Isaiah 48:11

KJV

For mine own sake, [even] for mine own sake, will I do [it]: for how should [my name] be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.

KJV (with Strong's)

For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do {H6213} it: for how should my name be polluted {H2490}? and I will not give {H5414} my glory {H3519} unto another {H312}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For my sake I will do it, for my own sake. I will not let [my reputation] be tarnished; I will not yield my glory to anyone else.

Berean Standard Bible

For My own sake, My very own sake, I will act; for how can I let Myself be defamed? I will not yield My glory to another.

American Standard Version

For mine own sake, for mine own sake, will I do it; for how should my name be profaned? and my glory will I not give to another.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 48:11 stands as a profound declaration of God's sovereign motivation for His actions, particularly His commitment to deliver Israel from Babylonian captivity. The verse emphatically asserts that God acts not based on human merit or performance, but solely for the preservation of His own holy name and the safeguarding of His unique glory. It underscores the divine imperative to uphold His character and reputation against any perceived defilement, firmly stating that His splendor will never be relinquished to another.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 48 concludes the first major section of what scholars often refer to as "Second Isaiah" (chapters 40-48), which primarily addresses the exiled Israelites in Babylon. This chapter serves as a summary and a climax to the preceding arguments concerning God's unique power, His foreknowledge, and His role as the only true God. Chapters 40-47 have repeatedly contrasted Yahweh's omnipotence and prophetic accuracy with the impotence of idols and the false gods of Babylon. Chapter 48 specifically rebukes Israel for their stubbornness and idolatry, even while reaffirming God's unwavering plan to deliver them. Verse 11, therefore, provides the ultimate divine rationale for this promised deliverance, clarifying that it is not due to Israel's righteousness but to God's own character. The subsequent chapters (49-55) will then shift focus more explicitly to the Servant of the Lord and the glorious future restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 48 is the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national humiliation and spiritual crisis for the Jewish people, beginning around 586 BC with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. Living in a foreign land, surrounded by polytheistic cultures and the impressive might of the Babylonian empire, the Israelites were tempted to question God's power and faithfulness. The surrounding nations, observing Israel's defeat, might have concluded that their God was weak or had abandoned them. In this context, God's declaration in Isaiah 48:11 directly confronts such doubts and challenges. It asserts His absolute sovereignty over history, including the rise and fall of empires, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when they are unfaithful. The concept of a deity's "name" and "glory" was paramount in ancient Near Eastern cultures, representing their very essence, power, and reputation. For God to act "for His own sake" was to defend His honor against the blasphemies and misinterpretations of both Israel and the nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the Book of Isaiah. Firstly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty and Uniqueness**, emphasizing that His actions are self-initiated and driven by His divine nature, not by external compulsion or human merit. This theme is foundational to Isaiah's message, particularly in the latter half of the book (e.g., [Isaiah 40:12-26](/isaiah/40-12 "Isaiah 40:12-26 - God's Incomparable Power")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Sanctity and Honor of God's Name**. God's "name" (Hebrew: *shem*) represents His character, reputation, and manifest presence. The idea that His name should not be "polluted" (profaned or dishonored) is a strong assertion of His holiness and His commitment to preserving His covenant integrity before the nations. This resonates with the call for God's name to be hallowed, as seen even in the Lord's Prayer ([Matthew 6:9](/matthew/6-9 "Matthew 6:9 - The Lord's Prayer")). Finally, the declaration "I will not give my glory unto another" powerfully asserts **Divine Exclusivity and Monotheism**. God's "glory" (Hebrew: *kavod*) signifies His inherent splendor, weight, and manifest presence. This statement reinforces the absolute uniqueness of Yahweh as the one true God, tolerating no rivals or shared worship, a theme explicitly stated earlier in [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Glory Not Shared").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **polluted (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** This primitive root carries a primary sense of "to bore" or "to wound," but figuratively, it means "to profane," "to defile," or "to desecrate." In the context of God's name, it implies a profound dishonoring or treating as common that which is sacred. God's rhetorical question, "how should my name be polluted?", conveys His absolute refusal to allow His character and reputation to be diminished or disgraced in the eyes of the nations, particularly if His covenant promises to Israel were to appear unfulfilled.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "weight," this term figuratively denotes splendor, honor, majesty, or copiousness. When applied to God, *kâbôwd* refers to His inherent, weighty presence, His manifest splendor, and the sum of His divine attributes that command reverence and awe. It encompasses His reputation, power, and inherent worthiness of worship. The declaration that God will not give His glory to "another" emphasizes the unique and incommunicable nature of His divine essence and rightful worship.
* **another (Hebrew, _ʼachêr'_):** This word, meaning "hinder," "next," or "other," in this context refers to any rival deity, idol, or even human endeavor that might presume to usurp God's unique position or receive the worship and honor due only to Him. It underscores God's exclusive claim to sovereignty and worship, reinforcing His monotheistic nature against the polytheism prevalent in the ancient world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it":** This emphatic double declaration reveals the ultimate, self-sufficient motivation for God's actions. It signifies that God's plan for Israel's deliverance and restoration is rooted entirely in His intrinsic character, His divine will, and His commitment to His own purposes, rather than being contingent on Israel's merit or deservingness. The repetition serves to underscore the certainty and inviolability of this divine resolve.
* **"for how should my name be polluted?":** This rhetorical question functions as a powerful justification for God's self-motivated action. It implies that if God were to abandon His people or fail to fulfill His promises, His holy name—representing His character, power, and covenant faithfulness—would be profaned, disgraced, or treated as insignificant by the nations. God's honor is inextricably linked to His fidelity, and He will not permit it to be tarnished.
* **"and I will not give my glory unto another.":** This final clause serves as a definitive statement of divine exclusivity and monotheism. God's *kavod*, His inherent splendor and manifest presence, is uniquely His. He will not share it with idols, false gods, or any human entity or achievement. This declaration asserts His absolute sovereignty and His sole claim to worship and adoration, reinforcing that all deliverance and blessing ultimately redound to His renown alone.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 48:11 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful theological message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic phrase "For mine own sake, even for mine own sake." This doubling serves as a powerful intensifier, underscoring the absolute certainty and self-initiated nature of God's actions. It leaves no doubt that His motivation is internal and immutable. The verse also employs a **Rhetorical Question** with "for how should my name be polluted?" This question is not seeking an answer but rather making a forceful assertion: it is unthinkable and unacceptable for God's name to be dishonored. It challenges the listener to consider the logical consequence of God *not* acting, thereby highlighting the necessity of His intervention for the sake of His own reputation. Finally, the verse utilizes **Anthropomorphism** by speaking of God's "name" and "glory" as entities that can be "polluted" or "given." While God is spirit, these human-like attributes help convey His profound concern for His reputation and the honor due to Him in a way that human beings can grasp. The verse's concise, declarative structure also lends it an air of **Divine Authority** and unyielding resolve.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 48:11 articulates a foundational theological truth: God's ultimate motivation is His own glory and the sanctity of His name. This principle permeates biblical theology, revealing that God's redemptive acts, His judgments, and His covenant faithfulness are not primarily a response to human merit but flow from His intrinsic character and His commitment to uphold His own honor in the cosmos. This provides immense comfort, as our salvation and continued preservation are anchored in God's unchanging nature, not our fluctuating obedience. It also demands humility, reminding us that all blessings and deliverance ultimately redound to His praise alone, calling us to align our lives with His purpose of glorifying Himself.

* [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Action for His Holy Name")
* [Psalm 115:1](/psalm/115-1 "Psalm 115:1 - Not to Us, But to Your Name Be Glory")
* [Romans 11:36](/romans/11-36 "Romans 11:36 - All Things for God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 48:11 offers profound spiritual nourishment and practical guidance for believers. Understanding that God acts primarily for His own sake liberates us from the burden of earning His favor or maintaining our salvation through perfect performance. Our assurance rests not on our fluctuating faithfulness, but on His unwavering commitment to His own holy name and glory. This truth cultivates deep humility, shifting our focus from self-centeredness to God-centered worship. It calls us to live lives that reflect His glory, understanding that our very existence and all our endeavors should ultimately point back to Him. When we face trials or periods of unfaithfulness, this verse reminds us that God's steadfast love and redemptive purposes are secure because they are rooted in His unchanging character, not our merits. It challenges us to consider how our lives, choices, and witness either honor or potentially profane His name in the eyes of a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that God acts "for His own sake" impact your sense of security and assurance in your faith?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be inadvertently seeking to take glory that belongs only to God?**
* **How can the concept of God's name being "polluted" motivate you to live a life that consistently honors Him?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure that your actions and words consistently point to God's glory rather than your own?**

### FAQ
**Why does God emphasize "for mine own sake" twice?**

Answer: The emphatic repetition, "For mine own sake, even for mine own sake," serves as a powerful literary device to underscore the absolute certainty, divine initiative, and self-sufficiency of God's motivation. It highlights that His actions, particularly His decision to deliver Israel, are not a response to their righteousness or a result of external pressure, but flow entirely from His intrinsic character, His sovereign will, and His commitment to uphold His own glory and name. It leaves no room for doubt about the divine origin and purpose of His plan.

**What does it mean for God's "name" to be "polluted"?**

Answer: In biblical thought, God's "name" (Hebrew: *shem*) represents His very essence, His revealed character, His authority, and His reputation. For His name to be "polluted" (Hebrew: *châlal*, meaning to profane, defile, or treat as common) means for His character to be dishonored, His power questioned, or His faithfulness doubted by the nations. If God had not acted to save Israel, despite their unfaithfulness, it might have appeared to the surrounding pagan nations that their gods were stronger or that Yahweh was unable or unwilling to keep His covenant promises, thus bringing His holy name into disrepute. God's action is therefore a defense of His own holy reputation.

**How does God's refusal to "give His glory unto another" relate to monotheism?**

Answer: This declaration is a cornerstone of biblical monotheism. God's "glory" (Hebrew: *kâbôwd*) refers to His inherent splendor, majesty, and the manifest weight of His divine presence. By stating that He will not give His glory to "another" (referring to idols, false gods, or any created thing), God unequivocally asserts His unique and exclusive claim to worship, adoration, and ultimate sovereignty. It is a direct refutation of polytheism and idolatry, emphasizing that there is no other god beside Him worthy of such honor. This principle is reiterated throughout Scripture, affirming God's absolute uniqueness and His sole worthiness of all praise, as seen in [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Glory Not Shared").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 48:11, with its profound declaration of God acting for His own sake and not sharing His glory, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's emphasis on God's commitment to His name and glory, particularly in the deliverance of Israel, foreshadows the greater salvation wrought through Christ. It was for His own sake, and to display His own glory, that God sent His Son into the world, not because humanity deserved it, but because His character demanded it. In Christ, God's glory is not merely preserved but perfectly revealed and magnificently magnified. Jesus, as the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "The Supremacy of Christ")), perfectly embodies and reflects the Father's glory. The cross, the ultimate act of divine self-giving, was not a human achievement but God's pre-ordained plan to glorify Himself through the redemption of a lost humanity ([John 12:27-28](/john/12-27 "John 12:27-28 - Jesus Prays to Be Glorified")). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, God's justice and mercy are both fully satisfied and supremely glorified, demonstrating that He is "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness Revealed")). In the New Covenant, believers are called to live for God's glory, empowered by the Spirit, recognizing that our salvation, sanctification, and future glorification are all ultimately "to the praise of his glorious grace" ([Ephesians 1:6](/ephesians/1-6 "To the Praise of His Grace")). Thus, the divine imperative of Isaiah 48:11 culminates in the person of Jesus, through whom God's name is hallowed, His glory fully displayed, and His unique sovereignty eternally affirmed.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 42:8

I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Ezekiel 20:9

But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they [were], in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.

Isaiah 37:35

For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.

Ezekiel 20:14

But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.

Ezekiel 20:22

Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth.

1 Samuel 12:22

For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

Isaiah 43:25

I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.