Daniel 3:13 (KJV)

What does Daniel 3:13 mean?

Daniel 3:13 describes King Nebuchadnezzar reacting with intense anger and ordering that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. The verse shows the king’s furious response after hearing that these three men refused to worship the golden image he had set up.

In this moment, Nebuchadnezzar is the speaker, and his command is directed at his officials. The situation is tense: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who are Jewish exiles serving in Babylon, have defied the king’s order to worship an idol, and now they are being brought before him to answer for their actions. This sets the stage for the confrontation that follows in the chapter.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 3:13

• "rage" (רְגַז, regaz): This word points to a deep, shaking anger, not just irritation. Nebuchadnezzar’s reaction is not mild; it is a powerful, emotional outburst.
• "fury" (חֲמָה, ḥemah): This word often means burning heat or wrath, emphasizing the intensity of the king’s feelings. The use of both "rage" and "fury" together highlights just how extreme Nebuchadnezzar’s anger is in this situation.
• "commanded" (אֲמַר, amar): In Aramaic, this word means to say or give an order. Here, it shows the king’s authority and immediate reaction to what he sees as defiance.

Why Daniel 3:13 matters

• Daniel 3:13 makes clear just how serious Nebuchadnezzar’s response is—his double emphasis on anger shows this is not a routine matter, but a crisis in his eyes.
• The verse sets up the dramatic confrontation that will test the faith and courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, making the stakes clear to the reader.
• Understanding the king’s emotional state helps explain why the punishment threatened in the next verses is so severe, and it highlights the pressure the three men are under.