1:11
The theme of 1:11 is the greatness of the LORD and the fact that he is honored among the nations. This theme returns to the theme which was introduced in 1:5 and will be repeated again in 1:14. This is the reason that the LORD made his covenant with the people of Israel, so that through them people of all nations would come to know him.
1:11a
For: The Hebrew word ki which the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces a general reason that the LORD will not accept their offerings. In some languages this reason may not be obvious. The text implies that because the LORD is very great and worshipped throughout the world, he would not accept their offerings that showed disrespect for him. Many English versions translate this Hebrew word as “for.” Some versions omit it. Use what would be natural in your language in this context to state the reason that the LORD did not accept their offerings.
My name will be great among the nations: There is no verb in the Hebrew text of 1:11a. However in English a verb is required. Most versions have chosen a form of the verb “to be.” However they differ in the tense they choose:
(1) Some versions use the present tense “is.”
(2) Other versions use the future tense “will be.”
Either tense is possible from the Hebrew. If there is a way to maintain this ambiguity of tense in your translation, do so. But if you must choose a verb tense, it is recommended that you follow option (1) and use the present tense.
This probably refers to the fact that some people from other nations were beginning to believe in and follow Yahweh, the God of the people of Israel.
the nations: The Hebrew word goyim which the Berean Standard Bible translates as nations was the word which the Jews used to refer to the Gentiles, the people of all the other nations.
1:11b
from where the sun rises to where it sets: This is a figure of speech. It refers to every part of the world, from the farthest point east to the farthest point west.
1:11c-d
incense: The priests not only burnt animals as sacrifices, but sometimes incense was also used (see Leviticus 2:1). The word incense refers to a substance which smells sweet when it is burnt.
1:11e
My name will be great among the nations: The Hebrew expression which the Berean Standard Bible translates as My name will be great among the nations was also used in 1:11a.
General Comment on 1:11b–e
This verse has a chiastic structure (that is, a crossed structure) in Hebrew. This highlights a climax in the text:
11a
My name will be great among the nations,
11c In every place, incense
11d and pure offerings will be presented in My name,
11e because My name will be great among the nations.
1:11f
says the LORD of Hosts: See the note on 1:6e.
the LORD of Hosts: See the note on 1:4d and 1:6e. Translate this term in the same way here.
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