Daniel 3:9
Daniel 3:9 in Multiple Translations
saying to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, may you live forever!
They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.
They answered and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, live for ever.
They made answer and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, O King, have life for ever.
They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May Your Majesty the king live forever!
For they spake and said to the King Nebuchad-nezzar, O King, liue for euer.
they have answered, yea, they are saying to Nebuchadnezzar the king, 'O king, to the ages live!
They answered Nebuchadnezzar the king, “O king, live for ever!
They spoke and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.
And said to king Nabuchodonosor: O king, live for ever:
They reported to him, “We hope that you, O king, will live a long time!
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 3:9
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 3:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֲנוֹ֙
וְ/אָ֣מְרִ֔ין
לִ/נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֖ר
מַלְכָּ֑/א
מַלְכָּ֖/א
לְ/עָלְמִ֥ין
חֱיִֽי
עֲנוֹ֙
ʻănâh
H6032
to answer
Adj
וְ/אָ֣מְרִ֔ין
ʼămar
H560
to say
Adj | V-Qal
לִ/נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֖ר
Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar
H5020
Nebuchadnezzar
Adj | N-proper
מַלְכָּ֑/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
מַלְכָּ֖/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
לְ/עָלְמִ֥ין
ʻâlam
H5957
perpetuity
Adj | N-mp
חֱיִֽי
chăyâʼ
H2418
to live
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 3:9
עֲנוֹ֙
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.
וְ/אָ֣מְרִ֔ין
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.
לִ/נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֖ר
Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar
H5020
"Nebuchadnezzar"
Adj | N-proper
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.
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.
מַלְכָּ֖/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.
לְ/עָלְמִ֥ין
ʻâlam
H5957
"perpetuity"
Adj | N-mp
This word refers to a very long time, often forever or eternity. It is used to describe something that has been true for a long time or will be true forever. It appears in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature.
Definition: perpetuity, antiquity, for ever Aramaic of o.lam (עוֹלָם ": old" H5769J)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: for (n-)ever (lasting), old. See also: Ezra 4:15; Daniel 4:31; Daniel 7:27.
חֱיִֽי
chăyâʼ
H2418
"to live"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to live or have life, as seen in the Bible's promise to let people live and keep them alive. It appears in various forms, such as living prosperously or being restored to health. In the KJV, it is often translated as 'live' or 'keep alive'.
Definition: 1) to live 1a) (P'al) to live 1b) (Aphel) to let live, keep alive
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: live, keep alive. See also: Daniel 2:4; Daniel 5:19; Daniel 6:22.
Study Notes — Daniel 3:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 3:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 3:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 3:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 3:9
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 3:9
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 3:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 3:9
- Sermons on Daniel 3:9
Context — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Accused
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, 11and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 5:10 | Hearing the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen entered the banquet hall. “O king, may you live forever!” she said. “Do not let your thoughts terrify you, or your face grow pale. |
| 2 | Daniel 6:6 | So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! |
| 3 | Daniel 6:21 | Then Daniel replied, “O king, may you live forever! |
| 4 | Daniel 2:4 | Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, “O king, may you live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.” |
| 5 | Daniel 3:4–5 | Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “O people of every nation and language, this is what you are commanded: 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 golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. |
| 6 | Romans 13:7 | Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. |
Daniel 3:9 Summary
[In this verse, the astrologers are trying to get the king's attention by saying something nice to him, before they accuse the Jews of not following the king's orders. This is similar to what we see in other parts of the Bible, such as in Esther 5:2, where Esther approaches the king in a respectful manner. The astrologers are being dishonest and manipulative, but we can learn from their example by being truthful and respectful in our own interactions with others. As the Bible says in Colossians 3:8, we should 'put off' dishonesty and 'put on' compassion, kindness, and humility.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the phrase 'O king, may you live forever' in Daniel 3:9?
This phrase is a common way of showing respect and loyalty to a king in ancient times, similar to what we see in Nehemiah 2:3, where Nehemiah says 'Long live the king' to King Artaxerxes. It is a way of acknowledging the king's authority and power.
Why do the astrologers begin their accusation with such a flattering statement?
The astrologers are trying to gain the king's favor and attention by starting with a statement of loyalty and respect, before making their accusation against the Jews, as seen in Daniel 3:8. This tactic is still used today, where people may try to flatter someone in power before making a request or accusation.
Is this verse suggesting that we should always try to flatter those in power?
No, this verse is simply describing the actions of the astrologers and is not prescribing a method for interacting with those in power. In fact, the Bible warns against flattering speech in Proverbs 26:28, and instead encourages honesty and integrity in our interactions with others.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Daniel 3?
This verse sets the stage for the accusation against the Jews, which will lead to the famous story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the fiery furnace, as seen in Daniel 3:10-11 and Daniel 3:19-23. It highlights the conflict between the king's decree and the Jews' loyalty to God, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 5:7-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I try to 'curry favor' with those in power, and how can I instead focus on pleasing God?
- How can I balance showing respect to those in authority with being honest and truthful in my interactions with them?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tempted to compromise my values or beliefs in order to gain favor with someone in power?
- How can I, like the Jews in this story, remain faithful to God even when it is difficult or unpopular?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 3:9
They spake and said to Nebuchadnezzar,.... Having got access unto him, and within his hearing, they expressed themselves in the following manner: O king, live for ever; this they said to show their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 3:9
They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. O king, live forever. A preface of flattery is closely akin to the cruelty that follows.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 3:9
Daniel 3:9 They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. Ver. 9. They spake and said, … O king, live for ever.] Thus they insinuate themselves by flattery. So Acts 24:2-3.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 3:9
9. spake] answered (R.V.): see on Daniel 2:20. the king Nebuchadnezzar] Nebuchadnezzar the king,—the regular order in Aramaic (Daniel 3:1-2; Daniel 3:5; Daniel 3:7 &c.), and often in late Hebrew (as Haggai 1:1; Haggai 1:15; Nehemiah 2:1; Nehemiah 5:14). In early Hebrew the order is almost uniformly ‘the king David,’ ‘the king Solomon,’ &c. O king, live for ever] Cf. on Daniel 2:4.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 3:9
O king, live for ever - A customary form of address to a monarch, implying that long life was regarded as an eminent blessing. See the notes at Daniel 2:4.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 3:9
9. This was the regular form of address, found in hundreds of inscriptions.
Sermons on Daniel 3:9
| Sermon | Description | |
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God's Truth: Rebellion and Patriotism by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses five qualities that are best developed in a nation during times of struggle: submission, goodness, respect, commitment, and prayer. He emphasi |
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1 Peter 2:7 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 2:7, emphasizing that true believers are those who recognize their lost state and see Christ as their only Savior. He describes how Christ is precious |
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Fraud Exposed and Condemned by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the importance of conducting fair and upright business transactions as a reflection of true religion. He emphasizes the need for individuals to be gove |
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Have You Paid This Debt? by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes that debts extend beyond financial obligations, highlighting the importance of honoring and respecting others as lifelong debts we owe. He discusses the respo |
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Homily 19 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of walking wisely in a world filled with evil, emphasizing the need to understand the will of the Lord and to redeem the time. He highlig |
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Fraud Exposed and Condemned. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the importance of conducting fair and upright business transactions as a reflection of true religion. He emphasizes the need for individuals to be gove |
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Homily 70 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the Pharisees' attempt to entangle Jesus in His words, highlighting their wicked intentions and hidden craftiness. Despite their flattery and deceitf |