King James Version

What Does Daniel 3:17 Mean?

Daniel 3:17 in the King James Version says “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 t...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 3:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. full: Cald. filled

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew phrase hen itai (הֵן אִיתַי, "If it be so") expresses confident trust rather than doubt—"If this is to be the case" or "Our God whom we serve is able." The Aramaic yakil leshezavutana (יָכִל לְשֵׁזָבוּתָנָא) means "is able to deliver us," emphasizing divine power and capacity. The threefold description—"our God," "whom we serve," and "is able"—establishes their relationship with Yahweh as personal, active, and founded on His omnipotence.

The phrase "from the burning fiery furnace" uses the Aramaic intensive form for "burning," emphasizing the fire's fierce intensity. Yet the three Hebrews express absolute confidence that their God can deliver them even from Nebuchadnezzar's most extreme threat. This verse demonstrates faith that rests on God's character and power rather than circumstances. The three Hebrews don't know whether God will choose to deliver them, but they know He is able.

This faith anticipates Hebrews 11, which commends those who trusted God whether they received earthly deliverance or not. The statement points forward to the greater deliverance Christ accomplishes—rescuing believers from the fiery judgment of sin through His atoning death.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This confrontation occurred during Nebuchadnezzar's reign (605-562 BC) over the Neo-Babylonian Empire, likely in the latter part of his rule after the events of Daniel 2. The king had erected a golden image, possibly inspired by his dream of the statue with a golden head (Daniel 2:38), but now demanding worship of an image representing himself or Babylonian deities. The plain of Dura, where the image stood, was likely near Babylon proper, making this a highly public event designed to enforce religious and political conformity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does distinguishing between God's ability (what He can do) and His will (what He chooses to do) protect us from presumption while strengthening genuine faith?
  2. In what specific areas of life are you facing pressure to compromise convictions for career advancement, social acceptance, or personal safety?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
הֵ֣ן1 of 16

“If”

H2006

lo! also there(-fore), (un-)less, whether, but, if

אִיתַ֗י2 of 16

“is”

H383

properly, entity; used only as a particle of affirmation, there is

אֱלָהַ֙נָא֙3 of 16

“it be so our God”

H426

god

דִּֽי4 of 16
H1768

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

אֲנַ֣חְנָא5 of 16

“whom we”

H586

we

פָֽלְחִ֔ין6 of 16

“serve”

H6399

to serve or worship

יָכִ֖ל7 of 16

“able”

H3202

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

יְשֵׁיזִֽב׃8 of 16

“and he will deliver”

H7804

to leave, i.e., (causatively) free

וּמִן9 of 16

“us from”

H4481

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

אַתּ֨וּן10 of 16

“furnace”

H861

probably a fire-place, i.e., furnace

נוּרָ֧א11 of 16

“fiery”

H5135

fire

יָקִֽדְתָּ֛א12 of 16

“the burning”

H3345

to burn

וּמִן13 of 16

“us from”

H4481

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

יְדָ֥ךְ14 of 16

“thine hand”

H3028

hand (indicating power)

מַלְכָּ֖א15 of 16

“O king”

H4430

a king

יְשֵׁיזִֽב׃16 of 16

“and he will deliver”

H7804

to leave, i.e., (causatively) free

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 3:17 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 3:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:31Luke 1:37Hebrews 7:25Psalms 27:1-2Jeremiah 1:8Isaiah 26:3-4

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