¶ Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, [and] for thy truth's sake.
Not unto us, O LORD {H3068}, not unto us, but unto thy name {H8034} give {H5414} glory {H3519}, for thy mercy {H2617}, and for thy truth's {H571} sake.
Not to us, ADONAI, not to us, but to your name give glory, because of your grace and truth.
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness.
Not unto us, O Jehovah, not unto us, But unto thy name give glory, For thy lovingkindness, and for thy truth’s sake.
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Psalms 79:9
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake. -
Psalms 79:10
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight [by] the revenging of the blood of thy servants [which is] shed. -
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. -
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. -
Psalms 96:8
Give unto the LORD the glory [due unto] his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. -
Ezekiel 36:32
Not for your sakes do I [this], saith the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel. -
Ephesians 1:6
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Psalms 115:1 is a profound declaration of God's sole right to glory, emphasizing humility and the foundational attributes of His character: mercy and truth. It sets the tone for the entire psalm, contrasting the living God with lifeless idols.
Context
This verse opens Psalm 115, which is part of the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung by Jewish people during Passover and other major festivals. In a time when surrounding nations worshipped numerous deities, this psalm serves as a powerful affirmation of the unique, sovereign God of Israel. It directly challenges the notion that human strength, wisdom, or achievements are the source of blessing or honor, instead pointing all credit to the divine. The subsequent verses in Psalms 115:4-8 vividly describe the impotence of idols, highlighting the stark contrast with the active, true God.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "name" (שֵׁם, shem) in "unto thy name" is far more than a label; it embodies God's entire being, His reputation, and His revealed character. To give glory to His name is to acknowledge who He truly is. The term "mercy" translates from the Hebrew word חֶסֶד (hesed), which is often rendered as "lovingkindness" or "steadfast love." It speaks to God's loyal and unfailing love, especially within the context of His covenant with His people. "Truth" comes from אֱמֶת (emet), emphasizing God's faithfulness, reliability, and consistency. These two attributes—hesed and emet—are frequently paired in Scripture to describe the very core of God's benevolent and trustworthy character, as seen in Exodus 34:6.
Practical Application
Psalms 115:1 serves as a timeless call to humility and proper worship. In a world that often celebrates human achievement and self-reliance, this verse redirects our focus to the ultimate source of all good. It reminds believers that our successes, blessings, and even our very existence are not due to our own merit but to God's gracious provision and faithful character. Therefore, our lives should be lived in a way that points glory back to Him. This principle resonates strongly with the New Testament teaching that "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord," reinforcing the idea that God will not share His glory with another.