Daniel Chapter 3 · Verse 16
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
Original Language Analysis
עֲנ֗וֹ
answered
H6032
עֲנ֗וֹ
answered
Strong's:
H6032
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
שַׁדְרַ֤ךְ
Shadrach
H7715
שַׁדְרַ֤ךְ
Shadrach
Strong's:
H7715
Word #:
2 of 15
shadrak, the babylonian name of one of daniel's companions
נְבֽוּכַדְנֶצַּ֔ר
O Nebuchadnezzar
H5020
נְבֽוּכַדְנֶצַּ֔ר
O Nebuchadnezzar
Strong's:
H5020
Word #:
8 of 15
nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon
חַשְׁחִ֨ין
careful
H2818
חַשְׁחִ֨ין
careful
Strong's:
H2818
Word #:
10 of 15
to be necessary (from the idea of convenience) or (transitively) to need
עַל
thee in
H5922
עַל
thee in
Strong's:
H5922
Word #:
12 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Daniel 1:7Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.Daniel 3:12There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Historical Context
Ancient protocol demanded elaborate deference when addressing absolute monarchs. Speaking directly without extensive honorifics or anxious hedging was dangerous. The three men's straightforward response demonstrates extraordinary courage given Nebuchadnezzar's documented volatility and unlimited power. Refusing a king's direct command, especially after being given second chance, normally meant immediate execution. Their willingness to speak plainly despite fatal risk reveals faith that relativizes all human authority under God's sovereignty.
Questions for Reflection
- How does settled conviction about ultimate allegiance produce peace and confidence when facing powerful opposition?
- What does their immediate, clear answer teach about faith eliminating need for anxious deliberation when truth is at stake?
Analysis & Commentary
The three men's response 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter' demonstrates remarkable courage and conviction. 'Not careful' (Aramaic: la chashchin, not anxious/worried) doesn't mean disrespectful but rather confident peace about the outcome. They don't need time to deliberate, strategize, or negotiate—the answer is clear because their allegiance is settled. This contrasts sharply with the Chaldeans' earlier panic when unable to interpret the dream. True faith produces confidence before hostile authority because ultimate trust rests in God rather than human favor.