1 Timothy 6:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Which {G3739} in his {G2398} times {G2540} he shall shew {G1166}, who {G3588} is the blessed {G3107} and {G2532} only {G3441} Potentate {G1413}, the King {G935} of kings {G936}, and {G2532} Lord {G2962} of lords {G2961};

Complete Jewish Bible

His appearing will be brought about in its own time by the blessed and sole Sovereign, who is King of kings and Lord of lords,

Berean Standard Bible

which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time.

American Standard Version

which in its own times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Timothy 6:15 culminates a profound doxology, shifting focus from Paul's charge to Timothy to the majestic character and sovereign timing of God. It declares God as the ultimate authority—the supremely blessed, uniquely powerful Potentate, and the unrivaled King of kings and Lord of lords—who will, in His perfect appointed time, reveal the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a theological anchor, grounding Timothy's challenging ministry in the unshakeable reality of God's absolute dominion and perfect plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a powerful and solemn charge given by Paul to Timothy, beginning in [1 Timothy 6:11](/1_timothy/6-11 "1 Timothy 6:11 - Paul's Charge to Timothy"). Paul exhorts Timothy to "flee these things" (referring to the love of money and false teachings discussed in [1 Timothy 6:3-10](/1_timothy/6-3-10 "The Danger of False Teaching")) and to "follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." The immediate preceding verse, [1 Timothy 6:14](/1_timothy/6-14 "1 Timothy 6:14 - Keep the Commandment Spotless"), instructs Timothy to "keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ." Verse 15 then functions as a magnificent doxology, a burst of praise that undergirds the preceding command, reminding Timothy of the glorious and sovereign God who guarantees the future appearing of Christ and empowers Timothy for faithful endurance. It elevates the discussion from Timothy's personal conduct to God's ultimate cosmic authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First Timothy was written to Timothy, Paul's protégé, while Timothy was serving as a pastor in Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor known for its diverse religious practices, including the worship of Artemis, and its bustling commercial activity. The early church in Ephesus faced internal challenges from false teachers who promoted asceticism, myths, and a love for money, as well as external pressures from the pagan society. In a world where emperors (like Nero, who ruled during Paul's ministry) and various deities claimed ultimate authority, Paul's declaration of God as the "only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords" was a radical assertion of monotheistic supremacy. It provided a theological counter-narrative to the prevailing polytheistic and imperial claims, reminding believers that their ultimate allegiance belonged to the one true God, who holds absolute power and determines all events, including the timing of Christ's return.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Timothy 6:15](/1_timothy/6-15 "1 Timothy 6:15 - The Blessed and Only Potentate") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Timothy and broader Pauline theology. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Eschatological Hope**. The phrase "in his times he shall shew" underscores God's absolute control over all history and His perfect timing for the revelation of Christ, reinforcing the hope of Christ's certain return (as also seen in [Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - The Blessed Hope")). Secondly, it highlights **God's Supreme Authority and Unrivaled Majesty**. The accumulation of majestic titles—"the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords"—serves as a robust theological statement about God's unique and ultimate dominion over all creation and all earthly powers. This theme is foundational to understanding God's character and our proper response of worship and obedience, aligning with the doxological nature of the passage that began in [1 Timothy 1:17](/1_timothy/1-17 "1 Timothy 1:17 - To the King Eternal").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Potentate (Greek, _dynástēs'_):** From G1413, this term signifies a ruler, sovereign, or one of great authority. In this context, it emphasizes God's inherent, active, and supreme power. He is not merely powerful, but the very embodiment of power, holding all dominion and authority in Himself, distinct from any earthly ruler whose power is delegated or temporal.
* **Blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** From G3107, this word means supremely blest, fortunate, or well off. When applied to God, it speaks to His intrinsic state of perfect happiness, self-sufficiency, and ultimate blessedness. God is the source of all blessing, perfectly content and complete within Himself, not dependent on anything outside of Himself. This contrasts sharply with human blessedness, which is often contingent on external circumstances.
* **Times (Greek, _kairós'_):** From G2540, this refers to an appointed, set, or proper time, an opportune season, as opposed to mere chronological duration (_chronos_). The use of the plural "times" (G2540) suggests that God has a series of specific, divinely appointed moments in His redemptive plan, and the revelation of Christ is one such crucial, predetermined event in His perfect schedule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which in his times he shall shew,"**: This phrase refers back to the "appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" from [1 Timothy 6:14](/1_timothy/6-14 "1 Timothy 6:14 - Keep the Commandment Spotless"). It asserts God's absolute sovereignty over the timing of Christ's return. The verb "shew" (G1166, _deiknýō_) implies a powerful, public revelation or display. God, in His perfect wisdom and according to His pre-ordained schedule ("his times," referring to His opportune seasons), will unilaterally bring about this glorious event. It is not dependent on human effort or timing, but solely on divine prerogative.
* **"[who is] the blessed and only Potentate,"**: This clause introduces a series of majestic titles for God, emphasizing His unique nature and supreme authority. "Blessed" (G3107, _makários_) describes God's inherent state of perfect happiness and self-sufficiency. He is the ultimate source of all blessing. "Only" (G3441, _mónos_) underscores His singularity and exclusivity in power; there is no other true "Potentate" (G1413, _dynástēs_) who holds inherent, ultimate dominion. All other rulers derive their authority from Him.
* **"the King of kings, and Lord of lords;"**: These superlative titles further amplify God's absolute supremacy. "King of kings" (G935, _basileús_) and "Lord of lords" (G2962, _kýrios_) denote that He reigns over all earthly monarchs and holds dominion over all human and spiritual authorities. No power, whether political, military, or spiritual, can rival His. He is the ultimate sovereign, the one to whom all lesser kings and lords must ultimately bow, highlighting His universal and unchallenged reign.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **doxological language**, serving as a hymn of praise and adoration to God. It employs **superlative expressions** ("only Potentate," "King of kings," "Lord of lords") to emphasize God's absolute and unrivaled supremacy, a common feature in biblical descriptions of divine majesty. The accumulation of these **titles** creates a powerful crescendo, building a profound sense of awe and reverence for God's character and authority. There is also a strong element of **parallelism** in "King of kings, and Lord of lords," which uses a common Hebrew idiom to express the highest possible degree of something, reinforcing the idea of ultimate dominion. The verse also functions as a **theological anchor**, providing a firm foundation for the preceding exhortations by reminding Timothy of the omnipotent God who stands behind His commands and promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse offers a profound theological statement about God's nature and His relationship to creation and history. It asserts His absolute sovereignty, not only over the timing of future events like Christ's return but also over all earthly and heavenly powers. God is not merely a powerful being; He is the source and sustainer of all power, unique in His dominion and blessedness. This understanding of God as the ultimate "Potentate" and "King of kings" provides a bedrock of assurance for believers, reminding them that no earthly circumstance or opposing force can thwart His divine purposes. It calls for a response of worship, trust, and unwavering obedience, knowing that our ultimate allegiance is to the one true, supreme Ruler of the universe.

* [Acts 1:7](/acts/1-7 "Acts 1:7 - God's Appointed Times"): "And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power."
* [Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - The Alpha and the Omega"): "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."
* [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords"): "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Timothy 6:15](/1_timothy/6-15 "1 Timothy 6:15 - The Blessed and Only Potentate") provides immense encouragement and a vital perspective for living the Christian life. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and the rise and fall of human powers, this verse reminds us that an infinitely wise, perfectly blessed, and supremely powerful God is ultimately in control. His plans unfold according to "his times," which means we can trust His perfect timing, even when our own patience wears thin or our circumstances seem bleak. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of peace, knowing that the ultimate victory belongs to the King of kings. It also calls us to humble submission and unwavering allegiance. If God is the "only Potentate," then our lives, resources, and ambitions must be surrendered to His sovereign will. Our worship, obedience, and hope are rightly placed in Him alone, the one who guarantees the glorious appearing of His Son and the consummation of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the "only Potentate" impact my view of earthly authorities and my response to them?**
* **What areas of my life do I struggle to surrender to God's "times," and how can this verse encourage greater trust in His perfect timing?**
* **How does the majesty of God described in this verse inspire my worship and deepen my reverence for Him?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse refer to God the Father or Jesus Christ?**

Answer: While the titles "King of kings, and Lord of lords" are explicitly applied to Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation (e.g., [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), in the immediate context of [1 Timothy 6:15](/1_timothy/6-15 "1 Timothy 6:15 - The Blessed and Only Potentate"), the verse primarily refers to God the Father. The phrase "Which in his times he shall shew" indicates that it is God the Father who will reveal or bring about the "appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" mentioned in the preceding verse ([1 Timothy 6:14](/1_timothy/6-14 "1 Timothy 6:14 - Keep the Commandment Spotless")). However, the shared titles underscore the profound unity and shared divine nature between the Father and the Son, as the Son perfectly embodies and reveals the Father's supreme authority and glory.

**What is the significance of "in his times"?**

Answer: The phrase "in his times" (Greek: _kairois idiois_) is highly significant because it emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over all chronological events and appointed seasons. The Greek word _kairós_ (G2540) refers to a specific, opportune, or divinely appointed time, as opposed to _chronos_, which denotes mere linear time. This means that the appearing of Jesus Christ is not a random event, nor is its timing subject to human prediction or manipulation. Instead, it will occur precisely when God the Father, in His perfect wisdom and according to His eternal plan, determines it. This truth provides immense comfort and stability, assuring believers that God's redemptive purposes will unfold exactly as He intends, regardless of present circumstances or perceived delays ([Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision Awaits Its Appointed Time")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Timothy 6:15](/1_timothy/6-15 "1 Timothy 6:15 - The Blessed and Only Potentate") primarily describes God the Father as the ultimate "Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords" who will reveal Christ, it simultaneously points to the glorious fulfillment of these very titles in Jesus Christ. The "appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" ([1 Timothy 6:14](/1_timothy/6-14 "1 Timothy 6:14 - Keep the Commandment Spotless")) is the focal point of this divine revelation. Jesus, as the Son, perfectly embodies the Father's supreme authority and power. He is the one through whom the Father's dominion is exercised and made manifest. The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as the ultimate sovereign, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). He is the "faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth" ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, Ruler of Kings")). Ultimately, at His second coming, Christ Himself will return as the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), demonstrating the Father's absolute power and establishing His eternal kingdom. Thus, this doxology, while directed to the Father, finds its ultimate and visible fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the one through whom God's blessedness, unique authority, and universal dominion are perfectly revealed and eternally established.

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

Revelation 19:16

And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Revelation 17:14

¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.

1 Timothy 1:17

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

Jeremiah 10:10

But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

Psalms 47:2

For the LORD most high [is] terrible; [he is] a great King over all the earth.

1 Timothy 1:11

According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

Daniel 2:44

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.