Psalms 106:8

Authorized King James Version

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Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.

Original Language Analysis

וַֽ֭יּוֹשִׁיעֵם Nevertheless he saved H3467
וַֽ֭יּוֹשִׁיעֵם Nevertheless he saved
Strong's: H3467
Word #: 1 of 6
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
לְמַ֣עַן H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
Strong's: H4616
Word #: 2 of 6
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
שְׁמ֑וֹ them for his name's H8034
שְׁמ֑וֹ them for his name's
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 3 of 6
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
לְ֝הוֹדִ֗יעַ to be known H3045
לְ֝הוֹדִ֗יעַ to be known
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 4 of 6
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 6
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
גְּבוּרָתֽוֹ׃ sake that he might make his mighty power H1369
גְּבוּרָתֽוֹ׃ sake that he might make his mighty power
Strong's: H1369
Word #: 6 of 6
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

Cross References

Exodus 9:16And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.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.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.Psalms 111:6He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.Romans 9:17For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.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.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.Jeremiah 14:21Do not abhor us, for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.Exodus 15:6Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

Analysis & Commentary

This verse reveals the theological tension between human sin and divine purpose. Despite Israel's rebellion at the Red Sea (detailed in Exodus 14), God 'saved them for his name's sake.' This phrase is theologically rich: God's deliverance is not primarily motivated by Israel's merit but by His own reputation and character. The salvation is 'for his name's sake' - to demonstrate His power, faithfulness, and covenant loyalty. 'That he might make his mighty power to be known' shows that God's redemptive acts serve a revelatory purpose - they display His attributes to watching nations. This verse establishes a crucial principle: God's saving work ultimately serves His glory and the revelation of His character, even when His people are undeserving. It's a grace that transcends human faithfulness.

Historical Context

The verse references the pivotal Red Sea deliverance (Exodus 14:10-31), when Israel, trapped between Pharaoh's army and the sea, complained bitterly against Moses and God. Rather than abandoning them to their lack of faith, God parted the waters and destroyed the Egyptian army. This event became the foundational salvation narrative for Israel's identity. The phrase 'for his name's sake' connects to God's declaration to Moses in Exodus 3:13-15, where He revealed His covenant name YHWH. God's reputation among the nations was at stake - He had promised Abraham to make his descendants a great nation and to give them the land. The deliverance at the Red Sea demonstrated to Egypt, Canaan, and surrounding nations that YHWH was supreme. This event established a pattern: God's salvation serves His redemptive purposes in history.

Questions for Reflection