Isaiah 48:11
Isaiah 48:11 in Multiple Translations
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, 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, for mine own sake, will I do it; for how should my name be profaned? and my glory will I not give to another.
For myself, even because of my name, I will do it; for I will not let my name be shamed; and my glory I will not give to another.
The reason I'm doing this is because of who I am, yes, because of my very nature. I won't let my reputation be damaged—I won't let anyone else have it.
For mine owne sake, for mine owne sake wil I doe it: for how should my Name be polluted? surely I wil not giue my glory vnto another.
For My sake, for Mine own sake, I do [it], For how is it polluted? And Mine honour to another I give not.
For my own sake, for my own sake, I will do it; for how would my name be profaned? I will not give my glory to another.
For my own sake, even for my own sake, will I do it : for how should my name be profaned? and I will not give my glory to another.
For my own sake, for my own sake will I do it, that I may not be blasphemed: and I will not give my glory to another.
But for my [MTY] own sake I will delay punishing you more; I will do it for my own sake in order that my reputation will not be damaged [RHQ]. I will not allow any person or any idol to be honored as I deserve to be honored.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 48:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 48:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְמַעֲנִ֧/י
לְמַעֲנִ֛/י
אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה
כִּ֣י
אֵ֣יךְ
יֵחָ֑ל
וּ/כְבוֹדִ֖/י
לְ/אַחֵ֥ר
לֹֽא
אֶתֵּֽן
לְמַעֲנִ֧/י
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep | Suff
לְמַעֲנִ֛/י
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep | Suff
אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֣יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Part
יֵחָ֑ל
châlal
H2490
to bore
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
וּ/כְבוֹדִ֖/י
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
Conj | N-cs | Suff
לְ/אַחֵ֥ר
ʼachêr
H312
another
Prep | Adj
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֶתֵּֽן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 48:11
לְמַעֲנִ֧/י
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
לְמַעֲנִ֛/י
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֵ֣יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
יֵחָ֑ל
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
וּ/כְבוֹדִ֖/י
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
לְ/אַחֵ֥ר
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Prep | Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֶתֵּֽן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
Study Notes — Isaiah 48:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 48:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 48:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 48:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 48:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 48:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 48:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 48:11
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 48:11
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 48:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 48:11
- Sermons on Isaiah 48:11
Context — Israel’s Stubbornness
9For the sake of My name I will delay My wrath; for the sake of My praise I will restrain it, so that you will not be cut off.
10See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
11For 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.
12Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I have called: I am He; I am the first, and I am the last. 13Surely My own hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they stand up together.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 42:8 | I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 20:9 | But I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the eyes of the nations among whom they were living, in whose sight I had revealed Myself to Israel by bringing them out of the land of Egypt. |
| 3 | Isaiah 37:35 | ‘I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’” |
| 4 | Ezekiel 20:14 | But I acted for the sake of My name, so that it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 20:22 | But I withheld My hand and acted for the sake of My name, so that it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 12:22 | Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own. |
| 7 | Isaiah 43:25 | I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 14:7 | Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You. |
| 9 | Numbers 14:15–16 | If You kill this people as one man, the nations who have heard of Your fame will say, ‘Because the LORD was unable to bring this people into the land He swore to give them, He has slaughtered them in the wilderness.’ |
| 10 | Ezekiel 20:44 | Then you will know, O house of Israel, that I am the LORD, when I have dealt with you for the sake of My name and not according to your wicked ways and corrupt acts, declares the Lord GOD.” |
Isaiah 48:11 Summary
[This verse means that God will do what is best for His own name and glory, because He is a holy and jealous God who will not share His praise with anyone or anything else, as seen in Isaiah 48:9. He wants to be glorified in all things, and He will act to protect His own reputation and name, as in Ezekiel 36:22. This is good news for us, because when God acts for His own sake, He often blesses and helps His people in the process, as seen in Jeremiah 13:11 and Psalm 138:2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God say He will act for His own sake in Isaiah 48:11?
God acts for His own sake to protect His holy name and reputation, as seen in Isaiah 48:9, where He delays His wrath for the sake of His name, and in Ezekiel 36:22, where He acts to sanctify His great name.
What does it mean that God will not yield His glory to another?
This means that God will not share His honor, praise, or worship with anyone or anything else, as stated in Isaiah 42:8, where He says He will not give His glory to another, and in Exodus 20:3, where He commands us to have no other gods before Him.
How does God's action in this verse relate to His people?
God's action in this verse is connected to His people, as seen in Isaiah 48:10, where He has refined and tested them, and in Isaiah 48:12, where He speaks directly to Jacob and Israel, demonstrating His concern for their well-being and His desire to be glorified through them, as in Jeremiah 13:11.
What is the significance of God's statement 'for how can I let Myself be defamed?'?
This statement emphasizes God's concern for His own reputation and honor, as seen in Psalm 138:2, where David says God's word is magnified above all His name, and in John 17:11, where Jesus prays that God would glorify Him with the glory they shared before the world existed.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God's glory is being defamed in my life, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?
- In what ways am I trying to share God's glory with other things or people, and how can I redirect my focus to Him alone?
- How does the fact that God acts for His own sake and will not yield His glory to another impact my understanding of His character and love for me?
- What are some practical ways that I can glorify God in my daily life, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31, and how can I make Him the center of my thoughts and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 48:11
For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it,.... Defer his anger, not cut off his people and destroy them, but redeem and save them: this, in the literal sense, respects the redemption
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. How should (my name) be polluted?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 48:11
Will I do it; this great work of delivering my people out of Babylon. My name is here fitly supplied, both out of , where it is expressed, and out of the following clause of this verse, where he saith, my glory, which is equivalent to it. The sense is, If I should not spare and deliver my people, my name would be sadly profaned and blasphemed, as if I were either impotent or implacable to them. I will not give my glory unto another; I will not give any colour or occasion to idolaters to ascribe the Divine nature and properties, which are my peculiar, unto idols, as they would do if I did not rescue my people out of their hands in spite of their idols.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 48:11
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.Ver. 11. For mine own sake, even for mine own sake.] This is oft repeated, that it may once be well observed. Bene cavet Spiritus Sanctus ubique in Scripturis ne nostris operibus salutem tribuamus; it is Oecolampadius’ s note upon the first verse of this chapter, i.e., the Holy Ghost doth everywhere in Scripture take course that we ascribe not our safety to our own works. See on Isaiah 43:13. For how should my name be polluted?] As it will be by the blasphemous heathens, who else will say that their gods are fortiores et faventiores, more powerful and more merciful than the God of the Hebrews. Thus the Turks at this day, when they have beaten the Christians, cry up their Mohammed as mightier than Christ. And I will not give my glory to another.] Press this in prayer: it is an excellent argument. The saints, after all other arguments used, hunc quasi arietem admovent, mind God of his glory engaged, and then doubt not to prevail with him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 48:11
(11) Will I do it . . .—The neuter pronoun includes the whole work of redemption. For how should my name be polluted?—The italics show that “my name” is not in the Hebrew, but the context requires its insertion as from Isaiah 48:9. or that of “my glory” from the clause that follows. The “pollution” or desecration of the name of Jehovah would follow, it is implied, on the non-completion of His redeeming work.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 48:11
Verse 11. For how should my name be polluted - "For how would my name be blasphemed"] The word שמי shemi, my name, is dropped out of the text; it is supplied by a MS. which has שמי shemi; and by the Septuagint, ὁτιτοεμονονομαβεβηλουται. The Syriac and Vulgate get over the difficulty, by making the verb in the first person; that I may not be blasphemed.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 48:11
11. for how should my name be polluted?] Better: for how is it profaned! a parenthetic ejaculation, and in all probability a marginal gloss. I will not give my glory unto another] Cf. ch. Isaiah 42:8. The “glory” is that of bringing to pass the marvellous “new things,” the era of eternal salvation.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 48:11
For mine own sake - (See Isaiah 48:9). The expression here is repeated to denote emphasis.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 48:11
9-11. But if so perverse, why desire to restore them to Jerusalem and Judah? The answer is, For my name’s sake.
Sermons on Isaiah 48:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Is God for Us or for Himself? by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praise and delight in our lives. He uses examples such as praising a baby's features, cheering for a sports team, and admir |
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The Supremacy of God in Preaching by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the superficiality of news reports, history books, public education, and editorial news commentary due to the disregard for God. He argues th |
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A Cry for Repentance and Revival by Edgar Reich | This sermon by Edgar Reich is a powerful cry for repentance and revival, emphasizing the need for humbling ourselves, praying, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways. The |
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God's Love for Himself by Michael Durham | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of God's love, specifically referencing John's first epistle chapter 4, verse 7 and 8. The preacher emphasizes the importance of l |
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God's Great Name, the Ground and Reason of Saving Great Sinners by Ralph Erskine | Ralph Erskine emphasizes that God's salvation of sinners is fundamentally for His own name's sake, rather than for any merit on the part of the sinners themselves. He explains that |
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Starts Discussion of Second Commandment (Not to Take the Name of the Lord in Vain) by Martin Luther | Martin Luther delves into the importance of honoring God's Name and the Second Commandment, emphasizing that all works must be done in faith to truly honor and magnify God's glory. |
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An Address to the Different Religious Societies on the Sacred Import of the Christian Name by Rice Haggard | Rice Haggard preaches about the importance of unity and love among Christians, emphasizing the need to set aside denominational divisions and come together under the simple princip |