Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” New Living Translation But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” English Standard Version But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Berean Standard Bible But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” Berean Literal Bible But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that to your gods we are not serving, and to the image of gold that you have set up we will not give homage.” King James Bible But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. New King James Version But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” New American Standard Bible But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.” NASB 1995 “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” NASB 1977 “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Legacy Standard Bible But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods, and we will not worship the golden image that you have set up.” Amplified Bible But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up!” Berean Annotated Bible But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up. Christian Standard Bible But even if he does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” Holman Christian Standard Bible But even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” American Standard Version But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Contemporary English Version But even if he doesn't, we still won't worship your gods and the gold statue you have set up." English Revised Version But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. GOD'S WORD® Translation But if he doesn't, you should know, Your Majesty, we'll never honor your gods or worship the gold statue that you set up." Good News Translation But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty may be sure that we will not worship your god, and we will not bow down to the gold statue that you have set up." International Standard Version But if not, rest assured, your majesty, that we won't serve your gods, and we won't worship the golden statue that you have set up." NET Bible But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we don't serve your gods, and we will not pay homage to the golden statue that you have erected." New Heart English Bible But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up." Webster's Bible Translation But if not, be it known to thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” World English Bible But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd behold—not! Be it known to you, O king, that we are not serving your gods, and we do not worship the golden image you have raised up.” Berean Literal Bible But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that to your gods we are not serving, and to the image of gold that you have set up we will not give homage.” Young's Literal Translation And lo -- not! be it known to thee, O king, that thy gods we are not serving, and to the golden image thou hast raised up we do no obeisance.' Smith's Literal Translation And if not, it shall be made known to thee, O king, that to thy gods we serve not, and to the image of gold that thou didst set up we will not prostrate ourselves: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut if he will not, be it known to thee, O king, that we will not worship thy gods, nor adore the golden statue which thou hast set up. Catholic Public Domain Version But even if he will not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not worship your gods, nor adore the gold statue, which you have raised up.” New American Bible But even if he will not, you should know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue which you set up.” New Revised Standard Version But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen the king shall know that we will not serve your god nor worship the golden image which you have set up. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated But you shall know, oh King, that we do not serve your god, and we are not bowing down the image of gold that you have set up!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.' Brenton Septuagint Translation But if not, be it known to thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the image which thou hast set up. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Accused…17If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. 18But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” Cross References But even if He does not Hebrews 11:35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Job 13:15 Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face. Habakkuk 3:17-18 Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, / yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! let it be known to you, O king Acts 26:2-3 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews, / especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently. Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. 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.” that we will not serve your gods Exodus 23:24 You must not bow down to their gods or serve them or follow their practices. Instead, you are to demolish them and smash their sacred stones to pieces. Deuteronomy 6:13 Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name. 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!” or worship the golden statue you have set up.” Exodus 32:4-5 He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” / When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before the calf and proclaimed: “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” 1 Kings 12:28-30 After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves. Deuteronomy 5:8-9 You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. / You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, Exodus 20:3-5 You shall have no other gods before Me. / You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. / You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 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. 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. 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. Treasury of Scripture But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up. be it. Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Isaiah 51:12,13 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; … that. Exodus 20:3-5 Thou shalt have no other gods before me… Leviticus 19:4 Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God. Jump to Previous Gods Gold Golden Image Obeisance Raised Servants Serve Serving Want WorshipJump to Next Gods Gold Golden Image Obeisance Raised Servants Serve Serving Want WorshipDaniel 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 even if He does not This phrase reflects the unwavering faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They acknowledge God's power to save them but also express their commitment to Him regardless of the outcome. This demonstrates a profound trust in God's sovereignty, similar to Job's declaration of faith in Job 13:15. It highlights the principle of faithfulness to God even in the face of potential suffering or death, a theme echoed in Hebrews 11:35-38, where the faith of those who endured persecution is commended. let it be known to you, O king that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up. Persons / Places / Events 1. Shadrach, Meshach, and AbednegoThree Jewish men who were taken into Babylonian captivity and served in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar. They are known for their unwavering faith in God, even in the face of death. 2. King Nebuchadnezzar The Babylonian king who created a golden statue and commanded all to worship it. His decree set the stage for the test of faith faced by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 3. The Golden Statue A massive idol erected by Nebuchadnezzar, symbolizing the king's power and the demand for absolute loyalty and worship from his subjects. 4. The Fiery Furnace The method of execution chosen by Nebuchadnezzar for those who refused to worship the golden statue. It represents the severe trials and persecution faced by believers. 5. Babylon The setting of this event, representing a place of exile and a culture often in opposition to the worship of the one true God. Teaching Points Faith in the Face of PersecutionShadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrate unwavering faith, even when faced with death. Believers today are called to stand firm in their faith, regardless of societal pressures or threats. God's Sovereignty and Deliverance While God is able to deliver us from trials, our faith should not be contingent on His intervention. Trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that His plans are perfect, even if they differ from our desires. The Cost of Discipleship Following Christ may require us to stand against cultural norms and face persecution. We must be prepared to pay the price for our faith, trusting in God's eternal promises. Witness Through Obedience The bold stance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego served as a powerful witness to Nebuchadnezzar and others. Our obedience to God can be a testimony to those around us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Daniel 3:18?2. How does Daniel 3:18 demonstrate unwavering faith in God's sovereignty and power? 3. What can we learn about obedience to God from Daniel 3:18? 4. How does Daniel 3:18 connect to Romans 8:28 about God's purpose? 5. How can we apply the courage of Daniel 3:18 in our daily lives? 6. What does Daniel 3:18 teach about standing firm against cultural pressures? 7. How does Daniel 3:18 challenge the concept of unwavering faith in God despite consequences? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Daniel 3:18? 9. How does Daniel 3:18 illustrate the theme of divine deliverance? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 3? 11. Why is Daniel, a prominent figure in the king's court, conspicuously absent in the events of Daniel 3? 12. How does the dramatic rescue in Daniel 3 align with other biblical narratives where faithful individuals still suffer or are not saved miraculously? 13. Given Romans 13:5 implies a duty to submit for conscience’s sake, how do we justify civil disobedience when authorities command actions contrary to moral law? 14. Mark 12:13–17: If Jesus endorses paying taxes to an oppressive regime, how does that square with calls for justice elsewhere in Scripture? What Does Daniel 3:18 Mean But even if He does not• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have just declared, “Our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us” (v. 17), yet they immediately add this sober clause. • True faith does not dictate outcomes to God; it submits to His sovereign will. Job voices the same heart: “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him” (Job 13:15). • They are prepared for either result—deliverance or death—echoing Habakkuk’s resolve to rejoice “though the fig tree does not bud” (Habakkuk 3:17-18). • Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith sometimes “quenched the fury of the flames” (v. 34) yet at other times endured torture and death (vv. 35-38). These men place themselves firmly in God’s hands, whichever path He chooses. let it be known to you, O king • Their words are courteous but uncompromising. They address Nebuchadnezzar respectfully, yet they speak a truth higher than royal decree. • Peter and John will later say to the Sanhedrin, “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20); the same spirit drives these three men. • Jesus promised, “Everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess before My Father” (Matthew 10:32). Public allegiance matters, even when costly. • 1 Peter 3:15 urges believers to give a defense “with gentleness and respect,” which is precisely the tone used here—clear conviction without personal insult. that we will not serve your gods • The first commandment still holds: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). Serving any rival deity is unthinkable. • Joshua’s challenge, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15), echoes through their answer. They have already chosen. • Paul later warns, “Flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14). Refusal is sometimes the only faithful option; no middle ground exists between the one true God and false gods. or worship the golden statue you have set up • Idolatry is not merely inward affection; it also involves outward acts. Bowing would publicly deny their exclusive loyalty to the LORD. • Israel’s history shows the danger of blending worship: “They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their idols” (2 Kings 17:41). These men refuse that compromise. • Paul urges believers, “Do not be conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). Saying no to the statue keeps them distinct in a culture pressuring conformity. • Revelation portrays a later image demanding worship (Revelation 13:14-15). Their stand foreshadows the steadfast endurance God’s people will need in every age. summary Daniel 3:18 captures unwavering faith: confidence in God’s power, submission to His will, bold public witness, and unyielding allegiance to Him alone. Whether God intervenes miraculously or not, His people remain steadfast, proving that true worship is non-negotiable and that obedience is worth any cost. Hebrew But even ifוְהֵ֣ן (wə·hên) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 2006: Lo!, there, less, whether, but, if He does not, לָ֔א (lā) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3809: Not, no let it לֶהֱוֵא־ (le·hĕ·wê-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1934: To become, come to pass, be be known יְדִ֥יעַ (yə·ḏî·a‘) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 3046: To know to you, לָ֖ךְ (lāḵ) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew O king, מַלְכָּ֑א (mal·kā) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 4430: A king that דִּ֤י (dî) Pronoun - relative Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because we will not לָא־ (lā-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3809: Not, no serve פָֽלְחִ֔ין (p̄ā·lə·ḥîn) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 6399: To pay reverence to, serve your gods לאלהיך (lê·lā·hā·yiḵ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 426: God or worship נִסְגֻּֽד׃ (nis·guḏ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common 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 Links Daniel 3:18 NIVDaniel 3:18 NLT Daniel 3:18 ESV Daniel 3:18 NASB Daniel 3:18 KJV Daniel 3:18 BibleApps.com Daniel 3:18 Biblia Paralela Daniel 3:18 Chinese Bible Daniel 3:18 French Bible Daniel 3:18 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Daniel 3:18 But if not be it known (Dan. 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