Daniel 3:9

KJV

They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

They spake {H6032} and said {H560} to the king {H4430} Nebuchadnezzar {H5020}, O king {H4430}, live {H2418} for ever {H5957}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said to N'vukhadnetzar the king, "May the king live forever!

Berean Standard Bible

saying to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, may you live forever!

American Standard Version

They answered and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, live for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 3:9 records the opening words of the Chaldean accusers to King Nebuchadnezzar, a seemingly deferential and traditional royal salutation, "O king, live for ever." This polite yet manipulative preamble sets the stage for their formal complaint against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, initiating a dramatic confrontation between human decree and divine faithfulness. The verse highlights the insidious tactics employed by those seeking to undermine God's servants within a hostile political and religious environment, immediately preceding the grave accusations that will test the resolve of the three Hebrew men.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Nebuchadnezzar's grand decree for universal worship of the golden image he had erected on the plain of Dura, and the subsequent report by certain Chaldeans that some Jews were not obeying this command. [Daniel 3:1-7](/daniel/3-1-7 "Daniel 3:1-7 - Nebuchadnezzar's Golden Image and Decree") establishes the setting: a display of imperial power demanding absolute religious conformity. The Chaldeans' accusation in [Daniel 3:8](/daniel/3-8 "Daniel 3:8 - The Chaldeans Accuse the Jews") directly precedes their formal address to the king in verse 9, signaling the initiation of a legal proceeding against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The seemingly respectful opening of verse 9 contrasts sharply with the severity of the charges that follow, underscoring the calculated and manipulative nature of their approach.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "O king, live for ever" was a standard, highly respectful royal salutation in the ancient Near East, particularly in Mesopotamia and Persia. It functioned as a wish for a long and prosperous reign, acknowledging the monarch's supreme authority and divine favor. In the Babylonian court, such formal address was crucial for navigating political dynamics and gaining an audience with the king. Nebuchadnezzar's vast, multi-ethnic empire likely saw the erection of the golden image as a strategic move to unify his diverse subjects under a common, state-sanctioned religious practice, thereby consolidating his power and demanding absolute loyalty. The Chaldeans, as a distinct ethnic and priestly class within Babylon, held significant influence and were often seen as guardians of the kingdom's religious and astrological traditions, making their accusation particularly potent.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 3:9 introduces several critical themes that permeate the entire chapter and the broader Book of Daniel. The most prominent is the **clash between human authority and divine sovereignty**, as Nebuchadnezzar's absolute power is challenged by the unwavering faithfulness of God's servants. The verse also highlights the theme of **idolatry versus exclusive worship of God**, as the refusal to bow to the image is framed as disloyalty to the king, rather than fidelity to the God of Israel, who commands, "You shall have no other gods before me" in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). Furthermore, the **nature of accusation and persecution** is evident, demonstrating how flattery and legalistic pretexts can be used to target those who stand firm in their convictions, foreshadowing the trials faced by Daniel himself in [Daniel 6](/daniel/6 "Daniel 6 - Daniel in the Lions' Den").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Aramaic, _ʻănâh'_):** This Aramaic verb (H6032) carries the meaning "to respond" or "to begin to speak," often implying a formal or solemn initiation of discourse. Its use here indicates that the Chaldeans were not merely casual speakers but were formally addressing the king, beginning a significant and deliberate statement, thereby lending an air of official gravity to their impending accusation.
* **king (Aramaic, _melek'_):** The Aramaic word _melek_ (H4430), corresponding to the Hebrew term for "king," denotes a sovereign ruler. Its repetition in the verse ("to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king") emphasizes the absolute authority and central position of the monarch in Babylonian society. The accusers' repeated address to Nebuchadnezzar as "king" serves to affirm his supreme status, thereby making their subsequent accusation of disloyalty against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego appear all the more grievous in the eyes of the court.
* **live (Aramaic, _chăyâʼ'_):** The Aramaic verb _chăyâʼ_ (H2418) means "to live" or "to keep alive." In the context of the traditional royal salutation "live for ever," it expresses a wish for the king's continued existence, vitality, and prosperity. This term, combined with the concept of "forever," forms a hyperbolic expression of good wishes, designed to highly defer to the monarch and secure his favorable disposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar":** This opening clause identifies the speakers as "they," referring to the Chaldeans mentioned in the preceding verse, who had come forward to accuse the Jews. The dual verbs "spake and said" (Aramaic: _ʻănaw w'amĕrîn_) emphasize the deliberate and formal nature of their address. They are not merely engaging in casual conversation but are making an official statement to the supreme ruler, King Nebuchadnezzar, setting the stage for a formal complaint against the three Hebrew men.
* **"O king, live for ever.":** This is the precise content of their opening statement, a standard and highly respectful royal salutation in the ancient Near East. It functions as a wish for the king's long life and prosperous reign, acknowledging his supreme authority and expressing loyalty. However, in this specific context, it is laden with **irony** and **insincerity**, serving as a deceptive preamble to a malicious accusation against those who dared to defy the king's idolatrous decree.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 3:9 effectively employs several literary devices. **Flattery** is prominently displayed through the traditional royal salutation, "O king, live for ever." This seemingly respectful address is, in fact, a calculated rhetorical strategy by the Chaldeans to gain the king's favorable attention and disarm him before presenting their serious charges. The verse also exhibits **Dramatic Irony**, as the accusers wish the king eternal life while simultaneously plotting against those whose God is truly eternal and the source of all life. The very act of wishing the king "forever" highlights the transient nature of human power when contrasted with divine sovereignty. Furthermore, the **Formal Address** underscores the gravity of the situation and the hierarchical structure of the Babylonian court, where strict protocol was paramount, even when malice was the underlying intent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 3:9, though brief, serves as a powerful illustration of how human systems, driven by envy, self-interest, or a desire for conformity, often attempt to suppress divine truth and faithful obedience. The Chaldeans' manipulative flattery and subsequent accusation reveal a timeless pattern: those who stand for God's exclusive worship are frequently targeted by those who prioritize worldly power, personal gain, or state-imposed idolatry. This confrontation highlights the inherent conflict between the kingdom of man and the Kingdom of God, where ultimate loyalty must always reside with the Creator, even in the face of severe persecution. It foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle between light and darkness, truth and deception, and the profound cost of discipleship in a world hostile to God's exclusive claims.

* [Proverbs 29:5](/proverbs/29-5 "Proverbs 29:5 - The Deceit of Flattery")
* [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 Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly innocuous verse offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that outward expressions of respect or politeness can sometimes mask insidious intentions, particularly when spiritual principles are at stake. We must cultivate discernment, recognizing that not all who speak smoothly are sincere, and that flattery can be a tool of manipulation. More importantly, Daniel 3:9 introduces the theme of standing firm in one's faith even when it means defying powerful human decrees. The courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, which this accusation sets in motion, serves as a timeless example that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God alone. When faced with pressures to compromise our convictions for the sake of conformity, worldly acceptance, or personal safety, we are called to remember that true loyalty is to the King of kings, not to fleeting earthly authorities or their idolatrous demands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we cultivate discernment to recognize insincere flattery or manipulative tactics in our own lives and communities?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to compromise your faith for the sake of worldly acceptance or perceived loyalty to human systems?**
* **What practical steps can you take to strengthen your resolve to obey God rather than man, even when it comes at a personal cost?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Chaldeans begin their accusation with such a respectful salutation?**

Answer: The Chaldeans began with "O king, live for ever" because it was a standard and highly formal royal salutation in the ancient Near East, designed to show extreme deference and respect to the monarch. This was a crucial part of court etiquette and served several purposes: to acknowledge the king's supreme authority, to express loyalty, and to gain his favorable attention. By adhering to this protocol, the accusers aimed to establish their own respectability and loyalty before presenting their serious charges against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, thereby making their accusation seem more credible and less like a personal vendetta. It was a calculated rhetorical strategy to frame the refusal of the Hebrew men to worship the golden image as an act of disloyalty to the king, rather than an act of faithfulness to God, as seen in their specific charges in [Daniel 3:12](/daniel/3-12 "Daniel 3:12 - The Accusation Against the Three Men").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 3:9, with its deceptive salutation to an earthly king, foreshadows the ultimate confrontation between human authority and the true King of kings, Jesus Christ. While Nebuchadnezzar demanded worship for a golden image, Christ alone is worthy of all worship, for He is the image of the invisible God, through whom all things were created and sustained ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ's Supremacy")). The accusers' wish for Nebuchadnezzar to "live for ever" points to the eternal reign of Christ, who truly has life in Himself and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him ([John 1:4](/john/1-4 "John 1:4 - In Him Was Life"); [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus Gives Eternal Life")). Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, whose kingdom would eventually fall, Jesus' kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion endures throughout all generations ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion"); [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")). The manipulative tactics of the accusers parallel the spiritual opposition Christ faced from those who sought to trap Him with their words ([Matthew 22:15](/matthew/22-15 "Matthew 22:15 - The Pharisees Plot to Entrap Jesus")) and ultimately delivered Him to an earthly ruler for crucifixion. Yet, through His resurrection, Christ triumphed over all earthly powers and established His eternal dominion, inviting all to bow not to an idol, but to Him, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and to whom every knee will one day bow ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Christ's Exaltation"); [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of 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.

Cross-References

Daniel 5:10

¶ [Now] the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: [and] the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:

Daniel 6:6

¶ Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.

Daniel 6:21

Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

Daniel 2:4

Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.

Daniel 3:4

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

Daniel 3:5

[That] at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:

Romans 13:7

¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.