Old Testament
Isaiah 48:11
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 48:11, God emphasizes His commitment to act for His own sake, highlighting the importance of His name and glory.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
For my own sake — yes, for my own sake — I will act. Why should I let my name be dishonored? I will not hand my glory over to anyone else.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 48:11, God emphasizes His commitment to act for His own sake, highlighting the importance of His name and glory. He declares that He will not allow His reputation to be tarnished or shared with others. This verse reflects God's sovereignty and the significance of His divine nature. It shows that God's actions are motivated by His desire to uphold His glory and honor, rather than for the sake of humanity or any other reason. The repetition of "for my own sake" underscores the seriousness of His intent. God is asserting that His glory is paramount, and He will ensure that it remains intact. This serves as a reminder that God is not only concerned about His people but also about His own name and reputation. His commitment to His glory is a central theme throughout the Bible, illustrating His holiness and the importance of worshiping Him alone.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 48:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to honor God's name in our lives. We should strive to reflect His glory through our actions and decisions. By prioritizing God's reputation, we can live in a way that brings honor to Him, ensuring that our lives align with His purpose and character.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 48:11 mean for God's glory?
Isaiah 48:11 emphasizes that God acts primarily for His own glory and reputation. This verse reveals that God's commitment to His name is paramount, and He will not allow it to be dishonored. It highlights the importance of God's sovereignty and the divine nature that demands respect and worship. Understanding this helps us recognize that God's actions are motivated by His desire to uphold His glory, which is a central theme throughout the Bible.
How can I apply Isaiah 48:11 in my daily life?
To apply Isaiah 48:11 in your life, focus on honoring God's name through your actions and decisions. This means living in a way that reflects His character and values, ensuring that your choices bring glory to Him. You can do this by being honest, showing love to others, and prioritizing your relationship with God. By aligning your life with His purpose, you contribute to the reverence of His name and demonstrate your commitment to His glory.
Why does God emphasize acting for His own sake in Isaiah 48:11?
God emphasizes acting for His own sake in Isaiah 48:11 to highlight His sovereignty and the importance of His glory. By stating this, He asserts that His actions are not merely for human benefit but are fundamentally about maintaining His honor and reputation. This underscores the idea that God is self-motivated and that His divine nature requires recognition and respect. It serves as a reminder that God's glory is central to His identity and mission.
How does Isaiah 48:11 relate to worship?
Isaiah 48:11 relates to worship by emphasizing the importance of honoring God's glory and name in our worship practices. It reminds us that worship should be centered on God's character and His sovereignty, rather than on our personal desires or needs. By recognizing God's commitment to His glory, we are called to worship Him in a way that reflects His holiness and majesty, ensuring that our praise uplifts His name and aligns with His divine purpose.
The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You
The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.
Unlock the full Isaiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Isaiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 66 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Isaiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.