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.
Original Language Analysis
לְמַעֲנִ֧י
H4616
לְמַעֲנִ֧י
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
לְמַעֲנִ֛י
H4616
לְמַעֲנִ֛י
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה
For mine own sake even for mine own sake will I do
H6213
אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה
For mine own sake even for mine own sake will I do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יֵחָ֑ל
it for how should my name be polluted
H2490
יֵחָ֑ל
it for how should my name be polluted
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
וּכְבוֹדִ֖י
my glory
H3519
וּכְבוֹדִ֖י
my glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
Cross References
Isaiah 42:8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.Ezekiel 20:9But 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 37:35For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.Ezekiel 20:14But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.Ezekiel 20:22Nevertheless 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 12:22For 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 43:25I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.Jeremiah 14:7O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.Ezekiel 20:44And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have wrought with you for my name's sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.Isaiah 48:5I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.
Historical Context
Throughout exile, Israel questioned whether God could or would deliver. God answers that His own honor requires deliverance. This theocentric motivation appears throughout Scripture (Ezekiel 36:22, John 17:4, Ephesians 1:6).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's 'for my own sake' motivation challenge your human-centered view of salvation?
- What does it mean to worship God for who He is rather than merely for what He gives?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The repeated 'for mine own sake' emphasizes that God's ultimate motivation in all redemption is His own glory, not human benefit (though we do benefit). The rhetorical 'how should my name be polluted?' shows that God's holiness demands vindication of His reputation. This God-centeredness offends human pride but establishes true worship - God is end, not means.