Daniel 3:12
New International Version
But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

New Living Translation
But there are some Jews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up.”

English Standard Version
There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

King James Bible
There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

New King James Version
There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”

New American Standard Bible
There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods, nor do they worship the golden statue which you have set up.”

NASB 1995
“There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.”

NASB 1977
“There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.”

Legacy Standard Bible
There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. These men, O king, do not pay attention to you; they do not serve your gods and do not worship the golden image which you have set up.”

Amplified Bible
There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.”

Christian Standard Bible
There are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men have ignored you, the king; they do not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
There are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men have ignored you, the king; they do not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

American Standard Version
There are certain Jews whom thou hast appointed 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.

Contemporary English Version
Sir, you appointed three men to high positions in Babylon Province, but they have disobeyed you. Those Jews, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refuse to worship your gods and the statue you have set up."

English Revised Version
There are certain Jews whom thou hast appointed 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
There are certain Jews whom you appointed to govern the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men didn't obey your order, Your Majesty. They don't honor your gods or worship the statue that you set up."

Good News Translation
There are some Jews whom you put in charge of the province of Babylon--Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego--who are disobeying Your Majesty's orders. They do not worship your god or bow down to the statue you set up."

International Standard Version
"Certain influential Jewish men whom you appointed to manage the city of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—have neither paid attention to you, your majesty, nor served your gods. And they won't worship the golden statue that you set up."

Majority Standard Bible
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.?

NET Bible
But there are Jewish men whom you appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon--Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego--and these men have not shown proper respect to you, O king. They don't serve your gods and they don't pay homage to the golden statue that you have erected."

New Heart English Bible
There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, have not regarded you: they do not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up."

Webster's Bible Translation
There 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.

World English Bible
There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, have not respected you. They don’t serve your gods, and don’t worship the golden image which you have set up.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the work of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, these men have not made of you, O king, [any] regard; your gods they are not serving, and to the golden image you have raised up—are not making worship.”

Young's Literal Translation
There are certain Jews whom thou hast appointed over the work of the province of Babylon -- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, these men have not made of thee, O king, any regard; thy gods they are not serving, and to the golden image thou hast raised up -- are not making obeisance.'

Smith's Literal Translation
There are men, Jews, that thou didst appoint over the business of the province of Babel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men set not an account to thee, O king: they served not to thy gods; and to the image of gold that thou didst set up they prostrated themselves not.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now there are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the works of the province of Babylon, Sidrach, Misach, and Abdenago: these men, O king, have slighted thy decree: they worship not thy gods, nor do they adore the golden statue which thou hast set up.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet there are influential Jews, whom you have appointed over the works of the region of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, have scorned your decree. They do not worship your gods, and they do not adore the gold statue which you have raised up.”

New American Bible
There are certain Jews whom you have made administrators of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have paid no attention to you; they will not serve your god or worship the golden statue which you set up.”

New Revised Standard Version
There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These pay no heed to you, O king. They do not serve your gods and they do not worship the golden statue that you have set up.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded you; they do not serve your god, nor do they worship the golden image which you have set up.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
There are here men, Judeans, whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babel: Shadrak, Mishak and Abednego. Those men have not esteemed you, oh King, and they do not serve your god, and they do not worship the image of gold that you have set up!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
There are certain Jews whom thou hast appointed 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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
There are certain Jews whom thou has appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Sedrach, Misach, and Abdenago, who have not obeyed thy decree, O king: they serve not thy gods, and worship not the golden image which thou hast set up.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Accused
11and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace. 12But 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.” 13Then Nebuchadnezzar, furious with rage, summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king,…

Cross References
Exodus 20:3
You shall have no other gods before Me.

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

1 Peter 4:16
But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.

Deuteronomy 6:13-14
Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name. / Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you.

Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Revelation 13:15
The second beast was permitted to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship it to be killed.

Joshua 24:15
But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. / Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

1 Corinthians 10:21
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.

2 Kings 17:35
For the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites and commanded them, “Do not worship other gods or bow down to them; do not serve them or sacrifice to them.

Hebrews 11:34
quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

1 John 5:21
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Psalm 97:7
All worshipers of images are put to shame—those who boast in idols. Worship Him, all you gods!

Acts 4:19-20
But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”


Treasury of Scripture

There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded you: they serve not your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.

certain.

Daniel 2:49
Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.

1 Samuel 18:7-11
And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands…

Esther 3:8
And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.

not regarded thee.

Acts 5:28
Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

Acts 17:7
Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

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Abednego Abed-Nego Affairs Appointed Babylon Gods Golden Image Jews Meshach Province Regarded Serve Shadrach Worship
Daniel 3
1. Nebuchadnezzar dedicates a golden image in Dura.
3. They being threatened, make a good confession.
8. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are accused for not worshipping the image.
19. They are cast into the furnace,
24. from which God delivers them.
28. Nebuchadnezzar seeing the miracle blesses God, and advances them.














But there are some Jews
This phrase introduces the central figures of the narrative, highlighting their ethnic and religious identity. The term "Jews" refers to the people of Judah, who were exiled to Babylon. Historically, the Jewish people were known for their monotheistic faith, which set them apart in a polytheistic society. The Hebrew root for "Jews" is "Yehudim," emphasizing their connection to Judah and their covenant relationship with God. This identity is crucial as it underscores their commitment to God's commandments, even in a foreign land.

you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon
This phrase indicates the high status and responsibility given to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their appointment by the king signifies trust and recognition of their abilities. Historically, the Babylonian Empire was vast, and managing a province was a significant role. The Hebrew context suggests that their wisdom and integrity, as seen in Daniel 1, led to their elevation. This highlights God's providence in placing His people in positions of influence, even in exile.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
These are the Babylonian names given to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, respectively. The change of names reflects an attempt to assimilate them into Babylonian culture, as each name is associated with Babylonian deities. However, their Hebrew names, which honor the God of Israel, remind us of their true identity and faith. This duality of names symbolizes the tension between their faith and the surrounding culture, a common theme for believers living in secular societies.

who have ignored you, O king
The accusation of ignoring the king highlights the conflict between divine and earthly authority. The Hebrew root for "ignored" implies a deliberate choice to disobey. This choice reflects their unwavering commitment to God's commandments, particularly the prohibition against idolatry. Historically, this act of defiance would have been seen as treasonous, yet it underscores the principle that allegiance to God supersedes all earthly loyalties.

they neither serve your gods
This phrase emphasizes the exclusivity of their worship. In the ancient Near East, serving multiple gods was common, but the Jewish faith demanded exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The Hebrew word for "serve" (abad) can also mean "worship" or "work," indicating that their entire lives were dedicated to God. This refusal to serve other gods is a testament to their faithfulness and a challenge to believers to remain steadfast in their devotion.

nor worship the golden statue you have set up
The golden statue represents the idolatry prevalent in Babylon. The act of worshiping such an image was a direct violation of the first two commandments given to Moses. The Hebrew context of "worship" (shachah) involves bowing down or prostrating oneself, an act reserved for God alone. This refusal to worship the statue is a powerful declaration of their allegiance to God, even at the risk of their lives. It serves as an inspiration for believers to resist cultural pressures that conflict with their faith.

(12) Whom thou hast set.--The high position of these men is mentioned partly to explain the king's anger on account of their supposed ingratitude, and partly to account for the malice and jealousy of their calumniators. But why was Daniel absent from the ceremony? His behaviour some years later (Daniel 6:10) leaves it beyond question that he would not have taken part in any idolatrous rites. Possibly his position as "chief of the wise men" (Daniel 2:48) made his presence unnecessary. Possibly he was absent on other duties. Two things are certain: (1) the object of the book is not to glorify Daniel; (2) a writer of a fictitious story would have recorded a miracle to deliver Daniel, as well as the three children.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But there are
אִיתַ֞י (’î·ṯay)
Adverb
Strong's 383: Entity, as a, particle of affirmation, there is

some Jews
יְהוּדָאיִ֗ן (yə·hū·ḏā·yin)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3062: Jews -- inhabitants of Judah

you have appointed
מַנִּ֤יתָ (man·nî·ṯā)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 4483: To count, appoint

to manage
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5922: Above, over, upon, against

the province
מְדִינַ֣ת (mə·ḏî·naṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4083: A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region

of Babylon—
בָּבֶ֔ל (bā·ḇel)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 895: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city

Shadrach,
שַׁדְרַ֥ךְ (šaḏ·raḵ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7715: Shadrach -- Babylonian name of one of Daniel's companions

Meshach,
מֵישַׁ֖ךְ (mê·šaḵ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4336: Meshach -- a Babylonian name

and Abednego—
נְג֑וֹ (nə·ḡōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5665: Abed-nego -- 'servant of Nebo', Babylonian name of one of Daniel's companions

[who]
אִלֵּ֗ךְ (’il·lêḵ)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 479: These

have ignored
לָא־ (lā-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3809: Not, no

you,
טְעֵ֔ם (ṭə·‘êm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2942: Flavor, judgment, account

O king,
מַלְכָּא֙ (mal·kā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430: A king

and have refused to
לָ֣א (lā)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3809: Not, no

serve
פָלְחִ֔ין (p̄ā·lə·ḥîn)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6399: To pay reverence to, serve

your gods
לֵֽאלָהָךְ֙ (lê·lā·hāḵ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 426: God

or worship
סָגְדִֽין׃ (sā·ḡə·ḏîn)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5457: To prostrate oneself

the golden
דַּהֲבָ֛א (da·hă·ḇā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 1722: Gold

statue
וּלְצֶ֧לֶם (ū·lə·ṣe·lem)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6755: An idolatrous figure

you have set up.”
הֲקֵ֖ימְתָּ (hă·qê·mə·tā)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6966: To arise, stand


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OT Prophets: Daniel 3:12 There are certain Jews whom you have (Dan. Da Dn)
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