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.

ISAIAH 48:9KJV
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Isaiah 48:9 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 48:9 mean?

Isaiah 48:9 presents God speaking to Israel about his response to the people’s stubbornness. God says he will hold back his anger and preserve them for the sake of his own name and praise.

The words “cut thee not off” picture an end to the people as a group. After describing Israel as stubborn in verse 8, God says his anger will not reach that end.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 48:9

  • “defer” — אָרַךְ (ʾarakh): The word can carry the sense of making something long. Here it gives the picture of anger being held back rather than quickly expressed.
  • “refrain” — חָטַם (ḥatam): The word can mean to restrain. Its sense is sometimes connected with holding an animal in by its nose, a vivid picture of keeping anger in check.

Why Isaiah 48:9 matters

  • God’s stated reason centers on his own name and praise. In the verse, his name points to who he is and how he is known; his praise points to the honor given to him.
  • The people’s survival is distinct from freedom from hardship. Verse 10 goes on to speak of testing Israel “in the furnace of affliction,” an image of intense trouble.

Where else these words appear

“defer” Hebrew H748 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 26:8 And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.
  • Deuteronomy 22:7 But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.
  • Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

“praise” Hebrew H8416 · used in 57 verses

  • Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
  • Psalms 66:8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
  • Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.