Daniel 3:14

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Nebuchadnezzar {H5020} spake {H6032} and said {H560} unto them, Is it true {H6656}, O Shadrach {H7715}, Meshach {H4336}, and Abednego {H5665}, do not {H3809} ye {H383} serve {H6399} my gods {H426}, nor {H3809} worship {H5457} the golden {H1722} image {H6755} which I have set {H6966} up?

Complete Jewish Bible

N'vukhadnetzar said to them, "Shadrakh! Meishakh! 'Aved-N'go! Is it true that you neither serve my gods nor worship the gold statue I set up?

Berean Standard Bible

and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden statue I have set up?

American Standard Version

Nebuchadnezzar answered and said unto them, Is it of purpose, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, that ye serve not my god, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 3:14 captures the pivotal moment of King Nebuchadnezzar's direct confrontation with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The king, filled with a mixture of disbelief and indignation, questions their allegiance, giving them a final, menacing opportunity to recant their refusal to worship his gods and the golden image he had erected. This interrogation sets the stage for a profound demonstration of unwavering faith and divine intervention against the backdrop of imperial decree and religious persecution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the report by certain Chaldeans to King Nebuchadnezzar, accusing Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego of refusing to worship the golden image (Daniel 3:8-12). The king's furious and enraged response (Daniel 3:13) leads directly to this personal interrogation. It precedes the three Hebrews' famous declaration of faith and God's ability to deliver them (Daniel 3:16-18), and the subsequent miraculous preservation in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:19-27). The entire chapter serves as a dramatic narrative illustrating the clash between human authority and divine sovereignty, and the steadfastness of faith in the face of death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Babylon during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC), a powerful and ambitious ruler who expanded his empire and rebuilt Babylon into a magnificent capital. The erection of the golden image on the plain of Dura (Daniel 3:1) was likely an act of imperial propaganda, designed to consolidate power, enforce national unity, and demand absolute loyalty to the king and his gods. For the exiled Jews, this command presented an existential crisis, as it directly violated the foundational commandments of their covenant with Yahweh (e.g., [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")). The fiery furnace was a known method of execution in ancient Mesopotamia, adding a terrifying reality to the king's decree.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 3:14 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **idolatry versus monotheism**, showcasing the absolute refusal of the three Hebrews to compromise their exclusive worship of the one true God, even under threat of death. This underscores the theme of **faithfulness under persecution**, where individuals are called to obey God rather than human authorities, even when facing severe consequences (cf. [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Peter and the Apostles' Declaration")). The king's incredulity also hints at the **clash of kingdoms**, where the earthly dominion of Nebuchadnezzar is set against the eternal, sovereign reign of God (cf. [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). Ultimately, the verse sets the stage for the demonstration of God's **sovereignty and power to deliver** His faithful servants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **true (Aramaic, _tsᵉdâʼ'_):** This word (H6656) conveys more than a simple inquiry; it implies a sense of astonishment, indignation, or even a sinister design. Nebuchadnezzar's use of "Is it true?" suggests a profound disbelief that these trusted officials, who had previously served him well, would openly defy his direct command. It carries an accusatory tone, demanding an explanation for their alleged insubordination and hinting at the severe consequences for such "truthful" defiance.
* **serve (Aramaic, _pᵉlach'_):** The Aramaic term (H6399) means "to serve or worship," specifically in the context of rendering homage or obedience. Here, it refers to the service due to a deity. The king's question "do not ye serve my gods" directly challenges their allegiance, demanding whether they are withholding the required religious devotion and practical service to the Babylonian pantheon, which was inextricably linked to loyalty to the empire itself.
* **worship (Aramaic, _çᵉgid'_):** This word (H5457) means "to prostrate oneself (in homage)." It describes the physical act of bowing down, a gesture of profound reverence and submission. The king's command was not merely to acknowledge his gods but to perform a public, visible act of worship to the golden image. Their refusal to "worship" was a clear, unambiguous statement of their theological and political dissent, directly challenging the king's authority and the religious syncretism he sought to impose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them,"**: This establishes the direct, personal nature of the confrontation. The king himself, not an intermediary, addresses the three men, highlighting the gravity of the situation and his personal investment in their compliance. His words are not merely a question but an authoritative pronouncement.
* **"[Is it] true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,"**: This is the core of Nebuchadnezzar's incredulity. The phrase "Is it true?" (Aramaic: _hăṣədā’_) expresses his astonishment and implied accusation. He names them individually, indicating his personal knowledge of them and their previous positions of trust, making their defiance all the more shocking to him.
* **"do not ye serve my gods,"**: This clause reveals the king's fundamental concern: allegiance to his pantheon. In ancient Near Eastern thought, the gods of a nation were intrinsically linked to its power and prosperity. To refuse to serve the king's gods was to undermine his authority and the very foundation of his empire.
* **"nor worship the golden image which I have set up?"**: This specifies the particular act of defiance. The golden image was the tangible symbol of the king's authority and the required religious conformity. Their refusal to bow down to this specific idol, which the king himself had "set up," was a direct challenge to his personal decree and his divine right to rule.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Interrogation** is central, as Nebuchadnezzar poses a direct question, though it functions more as a rhetorical accusation than a genuine search for information. This **rhetorical question** underscores his disbelief and sets the stage for their defiant response. There is also an element of **dramatic irony**, as the king, in his immense power, believes he holds ultimate authority over life and death, unaware of the greater divine power that is about to intervene. The verse also presents a clear **antithesis** between serving "my gods" and the implied service to the one true God, highlighting the fundamental conflict of allegiances. Finally, the king's direct challenge and the men's steadfast refusal **foreshadow** the miraculous deliverance to come, building narrative tension and emphasizing the impending clash between human decree and divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 3:14 serves as a powerful testament to the unwavering commitment required of those who follow the one true God. It underscores the biblical mandate against idolatry, emphasizing that loyalty to Yahweh must transcend all earthly allegiances, even when faced with the gravest consequences. This confrontation highlights the inherent conflict between the kingdoms of this world, which often demand absolute worship and conformity, and the eternal kingdom of God, which calls for exclusive devotion. The steadfastness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's people through faithfulness, even in suffering, and points to the divine power to deliver, whether physically or spiritually.

* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")
* [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, not Man")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The confrontation in Daniel 3:14 resonates deeply with believers today, challenging us to examine the nature of our own allegiances. In a world that often demands conformity to its values, systems, and idols—whether they be wealth, power, social acceptance, or self-gratification—this verse calls us to an uncompromising faithfulness to God. It forces us to ask whether our convictions are strong enough to withstand pressure, ridicule, or even professional and social consequences. The courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego reminds us that true integrity is found in aligning our lives with God's Word, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness, regardless of the immediate outcome. Their example encourages us to stand firm, knowing that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God alone, and that He is faithful to those who honor Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "golden images" or cultural pressures in my life or society demand my allegiance over God?**
* **Am I willing to stand firm in my faith and biblical convictions when faced with personal or professional consequences?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate my ultimate allegiance to God rather than to worldly values or idols?**
* **What does it truly mean to "serve" and "worship" God exclusively in my contemporary context?**

### FAQ
**Why was Nebuchadnezzar so surprised by their refusal?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar's surprise, indicated by the phrase "Is it true?" (H6656, _tsᵉdâʼ_), stemmed from several factors. First, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were high-ranking officials (Daniel 2:49) whom he himself had appointed, suggesting they were trusted and competent. Their defiance was an unexpected act of insubordination from those he had favored. Second, their refusal directly challenged his absolute authority and the religious unity he sought to impose through the golden image (Daniel 3:1-7). In his worldview, a king's decree was law, and deviation was unthinkable, especially given the severe penalty of the fiery furnace. His astonishment reflects his inability to comprehend a higher loyalty than that owed to him.

**What was the significance of the golden image Nebuchadnezzar set up?**

Answer: The golden image (H1722, _dᵉhab_; H6755, _tselem_) was more than just a statue; it was a potent symbol of Nebuchadnezzar's power, the Babylonian empire's supremacy, and a demand for religious and political conformity. By commanding all subjects to bow down, Nebuchadnezzar aimed to consolidate his rule, enforce loyalty, and perhaps even assimilate the diverse peoples of his empire under a common, state-sanctioned religion. For the Jewish exiles, bowing to this image represented a direct violation of the First and Second Commandments, which forbade the worship of other gods and the making of idols (e.g., [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The Ten Commandments")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unwavering faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:14, standing firm against imperial decree and the threat of death, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fidelity of Jesus Christ. While they refused to bow to a golden image, Christ, the Son of God, resisted every temptation to compromise His divine mission and allegiance to the Father, even when confronted by the devil's offers of worldly power and glory (e.g., [Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Matthew 4:8-10 - The Temptation of Jesus")). His obedience was not merely passive but an active, steadfast commitment to God's will, leading Him to the cross, where He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death (e.g., [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")). The deliverance of the three Hebrews from the fiery furnace points to Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and the powers of this world through His resurrection (e.g., [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). For believers, their example calls us to a Christ-like faithfulness, knowing that our ultimate deliverance is found in Him, who has overcome the world (e.g., [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and promises eternal life to those who endure in faith (e.g., [Revelation 2:10](/revelation/2-10 "Revelation 2:10 - Be Faithful Unto Death")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 50:2

Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, [and] conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.

Daniel 3:1

¶ Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height [was] threescore cubits, [and] the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.

Isaiah 46:1

¶ Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages [were] heavy loaden; [they are] a burden to the weary [beast].

Daniel 4:8

But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name [was] Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, [saying],

Exodus 21:13

And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver [him] into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.

Exodus 21:14

But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.