Daniel 3:16

Careful. From the Aramaic chashach, “to be in need of.” The response of the defendants may be translated, “We have no need to answer you in this matter” (RSV). Some have interpreted this reply as highly arrogant, and have pointed to martyrs reacting similarly toward their persecutors. Yet J. A. Montgomery has shown that the term “to answer” is to be interpreted in a legal sense. Analogies from cognate and other languages show that the sense is to “make defense,” or “apology.” Since the defendants did not deny the truth of the indictment, they saw no need to make a defense. Their case rested in the hands of their God (see v. 17), and they made their answer in complete submission to His will, whatever might be the outcome of their trial. That they were not sure of coming through this experience alive can be seen from their further statement (v. 18). Had they been sure of deliverance, their reply could be interpreted as revealing spiritual arrogance. As the case stood, their attitude showed their firm conviction that their course of action was the only feasible one, which needed no defense, or even further explanation.