Isaiah 48:11 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God acts for the sake of his own name and will not allow his glory to be given to idols or other gods.
The Context of Isaiah 48:11
This verse echoes verse 9. God's motivation is his own name and glory. The repetition 'for mine own sake, even for mine own sake' emphasizes the certainty and primacy of this motivation. God will not share his glory with idols or false gods, and he will accomplish what he has promised precisely to vindicate his name and maintain his preeminence.
What Does Isaiah 48:11 Mean?
The repetition here is not selfish boasting but a statement of ultimate reality. God's glory is not one good among many; it is the supreme good. God will not divide his honor, will not share his preeminence with false gods, will not allow his name to be profaned. And this is actually good news for his people. Because God will not relinquish his glory, he cannot fail. He cannot compromise with idolatry and succeed. He must be true to himself, which means he must rescue his people, fulfill his promises, and vindicate his name. God's refusal to share his glory with another is the guarantee of our salvation.
In the New Testament, Jesus embodies this principle. John's Gospel begins with 'the Word was with God and the Word was God,' and near the end, Jesus prays, 'Glorify me...with the glory I had with you before the world existed' (John 17:5). Jesus does not diminish God's glory; he reflects it perfectly. And in him, we see that God's commitment to his own name and glory is the foundation of our hope. Because God is committed to his own holiness and honor, we can trust him completely.
How to Apply Isaiah 48:11 Today
We surrender our desire to be glorified and rest in God's commitment to glorify himself. When we make his glory our highest aim, we align ourselves with the deepest reality of the universe. This frees us from the burden of proving ourselves and allows us to serve others from a place of wholeness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 48:11
What does Isaiah 48:11 mean?
God acts for the sake of his own name and will not allow his glory to be given to idols or other gods.
What is the context of Isaiah 48:11?
This verse echoes verse 9. God's motivation is his own name and glory. The repetition 'for mine own sake, even for mine own sake' emphasizes the certainty and primacy of this motivation. God will not share his glory with idols or false gods, and he will accomplish what he has promised precisely to vindicate his name and maintain his preeminence.
How can I apply Isaiah 48:11 today?
We surrender our desire to be glorified and rest in God's commitment to glorify himself. When we make his glory our highest aim, we align ourselves with the deepest reality of the universe. This frees us from the burden of proving ourselves and allows us to serve others from a place of wholeness.