Daniel 3:18

But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

But if {H2006} not {H3809}, be it {H1934} known {H3046} unto thee, O king {H4430}, that we will {H383} not {H3809} serve {H6399} thy gods {H426}, nor {H3809} worship {H5457} the golden {H1722} image {H6755} which thou hast set up {H6966}.

But even if he doesn't, we want you to know, your majesty, that we will neither serve your gods nor worship the gold statue which you have set up."

But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”

But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Commentary

Commentary on Daniel 3:18 (KJV)

Daniel 3:18 is a powerful declaration of faith made by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to King Nebuchadnezzar. This verse encapsulates their unwavering commitment to God, even when faced with certain death in the fiery furnace. It follows their statement in verse 17 expressing confidence that God *could* deliver them, adding the crucial "But if not."

Context

This verse is part of the narrative in Daniel chapter 3, where King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon erected a massive golden image and commanded everyone in the empire to worship it upon hearing specific music. Failure to comply resulted in being thrown into a blazing fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Jewish exiles who held positions of authority, refused to bow down, remaining faithful to their God and the commandments against idolatry (Exodus 20:3). When confronted by the enraged king, they delivered this courageous and defiant response.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Faith: The statement "But if not" is perhaps the most profound part of this verse. It signifies a faith that trusts God's power to save (as stated in verse 17) but also trusts His will and sovereignty even if physical deliverance does not occur. Their faith was not conditional on a specific outcome.
  • Obedience to God Above Human Authority: Their refusal to serve the king's gods or worship the image demonstrates a clear commitment to obey God's law even when it directly conflicts with human decree. This principle is echoed later in scripture (Acts 5:29).
  • Courage and Conviction: Facing a horrific death, these three young men stood firm in their convictions, refusing to compromise their faith for the sake of their lives or positions.
  • Rejection of Idolatry: At its core, the verse is a bold rejection of idolatry and a declaration of exclusive loyalty to the one true God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image" uses distinct terms for serving and worshipping. "Serve" (Hebrew: pelach) often refers to rendering service or homage, sometimes in a religious context. "Worship" (Aramaic: segid) specifically means to bow down, prostrate oneself, or pay homage, particularly in a religious sense. Their refusal covered both aspects – they would not render service or pay religious homage to Nebuchadnezzar's deities or his idol. This highlights the comprehensive nature of their devotion to God alone.

Reflection and Application

Daniel 3:18 challenges believers today to examine the depth of their own faith. Are we willing to stand for God's truth when it is unpopular or costly? Do we trust God's plan and goodness even when circumstances are dire and the outcome uncertain? This verse calls us to a faith that is not based on guaranteed comfort or deliverance from trials, but on the absolute sovereignty and worthiness of God. It encourages us to be courageous in our convictions and to prioritize obedience to God above all earthly pressures or authorities, trusting that He is with us, even in the midst of the "fiery furnace" (Isaiah 43:2).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 5:29

    Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

  • Acts 5:32

    And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

  • Matthew 10:39

    He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

  • Revelation 2:10

    Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

  • Revelation 2:11

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

  • Matthew 10:32

    Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

  • Matthew 10:33

    But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
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