Daniel 3:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore I {H4481} make {H7761} a decree {H2942}, That every {H3606} people {H5972}, nation {H524}, and language {H3961}, which speak {H560} any thing amiss {H7960}{H7955} against {H5922} the God {H426} of Shadrach {H7715}, Meshach {H4336}, and Abednego {H5665}, shall be cut {H5648} in pieces {H1917}, and their houses {H1005} shall be made {H7739} a dunghill {H5122}: because {H6903}{H3606} there is {H383} no {H3809} other {H321} God {H426} that can {H3202} deliver {H5338} after this {H1836} sort.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore I herewith decree that anyone, no matter from which people, nation or language, who says anything to insult the God of Shadrakh, Meishakh and 'Aved-N'go is to be torn limb from limb, and his house is to be reduced to rubble; because there is no other god who can save like this."

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be cut into pieces and their houses reduced to rubble. For there is no other god who can deliver in this way.”

American Standard Version

Therefore I make a decree, that every people, nation, and language, which speak anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill; because there is no other god that is able to deliver after this sort.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Nebuchadnezzar's extraordinary decree, issued immediately after witnessing the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace. Overwhelmed by the undeniable power of the God of Israel, the pagan king declares that any people, nation, or language group that speaks disrespectfully against this God will face severe penalties, including dismemberment and the degradation of their homes, because no other deity possesses such unique power to deliver. This decree serves as a powerful testament to Yahweh's sovereignty and His ability to compel even the most powerful earthly rulers to acknowledge His supremacy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This decree is the climax of the dramatic narrative in [Daniel 3](/daniel/3 "Daniel 3 - The Fiery Furnace"). Prior to this, King Nebuchadnezzar had erected an enormous golden image and commanded all his subjects to worship it upon hearing musical cues ([Daniel 3:1-7](/daniel/3-1 "Daniel 3:1-7 - Nebuchadnezzar's Golden Idol")). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three faithful Jewish exiles, famously refused to bow, adhering to the first two commandments of God's law ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Two Commandments")). Enraged, Nebuchadnezzar ordered them thrown into a superheated furnace, seven times hotter than usual ([Daniel 3:19-23](/daniel/3-19 "Daniel 3:19-23 - Thrown into the Furnace")). However, they emerged unharmed, accompanied by a mysterious "fourth man... like a son of the gods" ([Daniel 3:24-27](/daniel/3-24 "Daniel 3:24-27 - The Fourth Man in the Fire")). Witnessing this unprecedented divine intervention, the king was utterly astonished, leading directly to his declaration in [Daniel 3:28-29](/daniel/3-28 "Daniel 3:28-29 - Nebuchadnezzar Praises God"). The decree thus serves as the king's profound, albeit self-serving, acknowledgment of Yahweh's supreme power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold during the Babylonian exile, a period when the Jewish people were subjugated under the vast Neo-Babylonian Empire, ruled by King Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC). Babylon was a polytheistic society, with a pantheon of gods and goddesses, chief among them Marduk. Kings like Nebuchadnezzar were considered divinely appointed and held absolute authority, their decrees carrying the force of law, often with severe penalties for disobedience. The punishments described in the verse—being "cut in pieces" and having "houses made a dunghill"—were known, brutal forms of imperial justice in the ancient Near East, designed to instill fear and demonstrate absolute power. The concept of a foreign god demonstrating power superior to the empire's deities would have been deeply unsettling and profoundly significant for a ruler like Nebuchadnezzar, challenging his worldview and political authority.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty and Uniqueness of God**, demonstrating that Yahweh is not merely one god among many, but the supreme and incomparable deity, capable of delivering His people in ways no other god can ([Isaiah 45:5-7](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5-7 - God is Unique")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Faithfulness Under Persecution**, as the unwavering commitment of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to God, even unto death, directly prompts this divine intervention and the king's subsequent decree. Their steadfastness serves as a powerful witness. Thirdly, the narrative showcases **God's Vindication of His People** and His ability to **Use Even Pagan Rulers for His Purposes**. Nebuchadnezzar, initially a persecutor, becomes an unwitting instrument for God's glory, proclaiming His greatness throughout his vast empire, thereby fulfilling God's plan to be known among the nations ([Psalm 105:1](/psalm/105-1 "Psalm 105:1 - Give Thanks to the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **decree (Aramaic, _ṭᵉʻêm'_):** From H2942. This word properly means "flavor" or "taste," but figuratively, it refers to "judgment" or "account." In this context, it signifies a formal, authoritative "commandment" or "decree" issued by the king. It highlights the absolute power of Nebuchadnezzar's word, which, in this instance, is used to acknowledge and protect the God of Israel.
* **thing amiss (Aramaic, _shâlûw'_):** From H7960. This term denotes a "fault," "error," or "wrong." Combined with the verb "speak," it refers to any disrespectful, blasphemous, or contemptuous utterance against the God who had just demonstrated such overwhelming power. It encompasses any speech that would diminish, insult, or deny the unique greatness of Yahweh.
* **dunghill (Aramaic, _nᵉvâlûw'_):** From H5122. This word refers to a "sink" or "place for refuse." To make a house a "dunghill" was a severe form of public disgrace and utter destruction, rendering the property utterly worthless and contemptible. It symbolized complete ruin and degradation, a stark warning against defying the God whom the king now revered.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore I make a decree":** King Nebuchadnezzar, having personally witnessed the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is compelled by the overwhelming evidence of divine power to issue an official, binding edict. This opening clause establishes the king's authority and the solemnity of his pronouncement.
* **"That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,":** The scope of the decree is universal within Nebuchadnezzar's vast empire, encompassing all ethnic and linguistic groups. The specific offense is "speaking anything amiss" – any form of disrespect, blasphemy, or error – directed against the God who just demonstrated His power through His servants. The king identifies God by His relationship to these three faithful men, emphasizing the direct, personal encounter he just had.
* **"shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill:":** This clause outlines the draconian punishments for violating the decree. "Cut in pieces" refers to a brutal form of dismemberment, a common imperial execution. Having "their houses made a dunghill" signifies complete public disgrace, ruin, and degradation of their property, rendering it a place for refuse. These severe penalties underscore the king's awe and fear of this powerful God.
* **"because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort."** This concluding clause provides the king's rationale for his decree. It is a profound theological statement from a pagan ruler, acknowledging the absolute uniqueness and unparalleled power of the God of Israel. No other deity in his vast pantheon or empire could perform such a miraculous act of deliverance, thus confirming Yahweh's supremacy.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 3:29 employs several potent literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the extreme nature of the punishments ("cut in pieces," "houses made a dunghill"), emphasizing the king's profound awe and fear of the God who delivered His servants. There is a strong element of **Irony** as the very king who sought to enforce idolatry now issues a decree protecting the worship of the one true God. This unexpected reversal highlights God's ability to turn the hearts of even the most powerful adversaries. The verse also showcases **Divine Intervention**, as Nebuchadnezzar's decree is a direct, undeniable consequence of God's miraculous act in the fiery furnace, demonstrating His active involvement in human affairs. Finally, the formal language and universal scope ("every people, nation, and language") characterize this as a **Royal Edict**, underscoring its authoritative and widespread impact throughout the Babylonian Empire.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 3:29 serves as a powerful testament to the absolute sovereignty and uniqueness of the God of Israel. Nebuchadnezzar's decree, born out of awe and fear, validates the biblical truth that Yahweh is incomparable, unlike any other god worshipped by humanity. This event demonstrates God's ability to not only deliver His faithful servants from impossible situations but also to compel even pagan rulers to acknowledge His supreme power and to use their authority to declare His glory across nations. It foreshadows a day when "every knee will bow and every tongue confess" the Lordship of God, even those who once opposed Him.

* [Isaiah 45:5-7](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5-7 - God's Sole Deity")
* [Psalm 115:3](/psalm/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the Heavens")
* [Romans 14:11](/romans/14-11 "Romans 14:11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 3:29 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating a world that often opposes faith. Just as Nebuchadnezzar, a powerful pagan king, was forced to acknowledge the unique power of the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, so too can God use our faithfulness in the face of persecution or ridicule to bear witness to His greatness. This passage reminds us that our God is not limited by human power, political systems, or seemingly insurmountable threats. He is the sovereign Deliverer, capable of turning the hearts of kings and using extraordinary circumstances to display His glory. Our unwavering trust in Him, even when it demands costly obedience, can become a conduit through which others encounter His undeniable reality. We are called to live with such conviction that our lives, like those of the three Hebrews, point unmistakably to the living God, demonstrating that there is truly "no other God that can deliver after this sort."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nebuchadnezzar's decree challenge our assumptions about how God works in the world, especially through secular authorities?**
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to demonstrate unwavering faithfulness, even when it might lead to personal cost or discomfort?**
* **How can your steadfastness in trials serve as a witness to others about the unique power and character of God?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that "there is no other God that can deliver after this sort"? How does this truth impact your trust and worship?**

### FAQ
**Did King Nebuchadnezzar truly convert to monotheism after this event?**

Answer: While Nebuchadnezzar's decree in [Daniel 3:29](/daniel/3-29 "Daniel 3:29 - Nebuchadnezzar's Decree") is a profound acknowledgment of the God of Israel's unique power and ability to deliver, it does not necessarily indicate a full conversion to monotheism in the biblical sense. His language ("no other God that can deliver after this sort") suggests a recognition of Yahweh's supremacy *in this specific area* (deliverance) rather than an abandonment of all other deities. Later in Daniel, after another humbling experience ([Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar Praises God")), Nebuchadnezzar offers a more comprehensive praise of God's eternal kingdom and sovereignty, which points to a deeper, more personal transformation. However, the text doesn't explicitly state he became an exclusive worshipper of Yahweh, but rather that he was forced to acknowledge His ultimate authority.

**What does "speak any thing amiss" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "speak any thing amiss" translates from the Aramaic word `shâlûw` (H7960), meaning "fault" or "error." In this context, it refers to any form of disrespectful, blasphemous, or contemptuous speech directed against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It encompasses verbal attacks, insults, or any utterance that would diminish His power, deny His existence, or question His unique ability, especially after such a dramatic demonstration of His might in the fiery furnace. The king's decree aims to prevent any verbal challenge to the divine authority he has just witnessed.

**Were the punishments of being "cut in pieces" and houses made a "dunghill" common in ancient Babylon?**

Answer: Yes, these were indeed known, severe forms of punishment in the ancient Near East, including the Babylonian Empire. Being "cut in pieces" (Aramaic: `ʻăbad` H5648, `haddâm` H1917) was a brutal method of execution involving dismemberment, designed to be a terrifying public spectacle. Making a house a "dunghill" (Aramaic: `nᵉvâlûw` H5122) meant reducing the property to a place for refuse and waste, signifying utter ruin, public disgrace, and a permanent mark of contempt. These extreme penalties underscore Nebuchadnezzar's profound awe and fear of the God who delivered the three men, demonstrating his resolve to enforce respect for this powerful deity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 3:29, with its declaration of God's unparalleled power to deliver, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "fourth man" in the fiery furnace, described by Nebuchadnezzar as "like a son of the gods" ([Daniel 3:25](/daniel/3-25 "Daniel 3:25 - The Fourth Man")), is widely understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son of God, foreshadowing His future redemptive work. Just as God delivered His servants from the flames, Christ, through His death and resurrection, delivers humanity from the far greater flames of sin and eternal judgment ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). The king's acknowledgment that "there is no other God that can deliver after this sort" points directly to Jesus, who alone has the power to save completely ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Can Save Completely")) and whose name is "above every name" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). Through Christ, God demonstrated His ultimate deliverance from the power of death, a deliverance far surpassing any physical rescue. His resurrection is the ultimate proof that "there is no other God that can deliver after this sort," establishing Him as the unique and sovereign Lord to whom "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

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

Daniel 2:5

The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.

Deuteronomy 32:31

For their rock [is] not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves [being] judges.

Daniel 6:26

I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he [is] the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion [shall be even] unto the end.

Daniel 6:27

He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

Psalms 76:10

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Daniel 3:28

¶ [Then] Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed [be] the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

Psalms 3:8

Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.