Question 1

What does Daniel 3:21 mean?

Accepted Answer

Daniel 3:21 describes how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were tied up while still wearing all their clothes—including coats, trousers, hats, and other garments—and then thrown into the middle of a blazing, fiery furnace. The verse emphasizes that they were cast into the fire fully dressed and securely bound. This verse is part of the story where King Nebuchadnezzar punishes these three men for refusing to worship a golden image. The detail about their clothing highlights the thoroughness of their punishment and sets up the dramatic nature of the miracle that follows, since their garments would normally make the fire even more deadly.

Question 2

The Aramaic behind Daniel 3:21

Accepted Answer

The word for "coats" (אַרְגְּוָן, 'argəvān) refers to an outer garment or tunic, showing they were wearing their main clothes. "Hosen" (פַּטִּישׁ, paṭṭîsh) likely means trousers or undergarments, indicating they were dressed from head to toe. "Hats" (כַּרְבְּלָה, karbəlāh) points to a head covering or turban, again stressing their full attire. The word for "bound" (כְּפַת, kəphat) means they were securely tied up, making escape impossible and underlining the severity of their situation.

Question 3

Why Daniel 3:21 matters

Accepted Answer

The verse clears up any idea that the men had a chance to prepare or protect themselves; they were thrown in just as they were, fully clothed and helpless. The detail about their clothing becomes important in the next verses, where the fire burns their bonds but not their garments or bodies, highlighting the miraculous nature of their deliverance. This careful description adds to the suspense and gravity of the story, making the reader more aware of the danger and the power of the miracle that follows.

Daniel 3:21 (KJV)