Daniel 3:8
Daniel 3:8 in Multiple Translations
At this time some astrologers came forward and maliciously accused the Jews,
¶ Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.
Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and brought accusation against the Jews.
At that time certain Chaldaeans came near and made a statement against the Jews.
Right then some of the astrologers came forward and made accusations against the Jews.
By reason whereof at that same time came men of the Caldeans, and grieuously accused the Iewes.
Therefore at that time drawn near have certain Chaldeans, and accused the Jews;
Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near and brought accusation against the Jews.
Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.
And presently at that very time some Chaldeans came and accused the Jews,
But some of the men who studied the stars went to the king.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 3:8
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 3:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּ/ל
קֳבֵ֤ל
דְּנָה֙
בֵּ/הּ
זִמְנָ֔/א
קְרִ֖בוּ
גֻּבְרִ֣ין
כַּשְׂדָּאִ֑ין
וַ/אֲכַ֥לוּ
קַרְצֵי/ה֖וֹן
דִּ֥י
יְהוּדָיֵֽ/א
כָּ/ל
kôl
H3606
all
Adj | Conj
קֳבֵ֤ל
qᵉbêl
H6903
before
Adj
דְּנָה֙
dên
H1836
this
Adj
בֵּ/הּ
Adj | Suff
זִמְנָ֔/א
zᵉmân
H2166
time
Adj | Art
קְרִ֖בוּ
qᵉrêb
H7127
to approach
Adj
גֻּבְרִ֣ין
gᵉbar
H1400
man
Adj
כַּשְׂדָּאִ֑ין
Kasday
H3779
Chaldean
Adj
וַ/אֲכַ֥לוּ
ʼăkal
H399
to devour
Adj | V-Qal-Perf-3mp
קַרְצֵי/ה֖וֹן
qᵉrats
H7170
charges
Adj | Suff
דִּ֥י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
יְהוּדָיֵֽ/א
Yᵉhûwdâʼîy
H3062
Jew
Adj | Art
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 3:8
כָּ/ל
kôl
H3606
"all"
Adj | Conj
The Hebrew word for all or everything, used in the Bible to describe the entirety of something, like all people or all things. It appears in Genesis and Psalms to emphasize God's power over everything. This word is often translated as 'all' or 'every' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) all, whole, the whole 1a) the whole of, all 1b) every, any, none
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: all, any, + (forasmuch) as, + be-(for this) cause, every, + no (manner, -ne), + there (where) -fore, + though, what (where, who) -soever, (the) whole. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:29; Daniel 7:27.
קֳבֵ֤ל
qᵉbêl
H6903
"before"
Adj
This Hebrew word is used to describe something that is in front of or before something else. It can also mean because of or on account of something. The word is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: subst 1) front prep 2) in front of, before, because of, in view of, by reason of, because of this, therefore conj 3) because that, inasmuch as, although, according as, before adv 4) accordingly, then
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] according to, [phrase] as, [phrase] because, before, [phrase] for this cause, [phrase] forasmuch as, [phrase] by this means, over against, by reason of, [phrase] that, [phrase] therefore, [phrase] though, [phrase] wherefore. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:7; Daniel 6:23.
דְּנָה֙
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.
בֵּ/הּ
""
Adj | Suff
זִמְנָ֔/א
zᵉmân
H2166
"time"
Adj | Art
In the Bible, this word means a set time or season, like a scheduled event. It appears in books like Daniel and Ezra, referring to appointed times for festivals or ceremonies. This concept is key to understanding biblical timing.
Definition: a set time, time, season Aramaic of ze.man (זְמָ֑ן "time" H2165)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: season, time. See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 4:33; Daniel 7:25.
קְרִ֖בוּ
qᵉrêb
H7127
"to approach"
Adj
To approach or draw near to someone or something, often in a physical or spiritual sense, as seen in Psalm 119:151 where the psalmist draws near to God's commandments. This word can also mean to offer or present something to someone.
Definition: 1) to approach, come near 1a) (P'al) to approach 1b) (Pael) to offer, draw near 1c) (Aphel) to be summoned
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: approach, come (near, nigh), draw near. See also: Ezra 6:10; Daniel 3:26; Daniel 7:16.
גֻּבְרִ֣ין
gᵉbar
H1400
"man"
Adj
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.
כַּשְׂדָּאִ֑ין
Kasday
H3779
"Chaldean"
Adj
A Chaldean is a person from Chaldea, skilled in astrology and wisdom, like those in Daniel 2:2. They were known for their knowledge and magical practices. The term is used in Ezekiel 23:14-15.
Definition: Group of kas.di (כַּשְׂדִּים "Chaldea" H3778) § Chaldean = "clod breakers" 1) a territory in lower Mesopotamia bordering on the Persian Gulf 2) the inhabitants of Chaldea, living on the lower Euphrates and Tigris 3) those persons considered the wisest in the land (by extension)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Chaldean. See also: Daniel 2:5; Daniel 4:4; Daniel 5:30.
וַ/אֲכַ֥לוּ
ʼăkal
H399
"to devour"
Adj | V-Qal-Perf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to eat or devour, and can be used literally or figuratively, as seen in Genesis where animals eat their food. It can also mean to slander or accuse someone, like in Psalm 3:7 where David asks God to protect him from his enemies.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to eat (of beasts) 1a2) to devour 1a3) eat their pieces (in a phrase, that is, slander them)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accuse, devour, eat. See also: Daniel 3:8; Daniel 7:5; Daniel 7:23.
קַרְצֵי/ה֖וֹן
qᵉrats
H7170
"charges"
Adj | Suff
This Hebrew word means to accuse or slander someone, like chewing them up with hurtful words. It appears in phrases that describe false or malicious accusations. In the Bible, it's often used to warn against speaking poorly of others.
Definition: 1) piece 1a) denounce, aslander, accuse maliciously, chew on (idiom)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accuse. See also: Daniel 3:8; Daniel 6:25.
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.
יְהוּדָיֵֽ/א
Yᵉhûwdâʼîy
H3062
"Jew"
Adj | Art
A Jew is someone from the tribe of Judah, first mentioned in 2 Kings 25:25. The term is used to describe people who are descended from Judah and other tribes.
Definition: Someone descended from Judah (H3063) and possibly other tribes, first mentioned at 2Ki.25.25 Aramaic of ye.hu.di (יְהוּדִי "Jew" H3064)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Jew. See also: Ezra 4:12; Ezra 6:7; Daniel 3:12.
Study Notes — Daniel 3:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 3:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 3:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 3:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 3:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 3:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 3:8
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 3:8
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 3:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 3:8
- Sermons on Daniel 3:8
Context — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Accused
6And whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace.”
7Therefore, as soon as all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and all kinds of music, the people of every nation and language would fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
8At this time some astrologers came forward and maliciously accused the Jews,
9saying to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, may you live forever! 10You, O king, have issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the golden statue,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 4:12–16 | Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem. And they are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city, restoring its walls, and repairing its foundations. Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer. Now because we are in the service of the palace and it is not fitting for us to allow the king to be dishonored, we have sent to inform the king that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates. |
| 2 | Daniel 6:12–13 | So they approached the king and asked about his royal decree: “Did you not sign a decree that for thirty days any man who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions?” The king replied, “According to the law of the Medes and Persians the order stands, and it cannot be repealed.” Then they told the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed. He still makes his petition three times a day.” |
| 3 | Esther 3:8–9 | Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.” |
| 4 | Acts 17:6–8 | But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!” On hearing this, the crowd and city officials were greatly disturbed. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 4:3–4 | For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you. |
| 6 | Esther 3:6 | And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the notion of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes. |
| 7 | Acts 16:20–22 | They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.” The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods. |
| 8 | Daniel 2:10 | The astrologers answered the king, “No one on earth can do what the king requests! No king, however great and powerful, has ever asked anything like this of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer. |
| 9 | Acts 28:22 | But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.” |
Daniel 3:8 Summary
In Daniel 3:8, some astrologers came forward to accuse the Jews, which means they publicly spoke out against them. This was a malicious act, done out of jealousy or a desire for power, similar to the motivations of those who accused Jesus in Matthew 26:59-60. We can learn from this event that our actions have consequences, and we should strive to act with kindness and integrity, as encouraged in Galatians 5:22-23. By trusting in God and standing up for what is right, we can demonstrate our commitment to Him, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the astrologers come forward to accuse the Jews in Daniel 3:8?
The astrologers likely came forward to accuse the Jews out of jealousy or a desire to gain favor with King Nebuchadnezzar, as seen in Daniel 3:8, similar to the motivations of those who accused Daniel in Daniel 6:4-5.
What does it mean to 'come forward' in this context?
To 'come forward' means to step out publicly and take a bold action, in this case, to accuse the Jews, as the astrologers did in Daniel 3:8, demonstrating their confidence in their accusations.
How does this event relate to the rest of the chapter?
The accusation by the astrologers in Daniel 3:8 sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which tells the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's refusal to worship the golden statue, as commanded in Daniel 3:6, and their subsequent miraculous rescue from the fiery furnace in Daniel 3:23-27.
What can we learn from the astrologers' actions in this verse?
We can learn that malicious accusations and jealousy can lead to harm and suffering for others, as seen in Daniel 3:8, and that we should strive to act with kindness and integrity, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:12 and Ephesians 4:32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can stand up for my faith in the face of opposition, like the Jews did in Daniel 3:8?
- How can I avoid being motivated by jealousy or a desire for power, like the astrologers in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my commitment to God, even when it's difficult or unpopular, as seen in Daniel 3:8 and other Bible stories like Exodus 1:17 and Acts 5:29?
- How can I trust God to protect and deliver me, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did in Daniel 3:16-18?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 3:8
Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near,.... That is, to King Nebuchadnezzar, either in his palace at Babylon, or more likely in the plain of Dura: and accused the Jews; particularly
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 3:8
Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews. Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews - literally, ate the torn limbs or flesh of the Jews (cf.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 3:8
Daniel 3:8 Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.Ver. 8. Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.] All the Jews are accused, because some refused to worship. So still all the generation of the righteous must be charged with the pretended miscarriages of some few among them. The world, we see, is no changeling; antiquum obtinet. The Jews indeed, ever since the captivity, have abhorred idolatry; and the Papist worshipping of images, for which both Jews and Turks call them idolatrous Christians, is a main scandal to them, and a let to their conversion. Spec. Europ.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 3:8
(8) Wherefore.—i.e., because certain Jews were noticed to be absent at the time. It is natural to suppose that the promotion of three men of Jewish extraction would have been viewed with the greatest jealousy by the Babylonian officers, who, no doubt, had been carefully watching their opportunity of revenge. (Comp. Daniel 5:11.) Chaldeans.—Not to be confused with the astrologers mentioned in Daniel 2:5, but Chaldean native subjects, contrasted with the Jewish colonists spoken of at the end of the verse.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 3:8
Verse 8. Accused the Jews.] That is, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. The other Jews were left unnoticed; and probably at this time Daniel was too high to be touched; but we may rest assured that he was not found among these idolaters, see Daniel 3:12.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 3:8
8–18. The accusation brought against the three Jewish youths, and their answer to the king.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 3:8
Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews - It does not appear that they accused the Jews in general, but particularly Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Daniel 3:12.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 3:8
8. The statement that the Chaldeans (see Daniel 3:2; Daniel 3:5) accused the Jews (literally, ate their pieces) receives illustration in the Tel-el-Amarna tablets, where it is said, “If thou art a
Sermons on Daniel 3:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Studies in Esther - Part 3 by Major Ian Thomas | Major Ian Thomas explores the narrative of Esther, focusing on Haman's plot against the Jews and the significance of divine law versus human law. He emphasizes how Haman's rejectio |
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Life Changing Message!!@! - His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon emphasizes the radical commitment to following Jesus, illustrated through personal stories of persecution, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. It highlights the importance |
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"Embarrassment to a Holy God" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon challenges the modern Church to reflect on the early Christians who, despite lacking grand resources or platforms, were able to turn the world upside down with their fa |
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Immersed in the Holy Ghost by Smith Wigglesworth | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being in a room and feeling unable to communicate with others. However, through prayer and the power of God, the speaker |
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Forget Not His Benefits by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verse 1 John 4:17, "as he is, so are we in this world." He emphasizes that John, as a New Testament writer, has a unique ability to conv |
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Great Street Revival and the Salvation Army by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a powerful and impactful response to the preaching of the word of God. He shares examples of people who were left in shock and |
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Road to Reality - When We Have Failed, What Next? - Part 2 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, K. P. Johannon discusses the importance of being concerned for the lost world and sharing the message of Jesus. He emphasizes that the greatest enemy is not the dev |