O LORD our God, other lords besides thee have ruled over us: Other lords refers to foreign rulers, but it could also include the gods worshiped by these rulers. It is best to use a general expression, such as “other masters,” to allow for both.

But thy name alone we acknowledge: This is a statement in Revised Standard Version, but the imperfect verb form here in Hebrew probably expresses another wish, as in the previous two verses, so this line is literally “only in you let us remember your name.” Translators may follow either view; the first example below expresses a wish, while the second one makes a statement. Thy name refers to Yahweh himself (see the comments at 12.4). The Hebrew verb rendered acknowledge (literally “remember”) has the sense of “honor” (New International Version) or “respect” in this context. So the prophet expresses the desire to remain faithful to Yahweh. Good News Translation reflects this by rendering the whole line as “but you alone are our LORD.”

Translation examples for this verse are:

• O Yahweh our God, other masters have dominated us,
but let us live by your name only.

• O Yahweh our God, others masters than you have ruled us,
but we will remember your name alone.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .