probably of foreign origin; Shadrak, the Babylonian name of one of Daniel's companions; Shadrach.
Transliteration:Shadrak
Pronunciation:shad-rak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma שַׁדְרַךְ (Shadrak, `{{H7714}}`) is a transliteration of a Babylonian name, not derived from Hebrew roots. Its base definition indicates it is "probably of foreign origin," serving as the Babylonian name given to Hananiah, one of Daniel's companions. While its precise etymology in Akkadian or other Semitic languages is debated among scholars, common proposals link it to a Babylonian deity, such as "command of Aku" (Aku being the moon god Sîn) or "royal scribe." Regardless of the exact meaning, the critical aspect is its non-Hebrew origin and its imposition by the Babylonian authorities, replacing Hananiah's original Hebrew name, which meant "Yahweh has been gracious" (חֲנַנְיָה). This renaming signifies an attempt at cultural and religious assimilation by the conquering power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name שַׁדְרַךְ (Shadrak, `{{H7714}}`) appears exclusively in the Book of Daniel. It is first introduced in [[Daniel 1:7]], where the chief eunuch renames Daniel and his three companions: "To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego." This act of renaming was a common practice by ancient conquerors to assert dominance and integrate captives into their culture and religion.
Shadrach is most prominently featured in [[Daniel 3]], alongside his companions Meshach and Abednego. This chapter recounts their refusal to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, an act of defiance against idolatry and a clear statement of their exclusive allegiance to Yahweh. Their unwavering commitment leads to their condemnation to the fiery furnace ([[Daniel 3:19-23]]). The miraculous preservation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace, along with the appearance of a "fourth figure like a son of the gods" ([[Daniel 3:24-25]]), serves as a powerful testament to God's presence and power. Their deliverance leads to Nebuchadnezzar's astonished declaration and decree recognizing the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ([[Daniel 3:28-30]]). Throughout this narrative, the use of their Babylonian names underscores the context of their exile and the pressure to conform, yet their actions consistently demonstrate their fidelity to their true identity as servants of Yahweh.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hananiah (חֲנַנְיָה):** This is Shadrach's original Hebrew name, meaning "Yahweh has been gracious." The contrast between this divinely-rooted name and the imposed Shadrak highlights the spiritual tension of exile and the importance of inner conviction over external labels.
* **Meshach (מֵישַׁךְ, `{{H4336}}`) and Abednego (עֲבֵד נְגוֹ, `{{H5664}}`):** These are Shadrach's two companions, consistently mentioned alongside him in their acts of faithfulness and miraculous deliverance. They represent a collective example of unwavering devotion.
* **Belteshazzar (בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר, `{{H1095}}`):** Daniel's Babylonian name, also imposed by the chief eunuch, signifies the same attempt at cultural assimilation experienced by Shadrach and his friends.
* **Exile/Diaspora:** The entire context of the Book of Daniel and the renaming of the young men is rooted in the Babylonian exile, a period of profound theological challenge for the Jewish people.
* **Idolatry:** The central conflict in [[Daniel 3]] is the refusal to engage in idolatry, a direct violation of the first two commandments of the Decalogue.
* **Divine Deliverance/Sovereignty:** The miraculous rescue from the fiery furnace is a powerful demonstration of God's sovereign power to protect His faithful servants, even in the face of death.
### Theological Significance
The name שַׁדְרַךְ (Shadrak, `{{H7714}}`) and the narrative surrounding the individual bearing it carry profound theological significance.
1. **Identity in Exile:** The imposition of a foreign, possibly idolatrous, name underscores the challenge of maintaining a distinct, God-given identity in a hostile, pagan environment. Despite being called Shadrak, Hananiah's actions demonstrate that his true identity remained rooted in his covenant relationship with Yahweh. This teaches that external circumstances or labels do not define one's ultimate allegiance or spiritual reality.
2. **Faithfulness Under Persecution:** Shadrach's unwavering refusal to compromise his faith, even when faced with a horrific death, serves as an enduring example of radical obedience and trust in God. His declaration, along with his companions, that God is able to deliver them, and *even if He does not*, they would still not serve the king's gods or worship the golden image ([[Daniel 3:17-18]]), exemplifies supreme devotion and courage.
3. **God's Sovereignty and Deliverance:** The miraculous preservation of Shadrach and his companions in the fiery furnace is a powerful testament to God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers and His protective care for His faithful. This event not only saved their lives but also led to King Nebuchadnezzar's acknowledgment of the Most High God, demonstrating how God uses the faithfulness of His people to reveal His glory to the nations.
4. **The Cost of Discipleship:** The narrative highlights the potential cost of following God faithfully in a world that opposes His ways. It affirms that true worship requires exclusive devotion, even when it leads to severe consequences, and that God honors such unwavering commitment.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma שַׁדְרַךְ (Shadrak, `{{H7714}}`) refers to the Babylonian name given to Hananiah, one of Daniel's three companions during the Babylonian exile. As a name of foreign origin, likely honoring a pagan deity, Shadrak symbolizes the cultural and religious pressures faced by the Jewish exiles. Its primary occurrences are in the Book of Daniel, notably in [[Daniel 1:7]] where the renaming occurs, and most significantly in [[Daniel 3]], where Shadrach, along with Meshach and Abednego, famously refuses to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. Their subsequent miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace underscores profound theological truths: the enduring nature of true identity in God despite external impositions, the imperative of unwavering faithfulness under persecution, and God's sovereign power to deliver His devoted servants. The study of Shadrak thus illuminates the tension between cultural assimilation and spiritual integrity, offering a timeless example of radical obedience and trust in the Most High God.
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