Original Word: עֲבֵד נְגוֹ
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Abed Ngow
Pronunciation: ah-BED NEH-go
Phonetic Spelling: (ab-ade' neg-o')
KJV: Abed-nego
NASB: Abed-nego
Word Origin: [the same as H566 (אִמרִי - Imri)5]

1. Abed-Nego, the Babylonian name of one of Daniel's companions

Abed-nego

The same as Abed Ngow'; Abed-Nego, the Babylonian name of one of Daniel's companions -- Abed-nego.

see HEBREW Abed Ngow'

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
"servant of Nebo," Bab. name of one of Daniel's companions
NASB Translation
Abed-nego (1).

עֲבֵד נְגוֺ proper name, masculine (servant of (God) Nebo, נְגוֺ being corrupt (intentional or unintentional) for נבוֺ (q. v.) COT^{Daniel 1:7} Bev^{Daniel 1:7}); — Babylonian name of Azariah, one of the three companions of Daniel Daniel 1:7 (see also Biblical Aramaic); ᵐ5 Theod Αβδεναγω.

Historical Context

Abed-nego lived during the first Babylonian deportation of Judah (circa 605 BC). Nebuchadnezzar uprooted promising Judean youths for training in court administration (Daniel 1:3-5). The program included language, literature, diet, and the bestowing of Babylonian names to foster complete cultural assimilation. Abed-nego—originally Azariah—was one of four teenagers who resolved to remain loyal to the God of Israel while serving in a pagan environment.

Identity and Role in the Babylonian Court

Daniel 1:7 records the renaming of Azariah as Abed-nego, signaling Babylon’s claim over his identity. Despite this, he rose, with Shadrach and Meshach, to administrative positions over the province of Babylon (Daniel 2:49). His fidelity to God and competence in service earned him influence that ultimately advanced God’s purposes within a foreign empire.

Key Passages and Events

• Daniel 1:8-16 – Abed-nego joins Daniel in declining the king’s food, proving “ten times better” (Daniel 1:20).
• Daniel 2 – He prays with Daniel for the revelation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, sharing in the answered prayer and ensuing promotion.
• Daniel 3 – Refuses to worship the golden image. Thrown into the furnace, he is preserved by a divine companion; “the fire had no power over their bodies” (Daniel 3:27). Nebuchadnezzar confesses, “There is no other god who can deliver in this way” (Daniel 3:29).

Character Traits and Spiritual Lessons

1. Conviction under pressure: He maintained dietary distinctiveness and rejected idolatry, illustrating steadfast obedience amid systemic coercion.
2. Corporate faith: His account is inseparable from his companions; they model mutual support in prayer and witness.
3. Courageous witness: His unwavering stance led a pagan king to magnify the God of Israel, demonstrating the evangelistic effect of visible faithfulness.

Theological Significance

Abed-nego’s experiences showcase God’s sovereignty over nations and rulers, reinforcing recurring Danielic themes:
• God vindicates those who honor Him (Daniel 3:28).
• Divine presence in suffering: the appearance “like a son of the gods” (Daniel 3:25) prefigures God’s incarnational solidarity with His people.
• Kingdom contrast: earthly empires demand worship; the Most High rescues and rewards loyalty, foreshadowing the everlasting kingdom proclaimed in Daniel 7.

Typology and Christological Foreshadowing

The fiery furnace episode anticipates New Testament teaching on trials (1 Peter 4:12-14). The fourth figure walking with Abed-nego is traditionally viewed as a Christophany, illustrating the Savior’s presence “even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Their deliverance without the smell of fire (Daniel 3:27) anticipates complete redemption from judgment for those “in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Legacy in Jewish and Christian Tradition

Abed-nego is celebrated in Jewish liturgy during Hanukkah and referenced in early Christian martyr narratives as an exemplar of fidelity under persecution. Church Fathers—from Chrysostom to Augustine—cite him when exhorting believers to resist imperial cults and societal idols.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Youth discipleship: Equip believers early to form convictions before trials intensify.
• Cultural engagement: Serve excellently in secular contexts without moral compromise.
• Corporate prayer: Foster communities that intercede for divine wisdom in crises.
• Suffering: Teach that God’s presence, not exemption from trials, is the believer’s ultimate security.

Selected References

Daniel 1:7; 1:8-20; 2:17-23, 49; 3:12-30.

נְגֽוֹ׃ נגו׃ nə·ḡōw neGo nəḡōwInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts