Daniel 3:9
What does Daniel 3:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Daniel 3:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Daniel 3:9 means
The Chaldeans, in their accusation, addressed King Nebuchadnezzar with a traditional salutation, wishing him eternal life. This polite yet politically charged opening served to emphasize their loyalty to the king and perhaps to flatter him before delivering their serious complaint. Such an address was customary in ancient Near Eastern courts, intended to show immense respect and submission to the monarch, thereby subtly strengthening their position as loyal subjects bringing forth a grievance against others.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000They answered and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, live for ever.
KJV
King James Version · 1611They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901They answered and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, live for ever.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949They made answer and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, O King, have life for ever.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862they have answered, yea, they are saying to Nebuchadnezzar the king, `O king, to the ages live!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And said to king Nabuchodonosor: O king, live for ever:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They spoke and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever!
Context
This verse begins the Chaldeans' accusation against the Jews, immediately following their decision to approach the king. The formal, respectful opening is a strategic move, establishing their loyalty and deference before presenting their serious charges. This polite introduction helps frame their subsequent indictment as a dutiful report rather than an impulsive attack, setting the tone for the unfolding legal process against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.
v.8Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and brought accusation against the Jews.
v.9This passage
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;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 2:4
Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in the Syrian language, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation.
- Romans 13:7
Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
- Daniel 6:6
Then these presidents and satraps assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.
- Daniel 5:10
Nowthe queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house: the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever; let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed.
- Daniel 6:21
Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
- Daniel 3:4
Then the herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,
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