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.

Who {G3588} only {G3441} hath {G2192} immortality {G110}, dwelling {G3611} in the light {G5457} which no man {G3762} can approach unto {G676}; whom {G3739} no man {G444} hath seen {G1492}, nor {G3761} can {G1410} see {G1492}: to whom {G3739} be honour {G5092} and {G2532} power {G2904} everlasting {G166}. Amen {G281}.

who alone is immortal, who dwells in unapproachable light that no human being has ever seen or can see — to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen.

1 Timothy 6:16 is a profound doxology that exalts God by describing His unique, transcendent attributes. It serves as the culmination of Paul’s charge to Timothy regarding the proper conduct and sound doctrine within the church, grounding all ministry in the awe-inspiring nature of the one true God.

Context

This verse immediately follows 1 Timothy 6:15, which identifies God as "the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords." Paul is emphasizing the supreme authority and majesty of God, particularly in the context of Christ's future appearing. The attributes listed in verse 16 reinforce the absolute sovereignty and incomparable nature of the divine being who orchestrates all things, providing a theological foundation for Timothy's pastoral responsibilities.

Key Themes

  • God's Unique Immortality: The phrase "Who only hath immortality" underscores that God alone possesses inherent, undying life. Unlike created beings, whose existence is contingent, God's life is eternal and self-existent. This attribute guarantees His faithfulness and unchanging nature, affirming that He is the source of all life.
  • Unapproachable Light: God is described as "dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto." This imagery symbolizes His absolute holiness, purity, and glory, which are too intense for sinful humanity to directly encounter without divine mediation. It speaks to His transcendence and otherness, highlighting the vast difference between the Creator and creation.
  • Divine Invisibility: "Whom no man hath seen, nor can see" highlights God's spiritual nature and His incomprehensibility to human perception. While God has revealed Himself through His Son and creation, His essence remains beyond direct human sight (John 1:18). This emphasizes the need for faith rather than physical sight in our relationship with Him.
  • Eternal Honor and Power: The verse concludes with a powerful doxology: "to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen." This declaration affirms that all glory, respect, and authority belong to God alone, now and forever. It is a fitting response to contemplating His matchless attributes and supreme dominion over all things.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "immortality" is athanasia (ἀθανασία), meaning "deathlessness" or "imperishability." It emphasizes God's unique state of being immune to death or decay, underscoring His eternal existence. The "unapproachable light" is phos aprositon (φῶς ἀπρόσιτον), conveying a light that cannot be drawn near or accessed, reinforcing God's transcendent holiness and the vast chasm between His perfect nature and human sinfulness.

Practical Application

This verse calls believers to a profound sense of awe and reverence for God. Understanding His unique attributes of immortality, unapproachable holiness, and invisibility should:

  • Inspire Humility: It reminds us of our finite nature and God's infinite majesty, fostering a humble posture before Him and a deeper appreciation for His grace.
  • Cultivate Worship: The doxology invites us to join in ascribing "honour and power everlasting" to the one true God, acknowledging His supreme worthiness of praise and adoration.
  • Strengthen Faith: Knowing that God is immortal, unchanging, and eternally powerful provides a firm foundation for trust, especially in times of uncertainty. His nature guarantees His promises, including the blessed hope of Christ's glorious appearing and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.

Ultimately, 1 Timothy 6:16 is a majestic statement about God's absolute supremacy, designed to anchor Timothy's—and our—faith and service in the reality of His incomparable being.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • 1 Timothy 1:17

    Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
  • John 1:18

    No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].
  • 1 John 1:5

    ¶ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
  • Psalms 90:2

    Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou [art] God.
  • Colossians 1:15

    Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
  • John 6:46

    Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
  • Revelation 22:5

    And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

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