Lexical Summary zan: To provide, to sustain, to feed Original Word: זַן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance kind (Aramaic) corresponding to zan; sort -- kind. see HEBREW zan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to zan Definition kind, sort NASB Translation kinds (4). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Hebrew 2178 זַן appears four times in Daniel 3 (verses 5, 7, 10, 15). The term designates a “kind” or “species,” and in every instance it modifies “music,” highlighting the wide variety of musical sounds accompanying King Nebuchadnezzar’s call to idolatrous worship. Occurrences in Daniel 3 • Daniel 3:5 – “When you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and every kind of music, you must fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.” Historical and Cultural Background Nebuchadnezzar sought to unify his multiethnic empire by blending religious and political loyalty. Music, diverse in form (“every kind”), functioned as a potent cultural tool to synchronize thousands of subjects in a single moment of homage. The variety of instruments named—from wind to string—illustrates the sophisticated musical culture of sixth-century Babylon and points to the empire’s wealth and technological progress. Theological Insights 1. Universality of Idolatry: The repeated phrase “every kind of music” stresses the king’s demand for universal submission; idolatry does not tolerate exceptions. Implications for Worship Music in Scripture may exalt either God or idols. The Babylonian orchestra employed artistic excellence for idolatrous ends, reminding believers that musical beauty alone does not sanctify worship (Amos 5:23). Authentic worship requires both spirit and truth (John 4:24), aligning the content and the heart with God’s revealed will. Lessons for Ministry • Discernment: Leaders must evaluate cultural expressions, including music, ensuring they serve the glory of God rather than become tools of conformity to worldly values. Related Biblical Themes – Exclusive devotion (Deuteronomy 6:4–5) – The danger of syncretism (2 Kings 17:33–34) – Music in worship (Psalm 150) – Civil disobedience for righteousness’ sake (Acts 5:29) Forms and Transliterations זְנֵ֣י זני zə·nê zənê zeNeiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 3:5 HEB: סוּמְפֹּ֣נְיָ֔ה וְכֹ֖ל זְנֵ֣י זְמָרָ֑א תִּפְּל֤וּן NAS: and all kinds of music, KJV: and all kinds of musick, INT: bagpipe and all kinds of music fall Daniel 3:7 Daniel 3:10 Daniel 3:15 4 Occurrences |
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