Bible Strands
Daniel 3:29
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.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Nebuchadnezzar addresses his entire empire immediately after witnessing the deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He issues a royal proclamation to every nation and language group under his rule.
The words — The Aramaic term טְעֵם (te'Em) translates literally as "decree," establishing the command as irrevocable royal law. It pairs with שִׂים (sim), meaning "it is made," to formalize the king's edict.
The thread — This imperial acknowledgment of divine power echoes the universal recognition seen in Daniel 2:5 and the concession that even enemies acknowledge God's uniqueness in Deuteronomy 32:31. The psalmist later notes how God uses the remnants of such wrath to display His sovereignty in Psalms 76:10.
Why it lands — The text commands readers to recognize that opposing the God of Israel carries irreversible consequences. It demands a sober assessment of authority, placing divine deliverance above royal power.
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
Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing 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 can deliver after this sort.
Cross-references
- Daniel 2:5 The king replied to the astrologers, “My word is final: If you do not tell me the dream and its interpretation, you will be cut into pieces and your houses will be reduced to rubble.
- Deuteronomy 32:31 For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies concede.
- Psalms 76:10 Even the wrath of man shall praise You; with the survivors of wrath You will clothe Yourself.
- Daniel 6:26 I hereby decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end.
- Ezra 6:11 I also decree that if any man interferes with this directive, a beam is to be torn from his house and raised up, and he is to be impaled on it. And his own house shall be made a pile of rubble for this offense.
- Psalms 3:8 Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people. Selah
- Daniel 3:15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the statue I have made, very good. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?”
- Daniel 3:17 If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king.
- Daniel 3:28 Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.