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.
What does Daniel 3:18 mean?
True devotion calms the spirit, quiets and softens it, but superstition and devotion to false gods inflame men's passions. The matter is put into a little compass, Turn, or burn.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Daniel 3:16-18 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Daniel 3:18
But if not - That is, "if he should "not" deliver us; if it should "not" occur that he would protect us, and save us from that heated oven: whatever may be the result in regard to us, our determination is settled." Be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods ... - This answer is firm and noble. It showed that their minds were made up, and that it was with them a matter of "principle" not to worship false gods. The state of mind which is denoted by this verse is that of a determination to do their duty, whatever might be the consequences.
Context in Daniel 3
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Daniel 3 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as court tales of faithful witness. Daniel combines stories of exile fidelity with sweeping apocalyptic visions that place earthly empires beneath the sovereignty of God. Read this chapter with the wider themes of exile, kingdom of God, and faithfulness in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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