DAN 3:25

[visionary]

Daniel 3:25
King James Version

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.

Daniel 3:25
New International Version

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.”

What were the translators thinking? Did they have a planned effort, and up to a subtle change for a reason?

 

[HARK!]

Here is what the CLV (a literal version) says.

This version comes with great tools, including the Greek and Hebrew renderings. They provide Strong's numbers for each word. It also tends to conform to the Critical Text. It can be downloaded for free at scripture4all.com.

Another great feature is that they highlight any words that have been added to the text. I'll do the same with this post

(CLV) Dn 3:25
He was responding and saying, Aha! I am perceiving four masters, untied, walking about in the midst of the flame, and there they are, unharmed! And the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the elohim

The word elohim can be interpreted two different ways. It can be a plural of majesty, which is singular, and means great El; or it can be interpreted as plural (gods). Context is key.

I know that Nebuchadnezzar believed that YHWH is real; but did he believe in other gods? I don't remember that much about his beliefs; but knowing that would make a difference in selecting the correct rendering. We might not be able to be sure of the correct rendering.

 

[St. Helens]

CJB:
Dani'el 3:25
But he exclaimed, “Look! I see four men, not tied up, walking around there in the flames, unhurt; and the fourth looks like one of the gods!”

This clears up western assumptions about Nebuchadnezzar.