Isaiah 48:9
For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.
Original Language Analysis
לְמַ֤עַן
H4616
לְמַ֤עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
שְׁמִי֙
For my name's
H8034
שְׁמִי֙
For my name's
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
2 of 9
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
אַאֲרִ֣יךְ
sake will I defer
H748
אַאֲרִ֣יךְ
sake will I defer
Strong's:
H748
Word #:
3 of 9
to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
אַפִּ֔י
mine anger
H639
אַפִּ֔י
mine anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וּתְהִלָּתִ֖י
and for my praise
H8416
וּתְהִלָּתִ֖י
and for my praise
Strong's:
H8416
Word #:
5 of 9
laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn
Cross References
Psalms 78:38But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.Isaiah 37:35For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.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.Psalms 79:9Help 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 143:11Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.Psalms 106:8Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.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 20:14But 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.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.
Historical Context
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God maintained covenant relationship because His reputation was tied to Israel's fate (Ezekiel 36:22). His 'name's sake' concern shows that divine glory, not human worth, grounds salvation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that God saves you 'for His name's sake' free you from performance anxiety?
- What does it mean that God's refining doesn't destroy you but purifies you for His glory?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's forbearance 'for my name's sake' and 'for my praise' reveals that covenant maintenance ultimately serves divine glory, not human merit. The 'refining' of verse 10 ('I have refined thee, but not with silver') means God's discipline purifies but doesn't consume His people. This anticipates 1 Peter 1:7's 'trial of your faith' producing glory at Christ's appearing.