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.
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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.
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
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:
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.