King James Version

What Does Daniel 3:16 Mean?

Daniel 3:16 in the King James Version says “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in t... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

Daniel 3:16 · KJV


Context

14

Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? true: or, of purpose

15

Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp , sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

16

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

17

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.

18

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The three men's response 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter' demonstrates remarkable courage and conviction. 'Not careful' (Aramaic: la chashchin, not anxious/worried) doesn't mean disrespectful but rather confident peace about the outcome. They don't need time to deliberate, strategize, or negotiate—the answer is clear because their allegiance is settled. This contrasts sharply with the Chaldeans' earlier panic when unable to interpret the dream. True faith produces confidence before hostile authority because ultimate trust rests in God rather than human favor.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient protocol demanded elaborate deference when addressing absolute monarchs. Speaking directly without extensive honorifics or anxious hedging was dangerous. The three men's straightforward response demonstrates extraordinary courage given Nebuchadnezzar's documented volatility and unlimited power. Refusing a king's direct command, especially after being given second chance, normally meant immediate execution. Their willingness to speak plainly despite fatal risk reveals faith that relativizes all human authority under God's sovereignty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does settled conviction about ultimate allegiance produce peace and confidence when facing powerful opposition?
  2. What does their immediate, clear answer teach about faith eliminating need for anxious deliberation when truth is at stake?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
עֲנ֗וֹ1 of 15

answered

H6032

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

שַׁדְרַ֤ךְ2 of 15

Shadrach

H7715

shadrak, the babylonian name of one of daniel's companions

מֵישַׁךְ֙3 of 15

Meshach

H4336

meshak, the babylonian

וַעֲבֵ֣ד4 of 15
H0
נְג֔וֹ5 of 15

and Abednego

H5665

abed-nego, the name of azariah

וְאָמְרִ֖ין6 of 15

and said

H560

to speak, to command

לְמַלְכָּ֑א7 of 15

to the king

H4430

a king

נְבֽוּכַדְנֶצַּ֔ר8 of 15

O Nebuchadnezzar

H5020

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

לָֽא9 of 15

are not

H3809

no, not

חַשְׁחִ֨ין10 of 15

careful

H2818

to be necessary (from the idea of convenience) or (transitively) to need

אֲנַ֧חְנָא11 of 15

we

H586

we

עַל12 of 15

thee in

H5922

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דְּנָ֛ה13 of 15

this

H1836

this

פִּתְגָ֖ם14 of 15

matter

H6600

a word, answer, letter or decree

לַהֲתָבוּתָֽךְ׃15 of 15

to answer

H8421

specifically (transitive and ellip.) to reply


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 3:16 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 3:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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