Daniel 3:16

Bible Versions

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

Shadrach {H7715}, Meshach {H4336}, and Abednego {H5665}, answered {H6032} and said {H560} to the king {H4430}, O Nebuchadnezzar {H5020}, we {H586} are not {H3809} careful {H2818} to answer {H8421} thee in {H5922} this {H1836} matter {H6600}.

Shadrakh, Meishakh and 'Aved-N'go answered the king, "Your question doesn't require an answer from us.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee in this matter.

Study Tools

Context of Daniel 3:16

Daniel 3:16 takes place in the ancient Babylonian Empire during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. The king had erected a colossal golden image and commanded all his officials and subjects to worship it upon hearing specific musical cues. Failure to comply meant being thrown into a blazing fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Jewish exiles who held prominent positions in Babylon, refused to bow down, remaining steadfast in their monotheistic faith. This verse captures their bold and resolute response when confronted directly by the furious King Nebuchadnezzar about their defiance of his decree.

Key Themes and Messages

Unwavering Conviction: The phrase "we are not careful to answer thee in this matter" reveals the profound and unshakeable conviction of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They did not need to deliberate, prepare an elaborate defense, or weigh the consequences. Their faith in God was so absolute that their decision was already made.
Courage in the Face of Authority: These men stood firm against the most powerful ruler of their time, risking their lives rather than compromising their beliefs. Their response demonstrates immense courage and a refusal to succumb to intimidation or worldly pressure.
Priority of God's Will: The core message is that their loyalty to God superseded any human command, especially one that involved idolatry. They implicitly declared that their allegiance to the one true God was non-negotiable, even if it meant certain death. This sets a powerful example of obeying God rather than men.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's "we are not careful to answer thee in this matter" might sound like indifference, but the original Aramaic (לָא חֲשִׁיחִין, la chashikhin) conveys a deeper meaning. It signifies "there is no need for us to be anxious," "no need to deliberate," or "no necessity to defend ourselves." It underscores that their position was clear, settled, and required no further discussion or worry about the king's reaction. They were not flippant, but utterly resolved.

Related Scriptures

For the initial decree to worship the golden image, see Daniel 3:4-7.
Their full declaration of faith and trust in God's deliverance (or lack thereof), which immediately follows this verse, is found in Daniel 3:17-18.
The miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace, which validates their faith, is recounted in Daniel 3:26-27.

Practical Application

Daniel 3:16 serves as a timeless inspiration for believers facing pressure to compromise their faith or values. It challenges us to examine our own convictions:

Do we stand firm in our beliefs when it is unpopular or costly?
Are we willing to prioritize God's commands above societal expectations, professional demands, or personal comfort?
Can we face potential negative consequences with a calm and resolved spirit, trusting God with the outcome?

This verse encourages a deep, unwavering faith that doesn't need to "carefully" calculate the risks of obedience, but simply trusts in the sovereign power and goodness of God, come what may. Their example reminds us that true freedom comes from absolute commitment to God.

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.

Daniel 1:7

Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel [the name] of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
Daniel 3:12

There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.