Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

DANIEL 3:16KJV
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Daniel 3:16 (KJV)

What does Daniel 3:16 mean?

Daniel 3:16 shows Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego telling King Nebuchadnezzar that they do not need to defend themselves or give a careful answer about their refusal to worship the golden image. They speak with calm confidence, making it clear they are not anxious or hesitant about their decision.

In this scene, the three men are standing before the king after being accused of disobeying his command to worship an idol. Their response is direct and respectful, but it signals that their minds are made up and they are not worried about the consequences. The verse highlights their courage and the seriousness of the situation, as they face the most powerful ruler of their time.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 3:16

  • "careful" — דְּחַשׁ (deḥash): This word means "to be in need" or "to have necessity," but in this context, it is often understood as "to be anxious" or "to take care." The men are saying they do not feel pressured or obligated to give a detailed defense.
  • "answer" — תְּבוּת (tebut): This word means "reply" or "response." The use here emphasizes that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are not scrambling to justify themselves; their answer is simple and settled.

Why Daniel 3:16 matters

  • Daniel 3:16 clears up any idea that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were unsure or afraid; instead, it shows their steady resolve even when threatened by the king.
  • The verse sets the tone for the dramatic events that follow, highlighting the contrast between the king’s power and the quiet confidence of those who trust in God.
  • Understanding the original language helps show that their response is not disrespectful, but rather a calm statement that they do not feel the need to argue or defend their faith in this situation.

Where else these words appear

“careful” Hebrew H2818 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezra 6:9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:

“we” Hebrew H586 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 4:16 We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.
  • Ezra 5:11 And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.
  • Daniel 3:17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

“matter” Hebrew H6600 · used in 6 verses

  • Ezra 4:17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
  • Ezra 5:7 They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace.
  • Ezra 6:11 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

“answer” Hebrew H8421 · used in 7 verses

  • Ezra 5:5 But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.
  • Ezra 6:5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.
  • Daniel 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: