Daniel 3:4
What does Daniel 3:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Daniel 3:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Daniel 3:4 means
A herald, acting as the king's official mouthpiece, loudly proclaimed a command to all peoples, nations, and languages present. This public announcement ensured that everyone understood the forthcoming decree, leaving no room for ignorance or misinterpretation. The universal scope of the address emphasized that this was a mandatory requirement for all subjects within Nebuchadnezzar's expansive empire, regardless of their origin or culture. It marked the formal initiation of the king's will regarding the golden image.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then the herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then the herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then one of the king's criers said in a loud voice, To you the order is given, O peoples, nations, and languages,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And a crier is calling mightily: `To you they are saying: O peoples, nations, and languages!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then a herald cried with a strong voice: To you it is commanded, O nations, tribes and languages:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, [O] peoples, nations, and languages,
Context
This verse directly builds on the previous one by articulating the actual command after the assembly of officials. The dramatic, public pronouncement by the herald is essential for understanding the widespread impact of the decree. It prepares the reader for the specific instructions regarding worship and the severe penalty for disobedience that will immediately follow, creating tension and foreshadowing conflict.
v.3Then the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, 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.
v.4This passage
v.5that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hosea 5:11
Ephraim is oppressed, he is crushed in judgment; because he was content to walk after man’s command.
- Micah 6:16
For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I may make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof a hissing: and ye shall bear the reproach of my people.
- Isaiah 40:9
O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up on a high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold, your God!
- Daniel 4:1
Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all the peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied unto you.
- Daniel 6:25
Then king Darius wrote unto all the peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied unto you.
- Isaiah 58:1
Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and declare unto my people their transgression, and to the house of Jacob their sins.
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