Now 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 musick, 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?

DANIEL 3:15KJV
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Daniel 3:15 (KJV)

What does Daniel 3:15 mean?

Daniel 3:15 records King Nebuchadnezzar warning Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that if they do not bow down and worship the golden image when the music plays, they will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace; he then challenges them by asking what god could possibly rescue them from his power. The verse sets up a direct confrontation between the king’s authority and the faith of the three men.

In this scene, Nebuchadnezzar is speaking directly to the three Jewish men who have refused to worship his statue. He gives them a final chance to comply, making it clear that refusal means certain death in the furnace. The king’s question at the end—“and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?”—shows his belief that no deity can override his command, highlighting the tension between earthly power and faith in God.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 3:15

  • אֱלָהּ (’elah, H426): This word means “God.” Nebuchadnezzar’s use of it in his challenge (“who is that God…?”) shows he sees himself as more powerful than any deity, setting up the dramatic test of faith.
  • פֶּסֶל (pessel, H6755): Translated as “image,” this word refers to the statue Nebuchadnezzar made. The focus on worshiping a man-made object is central to the conflict in this chapter.
  • כִּנּוֹר (kinnor, H7030): This is one of the musical instruments listed, here translated as “harp.” The detailed mention of instruments emphasizes the official and public nature of the command to worship.
  • כִּבְשָׁן (kivshan, H861): Meaning “furnace,” this word underscores the real and immediate threat facing the three men, not just a symbolic danger.

Why Daniel 3:15 matters

  • Daniel 3:15 clarifies that the king’s demand was not just a suggestion but an ultimatum with life-or-death consequences, showing the seriousness of the test.
  • The verse highlights Nebuchadnezzar’s view of his own power as absolute, which is a key theme in the story and sets up the dramatic demonstration of God’s ability to save.
  • By specifying the exact moment (when the music plays) and the punishment, the verse makes the choice facing Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego very clear and immediate, heightening the tension in the narrative.