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Book of Daniel - Chapter 3 - Verse 11

3:11
And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

Meaning

Within the book of Daniel in the Bible, this verse illustrates a scene where King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon demands that all his subjects bow down and worship a golden image that he has set up. Those who refuse to worship the image face being thrown into a burning fiery furnace. This verse highlights the theme of faithfulness and loyalty to God, even in the face of persecution and death. It serves as a reminder that true worship belongs only to God and that believers should not compromise their faith for the sake of earthly rulers or authorities. The individuals who choose not to bow down and worship the golden image demonstrate their unwavering commitment to God and their willingness to endure suffering for their beliefs. This verse ultimately teaches the importance of remaining steadfast in one's faith, even when faced with severe consequences.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the theme of idolatry and the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments. In this particular context, King Nebuchadnezzar commands all people to bow down and worship a golden image he has set up. The punishment for not worshipping this image is to be cast into a burning fiery furnace. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the importance of faithfulness to the one true God and the dangers of bowing down to false idols. It also showcases the theme of persecution for one's beliefs and the need for courage and conviction in the face of opposition. The word "worshippeth" in this verse carries the connotation of showing reverence and homage to a deity, emphasizing the seriousness of the act of idol worship. Through a deeper word study of this verse, one can glean insights into the significance of worship as a reflection of one's allegiance and devotion.

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