King James Version

What Does Daniel 3:1 Mean?

Daniel 3:1 in the King James Version says “Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: h...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.”

Daniel 3:1 · KJV

Context

1

Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.

2

Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

3

Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nebuchadnezzar erects an enormous golden image 'sixty cubits' high (90 feet) and 'six cubits' broad (9 feet). The proportions (10:1 ratio) suggest this was either a human figure on a tall pedestal or an obelisk-like structure. Gold symbolizes the king's empire (cf. 2:38) but now explicitly demands worship, making literal the metaphorical pride. The location in 'plain of Dura' (Aramaic: biqa, valley) provided space for massive gathering. This image represents the state demanding absolute allegiance, foreshadowing end-times persecution when worship of the beast is mandated (Revelation 13:15). The image's likely connection to Daniel 2's vision shows humanity's response to divine revelation—rather than humbling himself, the king doubles down on self-glorification.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings erected colossal statues as political propaganda asserting divine authority and demanding loyalty. The plain of Dura (possibly near Babylon) could accommodate vast crowds. The image was likely overlaid with gold rather than solid gold due to cost and structural requirements. Dedication ceremonies for major building projects involved elaborate religious rituals, feasting, and oaths of loyalty. Nebuchadnezzar ruled at Babylon's height, having rebuilt the city magnificently including the Hanging Gardens.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the golden image represent human pride's response to divine revelation—self-glorification rather than repentance?
  2. In what ways do modern states demand absolute allegiance that conflicts with worship of God alone?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֣ר1 of 17

“Nebuchadnezzar”

H5020

nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon

מַלְכָּ֗א2 of 17

“the king”

H4430

a king

עֲבַד֙3 of 17

“made”

H5648

to do, make, prepare, keep, etc

צְלֵ֣ם4 of 17

“an image”

H6755

an idolatrous figure

דִּֽי5 of 17
H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

דְהַ֔ב6 of 17

“of gold”

H1722

gold

רוּמֵהּ֙7 of 17

“whose height”

H7314

(literally) altitude

אַמִּ֣ין8 of 17

“cubits”

H521

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

שִׁתִּ֔ין9 of 17

“was threescore”

H8361

sixty

פְּתָיֵ֖הּ10 of 17

“and the breadth”

H6613

open, i.e., (as noun) width

אַמִּ֣ין11 of 17

“cubits”

H521

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

שִׁ֑ת12 of 17

“thereof six”

H8353

six

אֲקִימֵהּ֙13 of 17

“he set it up”

H6966

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

בְּבִקְעַ֣ת14 of 17

“in the plain”

H1236

properly, a split, i.e., a wide level valley between mountains

דּוּרָ֔א15 of 17

“of Dura”

H1757

dura, a place in babylonia

בִּמְדִינַ֖ת16 of 17

“in the province”

H4083

properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region

בָּבֶֽל׃17 of 17

“of Babylon”

H895

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Daniel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Daniel 3:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Daniel 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 2:19Jeremiah 16:20Isaiah 46:6Hosea 8:4Acts 17:29Acts 19:26

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
DuraNatural Area · Modern: Tulul Dura · 32.32°N, 44.50°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Daniel 3 →

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