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.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֖ה
I am the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
I am the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 10
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
שְׁמִ֑י
that is my name
H8034
שְׁמִ֑י
that is my name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
4 of 10
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
וּכְבוֹדִי֙
and my glory
H3519
וּכְבוֹדִי֙
and my glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶתֵּ֔ן
will I not give
H5414
אֶתֵּ֔ן
will I not give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 10
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Isaiah 48:11For 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.Isaiah 43:11I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.Exodus 34:14For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:Psalms 83:18That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.Exodus 4:5That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.John 5:23That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.John 8:58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Historical Context
This exclusivity claim contrasts sharply with Babylonian polytheism's pantheon. Israel's God brooks no rivals or equals—He alone deserves worship, and sharing glory with idols is spiritual adultery.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you subtly give God's glory to other things or people in your life?
- What does God's jealousy for His glory teach about the seriousness of idolatry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's emphatic declaration 'I am the LORD: that is my name' establishes His unique identity. The covenant name YHWH belongs exclusively to Him. He will not give His glory to another or share praise with idols. The Hebrew 'kavod' (glory) denotes the weighty significance and honor that belongs to God alone.