Daniel Chapter 3 · Verse 17
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
Original Language Analysis
אִיתַ֗י
is
H383
אִיתַ֗י
is
Strong's:
H383
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, entity; used only as a particle of affirmation, there is
דִּֽי
H1768
דִּֽי
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
4 of 16
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
יָכִ֖ל
able
H3202
יָכִ֖ל
able
Strong's:
H3202
Word #:
7 of 16
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
וּמִן
us from
H4481
וּמִן
us from
Strong's:
H4481
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
וּמִן
us from
H4481
וּמִן
us from
Strong's:
H4481
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
Cross References
Romans 8:31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?Luke 1:37For with God nothing shall be impossible.Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.Jeremiah 1:8Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.Acts 21:13Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.Job 5:19He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.Isaiah 12:2Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.Psalms 115:3But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.Daniel 6:27He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
Historical Context
This confrontation occurred during Nebuchadnezzar's reign (605-562 BC) over the Neo-Babylonian Empire, likely in the latter part of his rule after the events of Daniel 2. The king had erected a golden image, possibly inspired by his dream of the statue with a golden head (Daniel 2:38), but now demanding worship of an image representing himself or Babylonian deities. The plain of Dura, where the image stood, was likely near Babylon proper, making this a highly public event designed to enforce religious and political conformity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does distinguishing between God's ability (what He can do) and His will (what He chooses to do) protect us from presumption while strengthening genuine faith?
- In what specific areas of life are you facing pressure to compromise convictions for career advancement, social acceptance, or personal safety?
Analysis & Commentary
The Hebrew phrase hen itai (הֵן אִיתַי, "If it be so") expresses confident trust rather than doubt—"If this is to be the case" or "Our God whom we serve is able." The Aramaic yakil leshezavutana (יָכִל לְשֵׁזָבוּתָנָא) means "is able to deliver us," emphasizing divine power and capacity. The threefold description—"our God," "whom we serve," and "is able"—establishes their relationship with Yahweh as personal, active, and founded on His omnipotence.
The phrase "from the burning fiery furnace" uses the Aramaic intensive form for "burning," emphasizing the fire's fierce intensity. Yet the three Hebrews express absolute confidence that their God can deliver them even from Nebuchadnezzar's most extreme threat. This verse demonstrates faith that rests on God's character and power rather than circumstances. The three Hebrews don't know whether God will choose to deliver them, but they know He is able.
This faith anticipates Hebrews 11, which commends those who trusted God whether they received earthly deliverance or not. The statement points forward to the greater deliverance Christ accomplishes—rescuing believers from the fiery judgment of sin through His atoning death.