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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Daniel 3:9 saying to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, may you live forever!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/daniel/3-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/27_Dan_03_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Daniel 3:9 - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Accused" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="saying to King Nebuchadnezzar, O king, may you live forever!" /><script type="application/javascript" 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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 />They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, &#8220May the king live forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/daniel/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “Long live the king!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/daniel/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />They declared to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/daniel/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />saying to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, may you live forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/daniel/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/daniel/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/daniel/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />They began to speak and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king: “O king, live forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/daniel/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They responded and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king: &#8220O king, live forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/daniel/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />They responded and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king: “O king, live forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/daniel/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />They answered and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king: “O king, live forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/daniel/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/daniel/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/daniel/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, &#8220May the king live forever. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/daniel/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They answered and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, live for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/daniel/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They said, "Your Majesty, we hope you live forever! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/daniel/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They answered and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, live for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/daniel/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They addressed King Nebuchadnezzar, "Your Majesty, may you live forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/daniel/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "May Your Majesty live forever! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/daniel/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They told King Nebuchadnezzar, "Your majesty, live forever. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/daniel/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />saying to King Nebuchadnezzar, ?O king, may you live forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/daniel/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, live forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/daniel/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They answered Nebuchadnezzar the king, "O king, live for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/daniel/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They spoke and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/daniel/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They answered Nebuchadnezzar the king, “O king, live for ever! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/daniel/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />they have answered, indeed, they are saying to Nebuchadnezzar the king, “O king, live for all ages!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/daniel/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> they have answered, yea, they are saying to Nebuchadnezzar the king, 'O king, to the ages live!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/daniel/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />They answered and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, live forever.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/daniel/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And said to king Nabuchodonosor: O king, live for ever: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/daniel/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and they said to king Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/daniel/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />to King Nebuchadnezzar: “O king, live forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/daniel/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/daniel/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/daniel/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they were saying to Nebukadnetsar the King: “Oh, King, live to eternity!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/daniel/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />They spoke and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king: 'O king, live for ever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/daniel/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />O king, live for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/daniel/3-9.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=904" 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">8</span>At this time some astrologers came forward and maliciously accused the Jews, <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6032.htm" title="6032: ‘ă·nōw (V-Qal-Perf-3mp) -- To answer. (Aramaic) corresponding to anah.">saying</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/4430.htm" title="4430: mal·kā (N-msd) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">to King</a> <a href="/hebrew/5020.htm" title="5020: lin·ḇū·ḵaḏ·neṣ·ṣar (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A Bab. king. (Aramaic) corresponding to Nbuwkadne'tstsar.">Nebuchadnezzar,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: mal·kā (N-msd) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">“O king,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2418.htm" title="2418: ḥĕ·yî (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To live. (Aramaic) or chayah (Aramaic); corresponding to chayah; to live.">may you live</a> <a href="/hebrew/5957.htm" title="5957: lə·‘ā·lə·mîn (Prep-l:: N-mp) -- (Aramaic) corresponding to owlam; remote time, i.e. The future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever.">forever!</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>You, 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,…<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="/esther/3-8.htm">Esther 3:8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-2.htm">Acts 24:2-3</a></span><br />When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. / In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-6.htm">Daniel 6:6-7</a></span><br />So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! / All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-16.htm">Matthew 22:16</a></span><br />They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-21.htm">Luke 20:21</a></span><br />“Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-7.htm">Acts 17:7</a></span><br />and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/1-16.htm">Esther 1:16-18</a></span><br />And in the presence of the king and his princes, Memucan replied, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king, but all the princes and the peoples in all the provinces of King Xerxes. / For the conduct of the queen will become known to all women, causing them to despise their husbands and say, ‘King Xerxes ordered Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she did not come.’ / This very day the noble women of Persia and Media who have heard about the queen’s conduct will say the same thing to all the king’s officials, resulting in much contempt and wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/16-20.htm">Acts 16:20-21</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4</a></span><br />Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/12-14.htm">Mark 12:14</a></span><br />“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/21-9.htm">1 Kings 21:9-10</a></span><br />In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. / But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/6-13.htm">Acts 6:13-14</a></span><br />where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. / For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/6-6.htm">Nehemiah 6:6-7</a></span><br />that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, / and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Matthew 27:12</a></span><br />And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-2.htm">Luke 23:2</a></span><br />And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They spoke and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.</p><p class="hdg">king.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/3-4.htm">Daniel 3:4,5</a></b></br> Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, … </p><p class="hdg">O King.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/2-4.htm">Daniel 2:4</a></b></br> Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/5-10.htm">Daniel 5:10</a></b></br> <i>Now</i> the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: <i>and</i> the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/6-6.htm">Daniel 6:6,21</a></b></br> Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/2-4.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/daniel/2-28.htm">Ar</a> <a href="/daniel/2-44.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/daniel/2-11.htm">Live</a> <a href="/daniel/3-7.htm">Nebuchadnezzar</a> <a href="/daniel/3-1.htm">Nebuchadnez'zar</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-22.htm">Responded</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/6-6.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/revelation/21-11.htm">Ar</a> <a href="/daniel/4-34.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/daniel/6-6.htm">Live</a> <a href="/daniel/3-13.htm">Nebuchadnezzar</a> <a href="/daniel/3-13.htm">Nebuchadnez'zar</a> <a href="/daniel/3-14.htm">Responded</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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>saying to King Nebuchadnezzar</b><br>This phrase introduces the address to King Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of the Babylonian Empire. Nebuchadnezzar is a significant historical figure known for his military conquests and the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. In the biblical context, he is portrayed as a powerful monarch who plays a crucial role in the lives of Daniel and his companions. His interactions with the Jewish exiles highlight the tension between the pagan world and the faith of the Israelites. The address to Nebuchadnezzar reflects the formal and respectful manner in which subjects approached their king, acknowledging his authority and power.<p><b>“O king, may you live forever!”</b><br>This phrase is a customary greeting in ancient Near Eastern cultures, expressing loyalty and wishing long life to the king. It reflects the subjects' desire for the stability and prosperity of the kingdom under the king's reign. In the context of <a href="/daniel/3.htm">Daniel 3</a>, this greeting is part of the formal address by the Chaldeans, who are about to accuse Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego of disobedience. The phrase underscores the cultural expectation of reverence towards the king, which contrasts with the unwavering faith of the three Hebrew men who refuse to worship the golden image. This greeting is also seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in <a href="/daniel/2-4.htm">Daniel 2:4</a> and <a href="/daniel/6-6.htm">Daniel 6:6</a>, indicating a consistent cultural practice. Theologically, it highlights the transient nature of earthly kingdoms compared to the eternal kingdom of God, a theme prevalent throughout the book of Daniel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_nebuchadnezzar.htm">King Nebuchadnezzar</a></b><br>The powerful ruler of Babylon, known for his conquests and the construction of the Hanging Gardens. He plays a central role in the Book of Daniel, often representing the pride and power of earthly kingdoms.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_chaldeans.htm">The Chaldeans</a></b><br>A group of wise men or astrologers in Babylon who were often consulted by the king. In this context, they are the ones addressing King Nebuchadnezzar, likely with ulterior motives.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a></b><br>The setting of this event, a major city and empire known for its wealth, power, and idolatry. It serves as a backdrop for the trials and faithfulness of Daniel and his friends.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_golden_image.htm">The Golden Image</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in verse 9, it is the central issue of the chapter. King Nebuchadnezzar had set up a golden image, demanding worship from all his subjects.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/shadrach,_meshach,_and_abednego.htm">Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego</a></b><br>Daniel's friends who refused to bow to the golden image, demonstrating their faithfulness to God. Their account unfolds in the subsequent verses.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority.htm">Respect for Authority</a></b><br>The Chaldeans' greeting to Nebuchadnezzar shows respect for authority, which is a biblical principle. However, respect should not lead to compromising one's faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_of_motives.htm">Discernment of Motives</a></b><br>The Chaldeans' flattery may have hidden motives. Believers should be discerning of others' intentions, especially when it involves matters of faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_trials.htm">Faithfulness in Trials</a></b><br>The context of this verse sets the stage for the faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Believers are called to remain faithful even when pressured by societal norms.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/idolatry_and_worship.htm">Idolatry and Worship</a></b><br>The chapter highlights the tension between idolatry and true worship. Christians must guard against modern forms of idolatry that compete for their devotion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite earthly powers, God's sovereignty is evident. Believers can trust in God's ultimate authority over all human rulers.<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/why_is_daniel_absent_in_daniel_3.htm">Why is Daniel, a prominent figure in the king's court, conspicuously absent in the events of Daniel 3?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where_was_daniel_during_the_furnace.htm">Where was Daniel during his friends' furnace ordeal?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_spirit_animal.htm">How does Azariah express faith and repentance in prayer?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/daniel/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 9-12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They spake and said to the King Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image: and whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee; they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up</span>. The differences here between the Septuagint and the Massoretic are slight. Only, it may be observed, that in the repetition of the decree to the king, <span class="greek">συμφωνία</span> does not occur. Instead of saying, "they serve not thy gods," it renders, "thine idol they do not serve." Further, the word <span class="hebrew">עְבִדַת</span> ('<span class="accented">abeedath</span>), translated "business," is omitted, probably implying the omission in the original text of <span class="hebrew">יתָהון</span>. Theodotion's Version is considerably briefer in regard to the ninth verse, as it omits "answered and said," and "Nebuchadnezzar;" otherwise it is in closer agreement with the Massoretic text, only it too omits <span class="greek">συμφωνία</span>. In the Peshitta we find a variation in the ninth verse; its rendering begins, "And they said to Nebuchadnezzar the king." As before mentioned, in the list of instruments <span class="accented">pesanterin</span> is omitted, and <span class="accented">kinnor</span> appears; otherwise the agreement is close with the Massoretic text. The Vulgate agrees with the Peshitta in its rendering of the ninth verse, but, unlike the Greek Version, inserts <span class="accented">symphonia</span>, and unlike the Peshitta, inserts <span class="accented">psalterium.</span> As to the Aramaic text, the most noticeable thing is the fact that in the K'thib, instead of <span class="hebrew">סוּמְּפֹנְיָא</span> (<span class="accented">sumphonia</span>) there appears <span class="hebrew">סִיפֹנְיָא</span> (<span class="accented">siphonia</span>). The twelfth verse has this peculiarity in it, that it is the only case where <span class="hebrew">־יַת</span>, the sign of the accusative, so frequent in the Targums, occurs in Biblical Aramaic. In the inscription on the Hadad Statue at Sindschirli, line 28, we have <span class="hebrew">ותה</span> (<span class="accented">v-th-h</span>) as the sign of the acensative; as in the case before us, it serves for the oblique case of a pronoun. The adulatory address with which these Chaldeans begin is quite in accordance with Eastern usage. The point of the accusation against these three officials was that, being officials, they did not confirm by obedience the solemn decree of the monarch. Further, if this statue or obelisk were erected to Marduk (Merodach), whom Nebuchadnezzar specially worshipped, and whom he regarded as his special protector, the element of treason against the state might be implied in this refusal to give due obeisance to the tutelary god of the Babylonian Empire and its sovereign. The politics and warfare of that period proceeded on the assumption that the gods directly interfered in the affairs of the nations. Any slight done to the national god would - as it was believed - be avenged on the nation who had suffered it to pass unpunished. They summoned deities to leave cities they were besieging, and tried to persuade the inhabitants that even their god was on the side of the besieger. Thus Sennacherib (<a href="/2_kings/19-22.htm">2 Kings 19:22</a>) asserts that Jehovah must be offended with Hezekiah. and Pharaoh-Necho claimed to Josiah that he went at God's command to fight against Assyria (<a href="/2_chronicles/35-21.htm">2 Chronicles 35:21</a>). According to heathen notions generally, Chaldean and Babylonian included, some very slight inadvertence might vitiate a sacrifice, and change it from being a propitiation to the gods to an offence to them. If an inadvertence might thus be maleficent, much more direct disrespect such as that shown by these Jewish officials. But the accusers lay stress on another side of the matter. Nebuchadnezzar had set them over the affairs of the province of Babylon; but he had set up the golden image. There was thus an element of personal disrespect hinted at, made all the more heinous that the element of ingratitude was also present. But how is it that Daniel is not introduced into this narrative? Why was it that he was not attacked rather than his friends? It may be argued that this is another tradition, and that the union of Daniel with the three friends is due to that dovetailing of which so many traces are found - or alleged to be found - in the Pentateuch. But the editor who did the dovetailing in the present instance, did more than dovetail - they are introduced at various points in the narrative of the preceding chapter. Why did he not complete his work, and explain why Daniel was absent? If it is a work of imagination, it is necessary to account for the absence of Daniel; even if it is the result of editorial labour, still the absence of Daniel has to be accounted for or explained away. This would press heavily on one writing in the days of the Maccabees. On one chronicling events as they occurred, this might easily be passed over, because at the time every one in Babylon would be perfectly aware why Daniel was not there. The absence of all reference to Daniel in this chapter is an indirect proof of the antiquity and genuineness of the book of which it forms part. The reasons for Daniel's absence may easily be imagined. He might have been sent on official duty to a distant province of the empire, or, though this is not so likely, his presence at this festival might not be required A prosaic but possible solution of Daniel's absence might be illness. If he were known to be incapacitated by sickness from taking part in any public function, the Chaldeans would not damage their case by referring to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/daniel/3-9.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">saying</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲנוֹ֙</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 King</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְכָּ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(mal·kā)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">Nebuchadnezzar,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִנְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(lin·ḇū·ḵaḏ·neṣ·ṣar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | 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">“O king,</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְכָּ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(mal·kā)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">may you live</span><br /><span class="heb">חֱיִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḥĕ·yî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2418.htm">Strong's 2418: </a> </span><span class="str2">To live</span><br /><br /><span class="word">forever!</span><br /><span class="heb">לְעָלְמִ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(lə·‘ā·lə·mîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5957.htm">Strong's 5957: </a> </span><span class="str2">Remote time, the future, past, forever</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/daniel/3-9.htm">Daniel 3:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/daniel/3-9.htm">Daniel 3:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/daniel/3-9.htm">Daniel 3:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/daniel/3-9.htm">Daniel 3:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/daniel/3-9.htm">Daniel 3:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/daniel/3-9.htm">Daniel 3:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/daniel/3-9.htm">Daniel 3:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/daniel/3-9.htm">Daniel 3:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/daniel/3-9.htm">Daniel 3:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/daniel/3-9.htm">Daniel 3:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/daniel/3-9.htm">OT Prophets: Daniel 3:9 They answered Nebuchadnezzar the king O king (Dan. 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