Isaiah 48:11

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Isaiah 48:11 is a powerful declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His own glory and reputation, particularly in the context of His dealings with unfaithful Israel. This verse underscores the divine motivation behind God's actions, revealing that His ultimate purpose is to uphold His own name and honor.

Context

This verse comes from the latter part of the Book of Isaiah (often referred to as Deutero-Isaiah), which primarily addresses the Jewish people during their Babylonian exile. The Israelites had been rebellious and idolatrous, yet God repeatedly promised their deliverance and restoration. Here, God clarifies that this forthcoming salvation is not a reward for their righteousness, but an act driven by His own character and sovereign will. He had previously revealed His plans and prophecies to them, demonstrating His unique power as the one true God, in contrast to the impotent idols worshipped by other nations.

Key Themes

  • God's Unwavering Commitment to His Glory: The emphatic repetition, "For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it," highlights that God's actions are solely motivated by His inherent nature and divine purpose. His plan for Israel's deliverance is fundamentally about demonstrating His power and faithfulness to the world, not about their merit.
  • Protection of His Name: "For how should my name be polluted?" This rhetorical question emphasizes God's concern for His reputation among the nations. If He did not act to save His people, His name—representing His character, power, and covenant faithfulness—would be dishonored or considered weak by those who worshiped other gods. God will not allow His holy name to be profaned.
  • Exclusivity of Divine Glory: "And I will not give my glory unto another." This is a strong declaration of monotheism. God's glory (Hebrew: kavod, meaning weight, honor, splendor, or reputation) belongs uniquely to Him. He will not share it with idols, false gods, or any human endeavor. This echoes a similar statement in Isaiah 42:8, reaffirming His sole sovereignty and worthiness of worship.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "For mine own sake" (Hebrew: לְמַעֲנִי, lema'ani) is repeated for emphasis, underscoring the divine initiative and self-motivation behind God's actions. It signifies that God's plan is rooted in His perfect character and not dependent on human performance. The word "polluted" (Hebrew: חָלַל, chalal) means to profane, defile, or desecrate, indicating the gravity of God's name being dishonored by the nations if He failed to act on His promises.

Practical Application

Isaiah 48:11 offers profound comfort and a clear call to worship for believers today:

  • Source of Assurance: Our salvation and God's continued faithfulness are not contingent on our perfection but on His unchanging character and commitment to His own glory. This provides deep assurance even in our failures.
  • Humility and Worship: This verse reminds us that all good things, including our deliverance and blessings, ultimately redound to God's glory. It shifts our focus from ourselves to Him, fostering true humility and authentic worship. We are called to give God the glory alone, as He will not share it with anyone or anything else.
  • Motivation for Living: Understanding that God acts for His own sake should motivate us to live lives that honor His name and reflect His glory, demonstrating to the world the power and faithfulness of the one true God. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that we are to do all things for the glory of God.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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