Original Word: צְדָא
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: tsda'
Pronunciation: tseh-dah'
Phonetic Spelling: (tsed-aw')
KJV: true
NASB: true
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) from an unused root corresponding to H6658 (צָּדָה - To lie in wait) in the sense of intentness]

1. a (sinister) design

true.

(Aramaic) from an unused root corresponding to tsadah in the sense of intentness; a (sinister) design -- true.

see HEBREW tsadah

Word Origin
(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to tsadah
Definition
a purpose
NASB Translation
true (1).

צְדָא noun [masculine] usually (malicious) purpose (Hebraism from Biblical Hebrew צְדִיָּה, √ I. צדה); — with ה interrogative הַצְדָּא Daniel 3:14; < read הַאַוְדָּא Bev Dr Kmp.

Word Background and Scope

צְדָא appears once in Scripture, in the Aramaic section of Daniel (Daniel 3:14). The setting is Babylon’s royal court, where Nebuchadnezzar confronts three Hebrew exiles. The king’s question, “Is it true…?”, challenges the authenticity of their reported refusal to bow to his image. Thus, the term is immediately linked to issues of truthfulness, testing, and fidelity under pressure.

Biblical Usage

Daniel 3:14 records Nebuchadnezzar’s interrogation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: “Nebuchadnezzar asked them, ‘Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden statue I have set up?’”. The single occurrence underscores:
• A crisis of allegiance—whether the Hebrews’ loyalty lies with Babylon’s gods or with the LORD.
• The theme of verified testimony—Nebuchadnezzar seeks confirmation before sentencing.
• An ironic contrast—pagan authority questions “truth,” yet the subsequent miracle reveals the truth of God’s supremacy (Daniel 3:24-29).

Historical Context

The word surfaces in sixth-century Babylon, where captured Judeans faced assimilation pressures. Royal decrees demanded conformity; refusal invited death. Babylon’s demand for unquestioned worship echoes earlier imperial claims (Exodus 5:2) and anticipates future ones (Revelation 13:15). In this environment, צְדָא frames the pivotal moment when faith either capitulates or conquers.

Theological Significance

1. Truth Tested: Scripture consistently presents trials as refiners of genuine faith (Job 23:10; 1 Peter 1:7). By using a term meaning “Is it true?” the narrative highlights how God permits worldly power to probe the authenticity of His people’s devotion.
2. Witness to Gentiles: Nebuchadnezzar’s question sets the stage for a public display of divine fidelity. The king ultimately declares, “there is no other god who can deliver like this” (Daniel 3:29), fulfilling the Abrahamic vision that nations would see God’s glory through Israel (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 43:10-12).
3. Truth and Worship: The confrontation foreshadows Jesus’ teaching that “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). Authentic worship cannot coexist with idolatry, whether ancient statues or modern ideologies.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Courage under scrutiny: Believers facing workplace, governmental, or social pressure can look to Daniel’s companions as models of steadfastness when the world demands compromise.
• Discipleship and accountability: Just as Nebuchadnezzar sought verification, the church should lovingly ask, “Is it true?” when discipling members, promoting integrity (Galatians 6:1).
• Apologetics: The narrative equips Christians to articulate why exclusive devotion to Christ is rational and redemptive, even when pluralism labels such commitment intolerant (Acts 4:12).

Christological and Prophetic Resonance

The fiery furnace episode prefigures the presence of “One like a son of the gods” (Daniel 3:25), widely understood as a Christophany. The question צְדָא sets in motion events that reveal the Deliverer walking with His people in the flames, echoing future promises: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) and “When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched” (Isaiah 43:2).

Related Concepts in Scripture

• Truth (אֱמֶת): Exodus 34:6; Psalm 119:160
• Faithfulness (אֱמוּנָה): Deuteronomy 32:4; Habakkuk 2:4
• Loyalty under idolatrous pressure: 1 Kings 18:21; Acts 5:29; Revelation 14:12

Conclusion

Though צְדָא occurs only once, it crystallizes a universal biblical theme: authentic commitment to the one true God will inevitably be tested. In every generation the question resounds—“Is it true?” The faithful answer with lives that bear witness to the God who delivers, even from the hottest furnace.

הַצְדָּ֕א הצדא haṣ·dā haṣdā hatzDaInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts