### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic name **ʻĂbêd Nᵉgôwʼ**, represented by `{{H5665}}`, is of foreign origin and identifies **Abed-nego**, the name given to Azariah. It appears **14 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Daniel. The name is inseparable from his two companions, Shadrach and Meshach, as they face a trial of faith in Babylon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Abed-nego** `{{H5665}}` is one of three **Jews** `{{H3062}}` whom **Daniel** `{{H1841}}` requested to be **set** `{{H4483}}` over the **affairs** `{{H5673}}` of the **province** `{{H4083}}` of **Babylon** `{{H895}}` [[Daniel 2:49]]. The central conflict arises when he and his friends refuse to **worship** `{{H5457}}` the **golden** `{{H1722}}` **image** `{{H6755}}` set up by King **Nebuchadnezzar** `{{H5020}}` [[Daniel 3:12]]. In response to the king's questioning, they state they are not **careful** `{{H2818}}` to answer him, affirming that their God is **able** `{{H3202}}` to **deliver** `{{H7804}}` them [[Daniel 3:16-17]]. For their defiance, they are **bound** `{{H3729}}` and cast into a burning fiery **furnace** `{{H861}}` ([[Daniel 3:20]], [[Daniel 3:23]]). Miraculously, they emerge from the **midst** `{{H1459}}` of the **fire** `{{H5135}}` unharmed, leading the king to **promote** `{{H6744}}` them ([[Daniel 3:26]], [[Daniel 3:30]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the core themes of Abed-nego's story:
* `{{H5649}}` **ʻăbad** (servant): This term defines their identity and relationship to God. They are called "**servants** of the most high God" [[Daniel 3:26]], and God **delivered** `{{H7804}}` "his **servants** that trusted in him" [[Daniel 3:28]].
* `{{H5457}}` **çᵉgid** (worship): This is the central act of the conflict. Their refusal to **worship** the king's gods or image is the reason for their trial, as they would not **worship** the golden image which the king had set up ([[Daniel 3:12]], [[Daniel 3:14]]).
* `{{H7804}}` **shᵉzab** (deliver): This is the key action of God in the narrative. The three men express faith that their God is able to **deliver** them, and Nebuchadnezzar later confirms that God did send his angel and **deliver** His servants ([[Daniel 3:17]], [[Daniel 3:28]]).
* `{{H4430}}` **melek** (king): This represents the earthly authority they defy in favor of divine authority. Their faithfulness ultimately led them to change the **king's** word [[Daniel 3:28]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of **Abed-nego** `{{H5665}}` and his testimony is immense.
* **Exclusive Worship:** The narrative highlights the refusal to **serve** `{{H6399}}` or **worship** `{{H5457}}` **any** `{{H3606}}` **god** `{{H426}}` other than their own [[Daniel 3:28]]. This defiance of a royal command demonstrates a commitment to God above all earthly powers.
* **Trust and Deliverance:** Their survival is attributed to their trust in God. Nebuchadnezzar proclaims that God **delivered** `{{H7804}}` his **servants** `{{H5649}}` that **trusted** `{{H7365}}` in him [[Daniel 3:28]]. This event establishes that there is **no** `{{H3809}}` **other** `{{H321}}` God that can **deliver** `{{H5338}}` in such a manner [[Daniel 3:29]].
* **Divine Authority over Earthly Kings:** Abed-nego and his companions ultimately **changed** `{{H8133}}` the **king's** `{{H4430}}` **word** `{{H4406}}` by yielding their **bodies** `{{H1655}}` [[Daniel 3:28]]. The outcome forces the king to issue a new **decree** `{{H2942}}` that protects those who follow the God of Abed-nego [[Daniel 3:29]].
### Summary
In summary, the name **ʻĂbêd Nᵉgôwʼ** `{{H5665}}` represents a figure of resolute faith in the face of mortal danger. The narrative, found entirely in the book of Daniel, details his unwavering refusal, alongside Shadrach and Meshach, to compromise his worship. Their trial in the fiery furnace becomes a powerful testament not to their own endurance, but to the power of their God to deliver those who trust in Him. The story of Abed-nego thus illustrates how faithfulness to God can challenge and ultimately change the decrees of the most powerful earthly kings.
TRV