ever
Carter Conlon Thoughts on Faith and Prayer by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Paul and Silas in Acts chapter 16. Despite being arrested, beaten, and thrown into prison, Paul and Silas continue to praise and

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