King James Version

What Does Isaiah 26:13 Mean?

Isaiah 26:13 in the King James Version says “O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.”

Isaiah 26:13 · KJV

Context

11

LORD, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them. at: or, toward thy people

12

LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us. in us: or, for us

13

O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.

14

They are dead, they shall not live; they are deceased, they shall not rise: therefore hast thou visited and destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish.

15

Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified: thou hadst removed it far unto all the ends of the earth.

Read Isaiah 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ בְּעָלוּנוּ אֲדֹנִים זוּלָתֶךָ / YHWH Eloheinu be'alunu adonim zulateka)—The verb בָּעַל (ba'al, "to rule, possess, marry") carries double significance. It denotes political oppression but also spiritual adultery, since Baal worship constantly seduced Israel. The confession acknowledges both foreign domination (Assyria, later Babylon) and idolatrous compromise as violations of covenant exclusivity with YHWH.

But by thee only will we make mention of thy name (לְבַד־בְּךָ נַזְכִּיר שְׁמֶךָ / levad-beka nazkir shimeka)—The verb זָכַר (zakar, "to remember, mention") involves more than verbal acknowledgment; it means to invoke God's character and presence in worship and testimony. The exclusive particle לְבַד (levad, "only, alone") echoes Shema monotheism (Deuteronomy 6:4). True repentance returns to covenant faithfulness, acknowledging YHWH alone as rightful Lord.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse reflects Israel's recurring cycle: serving YHWH, sliding into idolatry or political dependence, experiencing oppression, and returning in repentance. The Assyrian crisis (722 BC for northern Israel, 701 BC siege of Jerusalem) demonstrated the futility of trusting Egypt or other nations. Isaiah consistently warned that only trust in YHWH brings security (7:9, 30:15). The language of 'other lords' having dominion anticipates Babylonian exile and the later need to reject pagan rulers' religious claims.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'other lords' (money, approval, comfort, politics) compete with God for dominion in your life?
  2. How does recognizing past spiritual adultery deepen appreciation for God's covenant faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness?
  3. What does it mean practically to 'make mention of God's name only'—how does this shape our speech, priorities, and worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
יְהוָ֣ה1 of 9

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ2 of 9

“our God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּעָל֥וּנוּ3 of 9

“thee have had dominion”

H1166

to be master; hence, to marry

אֲדֹנִ֖ים4 of 9

“other lords”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

זֽוּלָתֶ֑ךָ5 of 9

“beside”

H2108

probably scattering, i.e., removal; used adverbially, except

לְבַד6 of 9
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

בְּךָ֖7 of 9
H0
נַזְכִּ֥יר8 of 9

“over us but by thee only will we make mention”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

שְׁמֶֽךָ׃9 of 9

“of thy name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 26:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 26:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 2:8Isaiah 63:7Joshua 23:7Isaiah 51:22Isaiah 12:4Romans 6:22

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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