Daniel 3:16
What does Daniel 3:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Daniel 3:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Daniel 3:16 means
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego responded to King Nebuchadnezzar with calm resolve, stating that they had no need to prepare a defense or elaborate explanation regarding this matter. Their unwavering answer indicated that their decision was final and rooted in deep conviction, not in fear or hesitation. This immediate, unembellished refusal demonstrated their absolute commitment to their faith and their God, signaling that no further argument or plea for mercy was necessary on their part.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee in this matter.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee in this matter.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answering Nebuchadnezzar the king, said, There is no need for us to give you an answer to this question.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego have answered, yea, they are saying to the king Nebuchadnezzar, `We have no need concerning this matter to answer thee.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Sidrach, Misach, and Abdenago, answered, and said to king Nabuchodonosor: We have no occasion to answer thee concerning this matter.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee in this matter.
Context
This verse records the immediate and concise response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego to the king's ultimatum. Their bold declaration that they "have no need to answer" signals their unwavering conviction and preempts any further debate. This verse sets the stage for their powerful affirmation of faith in the following verses, clearly establishing their refusal to compromise and their trust in God's sovereignty, regardless of the outcome.
v.15Now 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 music, 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?
v.16This passage
v.17If 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 thy hand, O king.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 1:7
And the prince of the eunuchs gave names unto them: unto Daniel he gave the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.
- Daniel 3:12
There 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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