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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Daniel 3:16. It's a really interesting and dramatic part of the story! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were refusing to be scared by a king who was making them serve him in a huge, incredibly uncomfortable and even dangerous task. Let's unpack that a bit: “We are not careful” : This is the key part. They weren’t trying to trick or deceive the king. They weren’t trying to be sneaky. They were simply being honest about their position. “To answer thee in this matter” : The king was asking them a very difficult question – he wanted to know if they would comply with his order, even though it was incredibly challenging and potentially risky. The Context is Important: This story comes from a time when Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon, was trying to force Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to build him a statue made entirely of gold and silver. It was incredibly dangerous for them – they were being put in a position where they could easily be harmed or killed. What’s the point? This verse is about honesty and standing up for what you believe in. It shows that even when faced with a powerful and difficult situation, it's important to be truthful and refuse to be coerced into doing something you don't agree with. It emphasizes courage and integrity. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this story is significant in the Bible? Give you a little more context about the situation? Or, would you like to explore another Bible verse?