Daniel 3:11
What does Daniel 3:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Daniel 3:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Daniel 3:11 means
The Chaldeans continued their reminder to the king by recalling the dire consequence for disobedience: anyone refusing to worship would be cast immediately into a burning fiery furnace. By reiterating the exact penalty established by Nebuchadnezzar himself, they underscored the seriousness of the transgression they were about to report. This meticulous quoting of the royal decree established their case as one of clear violation, ensuring the king understood the gravity of the matter and the expected outcome for those who defied his rule.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And anyone not falling down and worshipping is to be put into a burning and flaming fire.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and whoso doth not fall down and do obeisance, is cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And that if any man shall not fall down and adore, he should be cast into a furnace of burning fire.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and [that] whosoever doth not fall down and worship, shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
Context
This verse continues the Chaldeans' methodical accusation by restating the explicit penalty from verse 6. By meticulously reconfirming the consequence for disobedience, they solidify their case against the Jews. This careful recitation of the law and its punishment creates a clear framework for the king's judgment and directly leads to the specific accusation against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, setting the stage for their dramatic confrontation with the king.
v.10Thou, 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;
v.11This passage
v.12There are certain Jews whom thou hast appointed 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.
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