Daniel Interprets the Dream

24 Then Daniel went to Arioch,(A) whom the king had appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him.”

25 Arioch took Daniel to the king at once and said, “I have found a man among the exiles(B) from Judah(C) who can tell the king what his dream means.”

26 The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar),(D) “Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?”

27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about,(E) 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.(F) He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come.(G) Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind(H) as you were lying in bed(I) are these:(J)

29 “As Your Majesty was lying there, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen.(K) 30 As for me, this mystery has been revealed(L) to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else alive, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind.

31 “Your Majesty looked, and there before you stood a large statue—an enormous, dazzling statue,(M) awesome(N) in appearance. 32 The head of the statue was made of pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay. 34 While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands.(O) It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed(P) them.(Q) 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were all broken to pieces and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind swept them away(R) without leaving a trace. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain(S) and filled the whole earth.(T)

36 “This was the dream, and now we will interpret it to the king.(U) 37 Your Majesty, you are the king of kings.(V) The God of heaven has given you dominion(W) and power and might and glory; 38 in your hands he has placed all mankind and the beasts of the field and the birds in the sky. Wherever they live, he has made you ruler over them all.(X) You are that head of gold.

39 “After you, another kingdom will arise, inferior to yours. Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule over the whole earth.(Y) 40 Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron—for iron breaks and smashes everything—and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it will crush and break all the others.(Z) 41 Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom; yet it will have some of the strength of iron in it, even as you saw iron mixed with clay. 42 As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. 43 And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay.

44 “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush(AA) all those kingdoms(AB) and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.(AC) 45 This is the meaning of the vision of the rock(AD) cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands(AE)—a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces.

“The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future.(AF) The dream is true(AG) and its interpretation is trustworthy.”

46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate(AH) before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering(AI) and incense be presented to him. 47 The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods(AJ) and the Lord of kings(AK) and a revealer of mysteries,(AL) for you were able to reveal this mystery.(AM)

48 Then the king placed Daniel in a high(AN) position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men.(AO) 49 Moreover, at Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon,(AP) while Daniel himself remained at the royal court.(AQ)

The Image of Gold and the Blazing Furnace

King Nebuchadnezzar made an image(AR) of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide,[a] and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. He then summoned the satraps,(AS) prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials(AT) to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.

Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language,(AU) this is what you are commanded to do: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp,(AV) pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image(AW) of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.(AX) Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”(AY)

Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.(AZ)

At this time some astrologers[b](BA) came forward and denounced the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever!(BB) 10 Your Majesty has issued a decree(BC) that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold,(BD) 11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego(BE)—who pay no attention(BF) to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”(BG)

13 Furious(BH) with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods(BI) or worship the image(BJ) of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god(BK) will be able to rescue(BL) you from my hand?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego(BM) replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver(BN) us from it, and he will deliver(BO) us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 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.(BP)

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven(BQ) times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego(BR) and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego,(BS) 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”

They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”

25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God,(BT) come out! Come here!”

So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers(BU) crowded around them.(BV) They saw that the fire(BW) had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel(BX) and rescued(BY) his servants! They trusted(BZ) in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.(CA) 29 Therefore I decree(CB) that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble,(CC) for no other god can save(CD) in this way.”

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.(CE)

Footnotes

  1. Daniel 3:1 That is, about 90 feet high and 9 feet wide or about 27 meters high and 2.7 meters wide
  2. Daniel 3:8 Or Chaldeans
  3. Daniel 3:17 Or If the God we serve is able to deliver us, then he will deliver us from the blazing furnace and

24 Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.

25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.

26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?

27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;

28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.

30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

31 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible.

32 This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass,

33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.

34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.

37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.

38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.

39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.

41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.

42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.

43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.

44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

46 Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.

47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

48 Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.

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.

Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.

Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,

That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:

And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.

They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.

10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image:

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

12 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.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.

14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?

15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

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.

18 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.

19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.

25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.

27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

Daniel Explains the Dream

24 Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said thus to him: “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; take me before the king, and I will tell the king the interpretation.”

25 Then Arioch quickly brought Daniel before the king, and said thus to him, “I have found a man of the [a]captives of Judah, who will make known to the king the interpretation.”

26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and its interpretation?”

27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, “The secret which the king has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king. 28 (A)But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar (B)what will be in the latter days. Your dream, and the visions of your head upon your bed, were these: 29 As for you, O king, thoughts came to your mind while on your bed, about what would come to pass after this; (C)and He who reveals secrets has made known to you what will be. 30 (D)But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes who make known the interpretation to the king, (E)and that you may [b]know the thoughts of your heart.

31 “You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. 32 (F)This image’s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and [c]thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of [d]clay. 34 You watched while a stone was cut out (G)without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. 35 (H)Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became (I)like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that (J)no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image (K)became a great mountain (L)and filled the whole earth.

36 “This is the dream. Now we will tell the interpretation of it before the king. 37 (M)You, O king, are a king of kings. (N)For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; 38 (O)and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all—(P)you are this head of gold. 39 But after you shall arise (Q)another kingdom (R)inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. 40 And (S)the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others. 41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, (T)so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly [e]fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. 44 And in the days of these kings (U)the God of heaven will set up a kingdom (V)which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; (W)it shall [f]break in pieces and [g]consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. 45 (X)Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.”

Daniel and His Friends Promoted

46 (Y)Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, prostrate before Daniel, and commanded that they should present an offering (Z)and incense to him. 47 The king answered Daniel, and said, “Truly (AA)your God is the God of (AB)gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret.” 48 (AC)Then the king promoted Daniel (AD)and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and (AE)chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. 49 Also Daniel petitioned the king, (AF)and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego over the affairs of the province of Babylon; but Daniel (AG)sat in [h]the gate of the king.

The Image of Gold

Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was [i]sixty cubits and its width six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. So the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Then a herald cried [j]aloud: “To you it is commanded, (AH)O peoples, nations, and languages, that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall (AI)be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”

So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music, all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

Daniel’s Friends Disobey the King

Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans (AJ)came forward and accused the Jews. They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, (AK)“O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; 11 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 (AL)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 (AM)not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in (AN)rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, (AO)good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. (AP)And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, (AQ)we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our (AR)God whom we serve is able to (AS)deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we (AT)worship the gold image which you have set up.”

Saved in Fiery Trial

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because the king’s command was [k]urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his [l]counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”

They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”

25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, (AU)walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like (AV)the[m] Son of God.”

Nebuchadnezzar Praises God

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the [n]mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the (AW)Most High God, come out, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. 27 And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men (AX)on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.

28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His (AY)Angel[o] and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! 29 (AZ)Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the (BA)God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be (BB)cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; (BC)because there is no other God who can deliver like this.”

30 Then the king [p]promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.

Footnotes

  1. Daniel 2:25 Lit. sons of the captivity
  2. Daniel 2:30 Understand
  3. Daniel 2:32 Or sides
  4. Daniel 2:33 Or baked clay, also vv. 34, 35, 42
  5. Daniel 2:42 Or brittle
  6. Daniel 2:44 Or crush
  7. Daniel 2:44 Lit. put an end to
  8. Daniel 2:49 The king’s court
  9. Daniel 3:1 About 90 feet
  10. Daniel 3:4 Lit. with strength
  11. Daniel 3:22 Or harsh
  12. Daniel 3:24 High officials
  13. Daniel 3:25 Or a son of the gods
  14. Daniel 3:26 Lit. door
  15. Daniel 3:28 Or angel
  16. Daniel 3:30 Lit. caused to prosper

24 Therefore Daniel went in to (A)Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said thus to him: “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will show the king the interpretation.”

25 Then (B)Arioch brought in Daniel before the king (C)in haste and said thus to him: “I have found (D)among the exiles from Judah a man who will make known to the king the interpretation.” 26 The king declared to Daniel, (E)whose name was Belteshazzar, (F)“Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?” 27 Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, (G)enchanters, (H)magicians, or (I)astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, 28 but (J)there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar (K)what will be in the latter days. Your dream and (L)the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these: 29 To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be after this, (M)and he who reveals mysteries made known to you what is to be. 30 But (N)as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that (O)you may know the thoughts of your mind.

Daniel Interprets the Dream

31 “You saw, O king, and behold, a great image. This image, mighty and of exceeding brightness, stood before you, and its appearance was frightening. 32 (P)The head of this image was of fine gold, (Q)its chest and arms of silver, its middle and (R)thighs of bronze, 33 (S)its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34 As you looked, a stone was cut out (T)by no human hand, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and (U)broke them in pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became (V)like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that (W)not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became (X)a great mountain (Y)and filled the whole earth.

36 “This was the dream. Now we will tell the king its interpretation. 37 You, O king, (Z)the king of kings, to whom (AA)the God of heaven (AB)has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory, 38 and into whose hand he has given, wherever they dwell, the children of man, (AC)the beasts of the field, and the birds of the heavens, making you rule over them all—you are (AD)the head of gold. 39 (AE)Another kingdom inferior to you shall arise after you, and yet a third kingdom (AF)of bronze, (AG)which shall rule over all the earth. 40 And (AH)there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, because iron (AI)breaks to pieces and shatters all things. And like iron that crushes, it shall (AJ)break and crush all these. 41 And as you saw (AK)the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom, but some of the (AL)firmness of iron shall be in it, just as you saw iron mixed with the soft clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle. 43 As you saw the iron mixed with soft clay, so they will mix with one another in marriage,[a] but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay. 44 And in the days of those kings (AM)the God of heaven will set up (AN)a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. (AO)It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and (AP)it shall stand forever, 45 just as (AQ)you saw that (AR)a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that (AS)it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A (AT)great God has made known to the king what shall be after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.”

Daniel Is Promoted

46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar (AU)fell upon his face and (AV)paid homage to Daniel, and commanded that (AW)an offering and (AX)incense be offered up to him. 47 The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your (AY)God is God of gods and (AZ)Lord of kings, and (BA)a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.” 48 Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great (BB)gifts, and made him ruler over the whole (BC)province of Babylon and (BD)chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. 49 Daniel made a request of the king, and he (BE)appointed (BF)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of (BG)the province of Babylon. But Daniel (BH)remained at the king's court.

Nebuchadnezzar's Golden Image

King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits[b] and its breadth six cubits. He set it up on (BI)the plain of Dura, in (BJ)the province of Babylon. Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent to gather (BK)the satraps, the prefects, and (BL)the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Then (BM)the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And the herald (BN)proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O (BO)peoples, nations, and languages, that when you hear the (BP)sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you (BQ)are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately (BR)be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all (BS)the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

The Fiery Furnace

Therefore at that time certain (BT)Chaldeans (BU)came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. They declared[c] to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, (BV)have made a decree, that every man who (BW)hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, (BX)shall fall down and worship the golden image. 11 And whoever does not fall down and worship (BY)shall be cast into a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have (BZ)appointed over the affairs of (CA)the province of Babylon: (CB)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, (CC)pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar (CD)in furious rage commanded that (CE)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when (CF)you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good.[d] But if you do not worship, (CG)you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And (CH)who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”

16 (CI)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, (CJ)our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.[e] 18 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.”

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was (CK)filled with fury, and the expression of his face (CL)was changed against (CM)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army (CN)to bind (CO)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were (CP)bound in their cloaks, their tunics,[f] their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace. 22 Because the king's order was (CQ)urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up (CR)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell (CS)bound into the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was (CT)astonished and rose up (CU)in haste. He declared to his (CV)counselors, “Did we not cast three men (CW)bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, (CX)walking in the midst of the fire, and they (CY)are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like (CZ)a son of the gods.”

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, (DA)“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the (DB)Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then (DC)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. 27 And the (DD)satraps, the prefects, the governors, and (DE)the king's counselors gathered together and saw that (DF)the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their (DG)cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. 28 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of (DH)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who (DI)has sent his angel and (DJ)delivered his servants, who (DK)trusted in him, and set aside[g] the king's command, and yielded up their bodies rather than (DL)serve and worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore (DM)I make a decree: Any (DN)people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of (DO)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (DP)shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” 30 Then the king promoted (DQ)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in (DR)the province of Babylon.

Footnotes

  1. Daniel 2:43 Aramaic by the seed of men
  2. Daniel 3:1 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters
  3. Daniel 3:9 Aramaic answered and said; also verses 24, 26
  4. Daniel 3:15 Aramaic lacks well and good
  5. Daniel 3:17 Or If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us, he will deliver us from the burning fiery furnace and out of your hand, O king
  6. Daniel 3:21 The meaning of the Aramaic words rendered cloaks and tunics is uncertain; also verse 27
  7. Daniel 3:28 Aramaic and changed

The end of all things is near.(A) Therefore be alert and of sober mind(B) so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply,(C) because love covers over a multitude of sins.(D) Offer hospitality(E) to one another without grumbling.(F) 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,(G) as faithful(H) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.(I) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,(J) so that in all things God may be praised(K) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.(L)

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you(M) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice(N) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,(O) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.(P) 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,(Q) you are blessed,(R) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.(S) 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;(T) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(U) 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a](V)

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will(W) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

To the Elders and the Flock

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder(X) and a witness(Y) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:(Z) Be shepherds of God’s flock(AA) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;(AB) not pursuing dishonest gain,(AC) but eager to serve; not lording it over(AD) those entrusted to you, but being examples(AE) to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd(AF) appears, you will receive the crown of glory(AG) that will never fade away.(AH)

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves(AI) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility(AJ) toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”[b](AK)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.(AL) Cast all your anxiety on him(AM) because he cares for you.(AN)

Be alert and of sober mind.(AO) Your enemy the devil prowls around(AP) like a roaring lion(AQ) looking for someone to devour. Resist him,(AR) standing firm in the faith,(AS) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.(AT)

10 And the God of all grace, who called you(AU) to his eternal glory(AV) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,(AW) will himself restore you and make you strong,(AX) firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.(AY)

Final Greetings

12 With the help of Silas,[c](AZ) whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly,(BA) encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.(BB)

13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.(BC) 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.(BD)

Peace(BE) to all of you who are in Christ.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)
  2. 1 Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34
  3. 1 Peter 5:12 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Serving for God’s Glory

But (A)the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for (B)“love will cover a multitude of sins.” (C)Be hospitable to one another (D)without grumbling. 10 (E)As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, (F)as good stewards of (G)the manifold grace of God. 11 (H)If anyone speaks, let him speak as the [a]oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that (I)in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the [b]dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering for God’s Glory

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice (J)to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that (K)when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are [c]reproached for the name of Christ, (L)blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [d]On their part He is blasphemed, (M)but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a [e]busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this [f]matter.

17 For the time has come (N)for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, (O)what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now

(P)“If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God (Q)commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Shepherd the Flock

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a (R)witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the (S)glory that will be revealed: (T)Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, (U)not by compulsion but [g]willingly, (V)not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as (W)being [h]lords over (X)those entrusted to you, but (Y)being examples to the flock; and when (Z)the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive (AA)the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Submit to God, Resist the Devil

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, (AB)all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for

(AC)“God resists the proud,
But (AD)gives grace to the humble.”

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Be [i]sober, be [j]vigilant; [k]because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But [l]may the God of all grace, (AE)who called [m]us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, [n]perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 (AF)To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Farewell and Peace

12 By (AG)Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying (AH)that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.

13 She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does (AI)Mark my son. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 4:11 utterances
  2. 1 Peter 4:11 sovereignty
  3. 1 Peter 4:14 insulted or reviled
  4. 1 Peter 4:14 NU omits the rest of v. 14.
  5. 1 Peter 4:15 meddler
  6. 1 Peter 4:16 NU name
  7. 1 Peter 5:2 NU adds according to God
  8. 1 Peter 5:3 masters
  9. 1 Peter 5:8 self-controlled
  10. 1 Peter 5:8 watchful
  11. 1 Peter 5:8 NU, M omit because
  12. 1 Peter 5:10 NU the God of all grace,
  13. 1 Peter 5:10 NU, M you
  14. 1 Peter 5:10 NU will perfect

(A)The end of all things is at hand; therefore (B)be self-controlled and sober-minded (C)for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since (D)love covers a multitude of sins. (E)Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 (F)As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, (G)as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks (H)oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves (I)by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything (J)God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. (K)To him belong glory and (L)dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at (M)the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice (N)insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad (O)when his glory is revealed. 14 (P)If you are insulted (Q)for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[a] and of God rests upon you. 15 But (R)let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or (S)as a meddler. 16 Yet (T)if anyone suffers as a (U)Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God (V)in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment (W)to begin at the household of God; and (X)if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who (Y)do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And

(Z)“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[b]

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will (AA)entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Shepherd the Flock of God

So I exhort the elders among you, (AB)as a fellow elder and (AC)a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: (AD)shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,[c] (AE)not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;[d] (AF)not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not (AG)domineering over those in your charge, but (AH)being examples to the flock. And when (AI)the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the (AJ)unfading (AK)crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. (AL)Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for (AM)“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

(AN)Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, (AO)casting all your anxieties on him, because (AP)he cares for you. (AQ)Be sober-minded; (AR)be watchful. Your (AS)adversary the devil (AT)prowls around (AU)like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (AV)Resist him, (AW)firm in your faith, knowing that (AX)the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And (AY)after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, (AZ)who has called you to his (BA)eternal glory in Christ, will himself (BB)restore, (BC)confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 (BD)To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

12 By (BE)Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, (BF)I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is (BG)the true grace of God. (BH)Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does (BI)Mark, my son. 14 (BJ)Greet one another with the kiss of love.

(BK)Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 4:14 Some manuscripts insert and of power
  2. 1 Peter 4:18 Greek where will the ungodly and sinner appear?
  3. 1 Peter 5:2 Some manuscripts omit exercising oversight
  4. 1 Peter 5:2 Some manuscripts omit as God would have you

כ Kaph

81 My soul faints(A) with longing for your salvation,(B)
    but I have put my hope(C) in your word.
82 My eyes fail,(D) looking for your promise;(E)
    I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
    I do not forget(F) your decrees.
84 How long(G) must your servant wait?
    When will you punish my persecutors?(H)
85 The arrogant(I) dig pits(J) to trap me,
    contrary to your law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy;(K)
    help me,(L) for I am being persecuted(M) without cause.(N)
87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
    but I have not forsaken(O) your precepts.
88 In your unfailing love(P) preserve my life,(Q)
    that I may obey the statutes(R) of your mouth.

ל Lamedh

89 Your word, Lord, is eternal;(S)
    it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness(T) continues through all generations;(U)
    you established the earth, and it endures.(V)
91 Your laws endure(W) to this day,
    for all things serve you.(X)
92 If your law had not been my delight,(Y)
    I would have perished in my affliction.(Z)
93 I will never forget(AA) your precepts,
    for by them you have preserved my life.(AB)
94 Save me,(AC) for I am yours;
    I have sought out your precepts.(AD)
95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me,(AE)
    but I will ponder your statutes.(AF)
96 To all perfection I see a limit,
    but your commands are boundless.(AG)

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81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.

82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?

83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.

84 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?

85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.

86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.

87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.

88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

89 For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.

90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.

93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

94 I am thine, save me: for I have sought thy precepts.

95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.

96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

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כ KAPH

81 (A)My soul faints for Your salvation,
But I hope in Your word.
82 My eyes fail from searching Your word,
Saying, “When will You comfort me?”
83 For (B)I have become like a wineskin in smoke,
Yet I do not forget Your statutes.
84 (C)How many are the days of Your servant?
(D)When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 (E)The proud have dug pits for me,
Which is not according to Your law.
86 All Your commandments are faithful;
They persecute me (F)wrongfully;
Help me!
87 They almost made an end of me on earth,
But I did not forsake Your precepts.
88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,
So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.

ל LAMED

89 (G)Forever, O Lord,
Your word [a]is settled in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
You established the earth, and it [b]abides.
91 They continue this day according to (H)Your ordinances,
For all are Your servants.
92 Unless Your law had been my delight,
I would then have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget Your precepts,
For by them You have given me life.
94 I am Yours, save me;
For I have sought Your precepts.
95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me,
But I will [c]consider Your testimonies.
96 (I)I have seen the consummation of all perfection,
But Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 119:89 Lit. stands firm
  2. Psalm 119:90 Lit. stands
  3. Psalm 119:95 give attention to

Kaph

81 My soul (A)longs for your salvation;
    I (B)hope in your word.
82 My (C)eyes long for your promise;
    I ask, (D)“When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have (E)become like a (F)wineskin in the smoke,
    yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 (G)How long must your servant endure?[a]
    (H)When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 (I)The insolent have (J)dug pitfalls for me;
    they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are (K)sure;
    they persecute me (L)with falsehood; (M)help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
    but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love (N)give me life,
    that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

Lamedh

89 Forever, O Lord, your (O)word
    is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your (P)faithfulness endures to all generations;
    you have (Q)established the earth, and it (R)stands fast.
91 By your (S)appointment they stand this day,
    for all things are your servants.
92 If your law had not been my (T)delight,
    I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
    for by them you have (U)given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
    (V)for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
    but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
    but your commandment is exceedingly (W)broad.

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 119:84 Hebrew How many are the days of your servant?

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
    is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

16 A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,
    but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.

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15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

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15 (A)Like a roaring lion and a charging bear
(B)Is a wicked ruler over poor people.

16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great (C)oppressor,
But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.

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15 Like (A)a roaring lion or (B)a charging bear
    is (C)a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A ruler who (D)lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
    but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

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