Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,

DANIEL 3:4KJV
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Daniel 3:4 (KJV)

What does Daniel 3:4 mean?

Daniel 3:4 describes a herald making a loud public announcement, commanding all the people, nations, and languages present to listen and obey a royal order. This verse sets the stage for a decree that will affect everyone in the diverse crowd gathered before King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image.

The scene takes place in Babylon, where King Nebuchadnezzar has assembled officials and representatives from many different groups. The herald, acting as the king’s messenger, calls out so that everyone—no matter their background or language—knows they are being addressed. This moment highlights the king’s authority and the unity he demands from his vast and varied empire.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 3:4

  • "herald" (כָּרוֹז, kārôz): This word refers to an official announcer or public crier, someone with the authority to speak on behalf of the king. The use of a herald shows the importance and formality of the proclamation.
  • "cried" (קְרָא, qĕrā’): This verb means to call out loudly or proclaim. It emphasizes that the message was meant to be heard clearly by everyone present.
  • "aloud" (חַיִל, ḥayil): This word often means "with strength" or "in a strong voice," underlining the force and urgency of the announcement.
  • "commanded" (אֲמַר, ’amar): Here, it means to issue an order or command, showing that what follows is not a suggestion but a directive from the king.
  • "people" (עַם, ‘am), "nations" (אֻמָּה, ’ummāh), "languages" (לִשָּׁן, lishān): These words stress the diversity of the audience, making it clear that the king’s order is meant for every group within his empire.

Why Daniel 3:4 matters

  • Daniel 3:4 shows the vast reach of Nebuchadnezzar’s rule by addressing all peoples, nations, and languages, highlighting the multicultural makeup of the Babylonian Empire.
  • The verse sets up the drama of the following story, explaining why everyone—regardless of background—will be expected to respond to the king’s command.
  • By emphasizing the formal and public nature of the announcement, Daniel 3:4 helps readers understand the pressure and seriousness faced by those who might resist the king’s order.

Where else these words appear

“aloud” Hebrew H2429 · used in 6 verses

  • Ezra 4:23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
  • Daniel 3:20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
  • Daniel 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

“languages” Hebrew H3961 · used in 7 verses

  • 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 4:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
  • Daniel 6:25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

“nations” Hebrew H524 · used in 8 verses

  • Ezra 4:10 And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time.
  • Daniel 3:29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.
  • Daniel 5:19 And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.

“cried” Hebrew H7123 · used in 10 verses

  • Ezra 4:18 The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.
  • Daniel 5:7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
  • Daniel 5:15 And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing: