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Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/daniel/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/daniel/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/daniel/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/daniel/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/daniel/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/daniel/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we <i>are</i> not careful to answer thee in this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/daniel/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/daniel/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego replied to the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we are not in need of an answer to give you concerning this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/daniel/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/daniel/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/daniel/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to respond to you <i>with</i> an answer concerning this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/daniel/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to answer you on this point.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/daniel/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we don’t need to give you an answer to this question.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/daniel/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we don’t need to give you an answer to this question.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/daniel/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee in this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/daniel/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The three men replied, "Your Majesty, we don't need to defend ourselves. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/daniel/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee in this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/daniel/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "We don't need to answer your last question.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/daniel/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered, "Your Majesty, we will not try to defend ourselves. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/daniel/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "It's not necessary for us to respond in this matter. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/daniel/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, ?O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/daniel/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to King Nebuchadnezzar, "We do not need to give you a reply concerning this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/daniel/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, "Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/daniel/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/daniel/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/daniel/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego have answered, indeed, they are saying to King Nebuchadnezzar, “We have no need concerning this matter to answer you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/daniel/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/daniel/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego answered, and saying to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we need not to turn back to thee upon this word.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/daniel/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Sidrach, Misach, and Abdenago answered and said to king Nabuchodonosor: We have no occasion to answer thee concerning this matter. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/daniel/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to king Nebuchadnezzar, “It is not right for us to obey you in this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/daniel/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you in this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/daniel/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/daniel/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, There is no use to answer you concerning this matter;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/daniel/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Shadrak, Mishak and Abednego answered and they were saying to Nebukadnetsar: “Oh King, we do not need an answer to give you on this matter<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/daniel/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king: 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee in this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/daniel/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Then answered Sedrach, Misach <i>and</i> Abdenago and said to king Nabuchodonosor, We have no need to answer thee concerning this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/daniel/3-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/shUZJK-vYxI?start=995" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/daniel/3.htm">Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Accused</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>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?” <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7715.htm" title="7715: šaḏ·raḵ (N-proper-ms) -- Bab. name of one of Daniel's companions. (Aramaic) the same as Shadrak.">Shadrach,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4336.htm" title="4336: mê·šaḵ (N-proper-ms) -- A Bab. name. (Aramaic) of foreign origin and doubtful significance; Meshak, the Babylonian name of Miysha'el.">Meshach,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5665.htm" title="5665: wa·‘ă·ḇêḏ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Servant of Nebo, Bab. name of one of Daniel's companions. (Aramaic) of foreign origin; Abed-Nego, the name of Azariah."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5665.htm" title="5665: nə·ḡōw (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Servant of Nebo, Bab. name of one of Daniel's companions. (Aramaic) of foreign origin; Abed-Nego, the name of Azariah.">and Abednego</a> <a href="/hebrew/560.htm" title="560: wə·’ā·mə·rîn (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To say, tell, command. (Aramaic) corresponding to 'amar."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6032.htm" title="6032: ‘ă·nōw (V-Qal-Perf-3mp) -- To answer. (Aramaic) corresponding to anah.">replied</a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: lə·mal·kā (Prep-l:: N-msd) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">to the king,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5020.htm" title="5020: nə·ḇū·ḵaḏ·neṣ·ṣar (N-proper-ms) -- A Bab. king. (Aramaic) corresponding to Nbuwkadne'tstsar.">“O Nebuchadnezzar,</a> <a href="/hebrew/586.htm" title="586: ’ă·naḥ·nāh (Pro-1cp) -- We. (Aramaic) or ganachnah (Aramaic); corresponding to 'anachnuw; we.">we</a> <a href="/hebrew/3809.htm" title="3809: lā- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. (Aramaic) or lah (Aramaic) (Dan. 4:32); corresponding to lo'.">have</a> <a href="/hebrew/2818.htm" title="2818: ḥaš·ḥîn (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To need. ">no need</a> <a href="/hebrew/8421.htm" title="8421: la·hă·ṯā·ḇū·ṯāḵ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 2ms) -- To return. (Aramaic) corresponding to shuwb, to come back; specifically (transitive and ellip.) To reply.">to answer you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5922.htm" title="5922: ‘al- (Prep) -- Upon, over, above. (Aramaic) corresponding to al.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/1836.htm" title="1836: də·nāh (Pro-ms) -- This. (Aramaic) an orthographical variation of dek; this.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/6600.htm" title="6600: piṯ·ḡām (N-ms) -- A command, word, affair. (Aramaic) corresponding to pithgam; a word, answer, letter or decree.">matter.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/43-2.htm">Isaiah 43:2</a></span><br />When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a></span><br />But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-34.htm">Hebrews 11:34</a></span><br />quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">1 Peter 4:12-13</a></span><br />Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a></span><br />Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-12.htm">2 Timothy 1:12</a></span><br />For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Revelation 2:10</a></span><br />Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19-20</a></span><br />But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm">1 Corinthians 10:13</a></span><br />No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-13.htm">Exodus 14:13-14</a></span><br />But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a></span><br />Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-12.htm">2 Chronicles 20:12</a></span><br />Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer you in this matter.</p><p class="hdg">no references listed for this verse </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/3-14.htm">Abednego</a> <a href="/daniel/3-14.htm">Abed'nego</a> <a href="/daniel/3-14.htm">Abed-Nego</a> <a href="/ezekiel/37-24.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-36.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/daniel/2-23.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/daniel/3-14.htm">Meshach</a> <a href="/daniel/3-14.htm">Nebuchadnezzar</a> <a href="/daniel/3-14.htm">Nebuchadnez'zar</a> <a href="/ezekiel/39-10.htm">Need</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-5.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/daniel/3-14.htm">Shadrach</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/3-19.htm">Abednego</a> <a href="/daniel/3-20.htm">Abed'nego</a> <a href="/daniel/3-19.htm">Abed-Nego</a> <a href="/micah/7-5.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/hosea/13-10.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/daniel/4-17.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/daniel/3-19.htm">Meshach</a> <a href="/daniel/3-19.htm">Nebuchadnezzar</a> <a href="/daniel/3-24.htm">Nebuchadnez'zar</a> <a href="/hosea/2-3.htm">Need</a> <a href="/amos/6-13.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/daniel/3-19.htm">Shadrach</a><div class="vheading2">Daniel 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/3-1.htm">Nebuchadnezzar dedicates a golden image in Dura.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/3-3.htm">They being threatened, make a good confession.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/3-8.htm">Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are accused for not worshipping the image.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/3-19.htm">They are cast into the furnace,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/3-24.htm">from which God delivers them.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/3-28.htm">Nebuchadnezzar seeing the miracle blesses God, and advances them.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/daniel/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/daniel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/daniel/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king</b><br>These three men, originally named Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were Jewish exiles in Babylon. Their Babylonian names reflect the attempt to assimilate them into the culture and religion of Babylon. They were part of the group of young men taken from Judah to serve in the Babylonian court, as described in <a href="/daniel/1.htm">Daniel 1</a>. Their reply to King Nebuchadnezzar demonstrates their steadfast faith and courage. This moment is a pivotal example of standing firm in one's beliefs despite external pressures, echoing the resolve seen in other biblical figures like Daniel in the lions' den (Daniel 6) and the apostles before the Sanhedrin (<a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a>).<p><b>“O Nebuchadnezzar”</b><br>Addressing the king by name shows a level of respect but also a personal confrontation. Nebuchadnezzar was the powerful ruler of Babylon, known for his military conquests and the construction of the Hanging Gardens. His reign is well-documented both biblically and historically, with archaeological evidence supporting his extensive building projects. The use of his name here emphasizes the personal nature of the challenge and the boldness of the three men in addressing the most powerful man in the known world.<p><b>we have no need to answer you in this matter</b><br>This phrase indicates their unwavering faith and confidence in God. They recognize that their allegiance to God supersedes any earthly authority, a theme consistent throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19-20</a>, where Peter and John assert their duty to obey God rather than human authorities. The phrase also reflects the biblical principle of trusting in God's deliverance, as seen in the stories of Joseph (<a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a>) and Esther (<a href="/esther/4-14.htm">Esther 4:14</a>). Their statement is a declaration of faith, showing that they do not need to defend their actions because their trust is in God's sovereignty and justice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/shadrach,_meshach,_and_abednego.htm">Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego</a></b><br>These are the Babylonian names given to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, three Jewish men taken into Babylonian captivity. They are known for their unwavering faith in God, even in the face of death.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/n/nebuchadnezzar.htm">Nebuchadnezzar</a></b><br>The king of Babylon who erected a golden statue and commanded all to worship it. His demand set the stage for the test of faith faced by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fiery_furnace.htm">The Fiery Furnace</a></b><br>A large furnace used for executions, symbolizing the severe consequences of disobeying the king's decree. It represents the trials and persecutions faced by believers.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a></b><br>The empire where these events took place, known for its wealth, power, and idolatry. It serves as a backdrop for the conflict between pagan practices and the worship of the one true God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_golden_image.htm">The Golden Image</a></b><br>A statue erected by Nebuchadnezzar, symbolizing the king's authority and the idolatrous practices of the time. It represents the worldly pressures to conform against God's commandments.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_fear.htm">Faith Over Fear</a></b><br>Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrate that true faith in God can overcome the fear of earthly consequences. Believers are encouraged to trust God in all circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god.htm">Obedience to God</a></b><br>Their refusal to bow to the golden image exemplifies the importance of obeying God's commandments, even when it conflicts with societal norms or laws.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_conviction.htm">Courage in Conviction</a></b><br>The boldness of these three men in the face of death challenges believers to stand firm in their convictions, regardless of the cost.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_deliverance.htm">God's Sovereignty and Deliverance</a></b><br>The account illustrates God's power to deliver His people from seemingly impossible situations, reinforcing the belief in His sovereignty and protection.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witness_through_trials.htm">Witness Through Trials</a></b><br>Their faithfulness serves as a powerful testimony to others, showing how trials can be opportunities to witness to God's glory and faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_daniel_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Daniel 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_happened_to_shadrach,_meshach,_abednego.htm">What happened to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Babylon?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_protests.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian protests?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'obey_god,_not_men'_mean.htm">What does "obey God rather than men" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_tolerance_and_convictions_differ.htm">How do tolerance and convictions differ?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/daniel/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">O Nebuchadnezzar.--</span>They mention the king by name, so as to make their address correspond with his (<a href="/daniel/3-14.htm" title="Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said to them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not you serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?">Daniel 3:14</a>). His attention would in this way be directed to the strong antithesis between his statement (<a href="/daniel/3-15.htm" title="Now if you be ready that at what time you hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if you worship not, you shall be cast the same hour into the middle of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?">Daniel 3:15</a>) and theirs (<a href="/daniel/3-17.htm" title="If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.">Daniel 3:17</a>). 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.<p><span class= "bld">We</span> <span class= "bld">are not careful.--</span>More correctly, as translated by Theodotion, <span class= "ital">We have no need</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> it is needless for us to give any reply.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/daniel/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 16-18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 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</span>. The Septuagint Version differs in several slight points from the Massoretic. "And Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the King Nebuchadnezzar, O king, we have no need to answer thee in regard to this command, for our God in the heavens is one Lord, whom we fear, who is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and will deliver us out of thy hands, and then it shall be manifest to thee that we neither serve thy gods, nor the golden image which thou hast set up do we worship." In this version we see the sixteenth verse agrees with the Massoretic: in the next verses there are considerable differences. The Septuagint translator seems to have read some part of <span class="hebrew">דתל</span> (<span class="accented">dehal</span>) instead of <span class="hebrew">פלחין</span> (<span class="accented">paleheen</span>). We cannot be certain that <span class="greek">Κύριος</span> represents <span class="hebrew">יהוה</span>, here, from the fact that the mannerism of the translator expresses itself in a preference for rendering <span class="hebrew">אלהים</span> by <span class="greek">Κύριος</span>. The Septuagint has <span class="greek">τῶν χειρῶν</span> instead of <span class="greek">τῆς χειρός</span>. Not improbably the original was dual, but the dual had practically disappeared from Hellenistic Greek. There seems a reference to the creed of the Jew (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a>) and to <a href="/psalms/115-3.htm">Psalm 115:3</a>; speaking of God as "God of heaven" occurs in the previous chapter, ver. 18, and in ver. 28 Daniel speaks of his God as "in the heaven." However suitable, the first portion is yet to be put aside as an addition. The second portion of this differing clause occurs in Theodotion, and of it we shall shortly speak. There are several other less important differences over which we need not delay. Theodotion has, like the Septuagint, <span class="greek">ἐν οὐρανοῖς</span>, and like the Septuagint has the enclitic connection <span class="greek">γὰρ</span>, instead of the somewhat abrupt connection of the Massoretic, although the phrase, "in the heavens," has thus the support of the two. The Peshitta Version has to some extent resulted from the abrupt beginning to the seventeenth verse as it appears in the Massoretic. The Peshitta renders the opening clause, "our Lord is merciful." As in the Septuagint, so in the Peshitta, the word <span class="hebrew">פִתְגַם</span> (<span class="accented">pith'gam</span>) is taken as meaning "decree;" but <span class="accented">miltha</span> precedes it, which must be rendered, "matter of the decree." Otherwise there is nothing worthy of notice in the Peshitta Version of these verses. Jerome begins the seventeenth verse with "ecce entre," which is not so much a difference of reading from the Massoretic as a difference of rendering from the Authorized. It is clear that the Massoretic punctuation implies something awanting. <span class="hebrew">הֵן</span> in Biblical Aramaic means "if," and <span class="hebrew">איתי</span> "it is," that is, "if it be." One feels inclined to think that, suppressed, there was some statement equivalent to "if it be his good pleasure," thus manifesting a readiness to submit to God's will. According to the Massoretic, what follows asserts merely the ability of Jehovah, "our God whom we worship," to deliver his servants from the burning fiery furnace, and even from the hand of the great king himself; but there is no assertion that he will deliver them. The Septuagint Version presents a different aspect, as also Theodotion and the Peshitta. The mental attitude of the Massoretic is very different from the mood of later times. The versions, save Jerome, declare that God wilt deliver them out of the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. If they had received this assurance from God, there was in a sense less of witness-bearing to God than if they had not. The text of the Massoretic is here to be preferred. It is implied also in the meaning of the following verse. Even if God did not deliver them, still their determination is fixed - they will not worship the gods of the king, nor will they worship the golden image he has set up. It sometimes seems as if, even in our own day, we should be the better for the advent of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. There is still a demand that the people of God worship the golden image in the shape of wealth. The ministers of God are, we are told, not to denounce the wrongs of the world, lest the rich be offended. Wealth is not the only form of the golden image which men may be called upon to worship; the breath of popular applause may call them to denounce employers of labour unjustly on penalty of being dismissed or held up to reprobation. It is not the side that is important, but the motive; the cause of the poor may be pleaded as unjustly as that of the rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/daniel/3-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Shadrach,</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׁדְרַ֤ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(šaḏ·raḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7715.htm">Strong's 7715: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shadrach -- Babylonian name of one of Daniel's companions</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Meshach,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵישַׁךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(mê·šaḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4336.htm">Strong's 4336: </a> </span><span class="str2">Meshach -- a Babylonian name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Abednego</span><br /><span class="heb">נְג֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ḡōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5665.htm">Strong's 5665: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abed-nego -- 'servant of Nebo', Babylonian name of one of Daniel's companions</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲנ֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6032.htm">Strong's 6032: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the king,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַלְכָּ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mal·kā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4430.htm">Strong's 4430: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“O Nebuchadnezzar,</span><br /><span class="heb">נְבֽוּכַדְנֶצַּ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ḇū·ḵaḏ·neṣ·ṣar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5020.htm">Strong's 5020: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nebuchadnezzar -- a Babylonian king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנַ֧חְנָה</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·naḥ·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_586.htm">Strong's 586: </a> </span><span class="str2">We</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have</span><br /><span class="heb">לָֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(lā-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3809.htm">Strong's 3809: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no need</span><br /><span class="heb">חַשְׁחִ֨ין</span> <span class="translit">(ḥaš·ḥîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2818.htm">Strong's 2818: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be necessary, to need</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to answer you</span><br /><span class="heb">לַהֲתָבוּתָֽךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(la·hă·ṯā·ḇū·ṯāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8421.htm">Strong's 8421: </a> </span><span class="str2">To return</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5922.htm">Strong's 5922: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּנָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(də·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1836.htm">Strong's 1836: </a> </span><span class="str2">This</span><br /><br /><span class="word">matter.</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּתְגָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(piṯ·ḡām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6600.htm">Strong's 6600: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, answer, letter, decree</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/daniel/3-16.htm">OT Prophets: Daniel 3:16 Shadrach Meshach and Abednego answered the king (Dan. Da Dn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/daniel/3-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Daniel 3:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Daniel 3:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/daniel/3-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Daniel 3:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Daniel 3:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>