1 Timothy 1:17

KJV

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} unto the King {G935} eternal {G165}, immortal {G862}, invisible {G517}, the only {G3441} wise {G4680} God {G2316}, be honour {G5092} and {G2532} glory {G1391} for {G1519} ever {G165} and ever {G165}. Amen {G281}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So to the King — eternal, imperishable and invisible, the only God there is — let there be honor and glory for ever and ever! Amen.

Berean Standard Bible

Now to the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

American Standard Version

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Timothy 1:17 is a profound doxology, a spontaneous and fervent outburst of praise from the Apostle Paul, directed toward God. Following a deeply personal reflection on God's abundant grace in saving him from his former life as a persecutor, Paul is moved to ascribe ultimate honor and glory to the divine King, whom he describes with a series of majestic and unique attributes: eternal, immortal, invisible, and the only wise God. This verse serves as a timeless declaration of God's supreme sovereignty, unchangeable nature, incomprehensible essence, and perfect wisdom, affirming His absolute worthiness of everlasting worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This glorious doxology concludes a significant section in Paul's letter to Timothy, his spiritual son and trusted associate in ministry. Paul has just recounted his own dramatic conversion and calling to apostleship, emphasizing that he, "formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent opponent," received mercy because he acted in ignorance and unbelief [1 Timothy 1:13](/1_timothy/1-13 "1 Timothy 1:13 - Paul's Conversion"). He marvels at the "surpassing grace" of Christ Jesus, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom Paul considers himself the foremost [1 Timothy 1:14-15](/1_timothy/1-14-15 "1 Timothy 1:14-15 - The Abundance of God's Grace"). This personal testimony of salvation and divine appointment, set against the backdrop of his instructions regarding false teachers and the proper use of the law [1 Timothy 1:3-11](/1_timothy/1-3-11 "1 Timothy 1:3-11 - Warnings Against False Teaching"), culminates in this spontaneous and heartfelt ascription of praise. The doxology is a natural overflow of a heart overwhelmed by God's transformative power and undeserved favor, shifting from personal testimony to universal adoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was serving as Paul's representative in Ephesus, a prominent city known for its diverse religious practices, including the worship of Artemis, and a hub for philosophical and syncretistic ideas. The early church in Ephesus faced challenges from false teachers who promoted "myths and endless genealogies" and distorted the law, leading to "speculation rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith" [1 Timothy 1:4](/1_timothy/1-4 "1 Timothy 1:4 - The Danger of Speculation"). These teachers often boasted of special knowledge or wisdom, contrasting sharply with the humble confession of faith in Christ. In this environment, Paul's emphatic declaration of God as "the only wise God" directly counters any human claims to ultimate wisdom or spiritual insight apart from Him. The emphasis on God's invisibility and immortality also subtly pushes back against the tangible, often corruptible, idols and deities prevalent in Greco-Roman culture, asserting the unique transcendence of the one true God.
* **Key Themes:** The verse brilliantly encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout Paul's letters and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **sovereignty and majesty of God**, depicted as the "King eternal" whose reign is boundless and everlasting. This reinforces the theme of God's ultimate authority over all creation and time, a concept foundational to Christian theology. Another significant theme is **God's unique attributes**, particularly His **immortality, invisibility, and singular wisdom**. These characteristics distinguish the true God from all human conceptions and false deities, emphasizing His transcendence and self-sufficiency. Finally, the verse is a powerful expression of **doxology and worship**. It demonstrates that the proper response to understanding God's nature and experiencing His grace is profound adoration and the ascription of all "honour and glory" to Him alone. This act of worship is not merely intellectual assent but a heartfelt recognition of God's absolute worthiness, echoing calls to praise found throughout Scripture, such as in [Psalm 145](/psalm/145 "Psalm 145 - A Psalm of Praise to God's Greatness") or the heavenly worship described in [Revelation 4](/revelation/4 "Revelation 4 - The Throne Room of Heaven").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **King (Greek, _basileús'_):** Properly, a sovereign; a ruler. In this context, it emphasizes God's supreme authority and dominion over all creation and time. When combined with "eternal," it signifies His unending and universal reign.
* **Immortal (Greek, _áphthartos'_):** Undecaying, incorruptible, imperishable. This attribute highlights God's inherent nature as free from decay, death, or any form of corruption. He is the source of all life and is not subject to the limitations of created beings.
* **Glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From a root meaning "to seem," "to think," "to have an opinion," evolving to "reputation," "honor," and ultimately "splendor," "majesty." It refers to God's inherent splendor, majesty, and radiant presence, as well as the honor and praise ascribed to Him. It signifies His manifest perfection and worthiness of adoration.
* **Amen (Greek, _amḗn'_):** Of Hebrew origin, meaning "firm," "trustworthy," "so be it." It functions as an affirmation of truth, a solemn declaration of agreement, or a concluding seal of certainty. Here, it seals the doxology, expressing profound conviction in the truth of the praise offered.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now unto the King eternal":** The opening "Now" (G1161, _dé_) serves as a transition, marking a shift from Paul's personal reflection to an outburst of praise. "The King eternal" (G935, _basileús_ G165, _aiṓn_) identifies God as the sovereign ruler whose reign transcends all ages and time, without beginning or end. He is the "King of the ages," implying His dominion over all periods of history and eternity.
* **"immortal, invisible":** These two attributes further define the unique nature of this King. "Immortal" (G862, _áphthartos_) emphasizes God's inherent imperishability, His freedom from decay, death, or change. He is the only one who possesses true immortality. "Invisible" (G517, _aóratos_) speaks to God's transcendent essence, which cannot be perceived by human physical senses. He is beyond material form, yet He reveals Himself.
* **"the only wise God":** This phrase (G3441, _mónos_ G4680, _sophós_ G2316, _theós_) asserts God's singular and unparalleled wisdom. He alone possesses perfect, unblemished wisdom, in contrast to the limited and often flawed wisdom of humanity. This attribute assures believers that God's plans and purposes are always perfect and beyond human comprehension, worthy of absolute trust.
* **"be honour and glory":** This is the core of the doxology, an ascription of ultimate worth. "Honour" (G5092, _timḗ_) refers to the value, esteem, and dignity due to God. "Glory" (G1391, _dóxa_) signifies His inherent splendor, majesty, and the praise He deserves. The passive voice "be" implies that these are due to Him, not given by human concession, but recognized as His inherent right.
* **"for ever and ever. Amen.":** This concluding phrase (G1519, _eis_ G165, _aiṓn_ G165, _aiṓn_) emphasizes the eternal duration of this honor and glory. It is not temporary or conditional but perpetual, extending through all ages. The final "Amen" (G281, _amḗn_) serves as a solemn affirmation, a declaration of "so be it" or "truly," sealing the doxology with conviction and certainty.

#### Literary Devices
1 Timothy 1:17 is a prime example of a **Doxology**, a liturgical expression of praise to God, often found at the conclusion of a theological section or epistle. Its structure is characterized by an outpouring of adoration, attributing specific, majestic qualities to the divine. The verse employs **Accumulation of Attributes** (also known as a string of epithets), where Paul lists a series of distinct divine characteristics—"eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God"—to build a comprehensive and awe-inspiring portrait of God's transcendent nature. This rhetorical device amplifies the majesty and uniqueness of the God being praised. The phrase "for ever and ever" is an example of **Hyperbole** used for emphasis, underscoring the infinite and unending nature of the praise due to God. It is a common biblical idiom to express eternity. Furthermore, there is an implied **Antithesis** between the limited, mortal, and often unwise nature of humanity (as seen in Paul's own prior ignorance) and the boundless, immortal, invisible, and perfectly wise nature of God, which serves to magnify God's greatness by contrast.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This doxology in 1 Timothy 1:17 serves as a theological anchor, grounding Paul's practical instructions in the unchangeable character of God. It asserts God's absolute transcendence and immanence, portraying Him as the sovereign King who governs all time and existence, yet is intimately involved in the salvation of individuals like Paul. The attributes listed—eternal, immortal, invisible, and uniquely wise—are not merely descriptive but foundational to understanding God's nature. They affirm His self-existence, His freedom from the limitations of creation, His incomprehensibility to human senses, and His perfect knowledge. This profound understanding of God's being is the ultimate basis for worship and trust, reminding believers that their faith is placed in a God who is utterly reliable, all-knowing, and eternally glorious.

* [Romans 16:27](/romans/16-27 "Romans 16:27 - Doxology to the Only Wise God")
* [Jude 1:25](/jude/1-25 "Jude 1:25 - Doxology to God Our Savior")
* [Revelation 4:8-11](/revelation/4-8-11 "Revelation 4:8-11 - Heavenly Worship of the Creator")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Timothy 1:17 invites believers into a posture of profound awe and worship. In a world constantly seeking to define wisdom and authority on human terms, this verse redirects our gaze to the one true source of all wisdom and power. Recognizing God as "King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God" should humble us, reminding us of our finite nature and His infinite majesty. It cultivates an unshakeable trust, knowing that the God who orchestrates all of history and holds all knowledge is the same God who extends abundant grace and mercy to sinners. This doxology encourages us to live lives that reflect His honor and glory, not just in moments of formal worship, but in every aspect of our daily existence, acknowledging His supreme dominion over all things. It calls us to surrender our limited understanding and plans to His perfect wisdom, finding peace and security in His eternal reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's personal testimony of salvation (1 Timothy 1:12-16) lead him to this doxology, and what does this connection teach us about the relationship between grace and worship?**
* **Which of God's attributes mentioned in this verse—eternal, immortal, invisible, or only wise—most resonates with you, and why?**
* **In what practical ways can recognizing God as "King eternal" and "only wise God" impact your decision-making and your trust in His providence today?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul emphasize God's "invisibility" if God reveals Himself?**

Answer: Paul emphasizes God's "invisible" nature (Greek, _aóratos_) not to suggest that God is unknowable, but to highlight His transcendent, non-physical essence. Unlike idols or human rulers, God cannot be seen with physical eyes because He is Spirit and exists beyond the material realm. This attribute underscores His uniqueness, purity, and infinite nature, distinguishing Him from anything created. While God's essence remains invisible, He has graciously chosen to reveal Himself through His creation [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Revealed in Creation"), His Word [Psalm 19:7-11](/psalm/19-7-11 "Psalm 19:7-11 - The Law of the Lord"), and supremely through His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the "image of the invisible God" [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God"). Thus, His invisibility speaks to His divine majesty, while His revelation speaks to His condescending love.

**What is the significance of calling God "the only wise God"?**

Answer: Calling God "the only wise God" (Greek, _mónos sophós Theós_) is a powerful theological statement affirming His unique and unparalleled wisdom. In a world filled with competing philosophies, human ideologies, and false teachers (which Paul addresses throughout 1 Timothy), this phrase declares that true, perfect, and ultimate wisdom resides in God alone. It means His plans are infallible, His judgments are righteous, and His understanding is infinite. This attribute provides immense comfort and assurance, especially when facing life's complexities or the apparent chaos of the world, reminding believers that God is always working according to His perfect, wise purpose. It also serves as a rebuke to any human arrogance that claims to possess ultimate knowledge apart from divine revelation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Timothy 1:17, though a doxology directly to God, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God" is precisely the God who sent His Son into the world, and in Christ, these very attributes are uniquely revealed and made accessible to humanity. Jesus is the ultimate manifestation of the invisible God, for He is "the image of the invisible God" [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God") and the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory"). Through Christ, the King eternal establishes His eternal kingdom, and His immortality is demonstrated through His resurrection, conquering death and offering eternal life to all who believe [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"). Moreover, the "only wise God" reveals His perfect wisdom supremely in the cross, which, though foolishness to the world, is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" to those who are being saved [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God"). Thus, the honor and glory ascribed to God in this verse are ultimately channeled through and perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ, the Lamb who is worthy to receive "power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" [Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - The Worthiness of the Lamb").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Ephesians 3:21

Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Jude 1:25

To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 6:15

Which in his times he shall shew, [who is] the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

1 Timothy 6:16

Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen.

1 Chronicles 29:11

Thine, O LORD, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all [that is] in the heaven and in the earth [is thine]; thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: