Bible Strands
Daniel 3:16
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego address King Nebuchadnezzar immediately after he threatens to cast them into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship his statue.
The words — The verb עֲנ֗וֹ (a.No) means "they replied," while וְ/אָמְרִ֖ין (ve./'a.me.Rin) translates as "and they were saying," establishing their response as a direct verbal counter to the king's ultimatum.
The thread — This confrontation follows the king's accusation against the three officials in Daniel 3:12 and recalls their earlier renaming in Daniel 1:7.
Why it lands — The text explicitly records the men stating they have no need to answer the king in this matter, which places the burden of justification on the ruler rather than the accused and sets the stage for a declaration of faith.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
Cross-references
- Daniel 1:7 The chief official gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
- Daniel 3:12 But there are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who have ignored you, O king, and have refused to serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”