Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?

DANIEL 3:14KJV
Know the Bible

Daniel 3:14 (KJV)

What does Daniel 3:14 mean?

Daniel 3:14 shows King Nebuchadnezzar questioning Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego about whether they refuse to serve his gods or worship the golden image he set up. The verse highlights the king’s surprise and concern that these officials might be defying his command.

In this scene, Nebuchadnezzar speaks directly to the three men after hearing accusations against them. The king’s question is both an accusation and a chance for them to explain themselves. This moment sets up the dramatic choice the three men must make between obeying the king or staying true to their faith.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 3:14

  • "Serve" (פְּלַח, pelach): This word means to serve or worship, especially in a religious sense. Nebuchadnezzar is not just asking about political loyalty but about religious devotion.
  • "Gods" (אֱלָה, elah): The king refers to his own gods, showing the expectation that everyone in his kingdom should honor the same deities.
  • "Worship" (סְגַד, segad): This word means to bow down or worship, often in the context of idol worship. The king’s demand is not just about respect but about an act of religious submission.
  • "Golden image" (דִּי דַהֲבָא, di dahava): The phrase points to the specific idol Nebuchadnezzar had made, emphasizing its material value and the king’s pride in it.

Why Daniel 3:14 matters

  • Daniel 3:14 clarifies that the issue at stake is both religious and political, as Nebuchadnezzar expects public worship of his gods and his image.
  • The verse highlights the personal nature of the confrontation, showing that the king addresses Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego by name, making their choice public and significant.
  • This question sets the stage for the famous act of faith that follows, helping readers understand the pressure and risk the three men faced.

Where else these words appear

“serve” Hebrew H6399 · used in 10 verses

  • Ezra 7:24 Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.
  • Daniel 3:18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
  • Daniel 6:20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

“worship” Hebrew H5457 · used in 11 verses

  • Daniel 2:46 Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.
  • Daniel 3:7 Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
  • Daniel 3:12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

“Shadrach” Hebrew H7715 · used in 13 verses

  • Daniel 2:49 Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.
  • Daniel 3:19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.
  • Daniel 3:26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.

“Meshach” Hebrew H4336 · used in 13 verses

  • Daniel 2:49 Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.
  • Daniel 3:19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.
  • Daniel 3:26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.