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.
Study Note
Study Note
The doxological description of God — 'who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see, to whom be honor and eternal dominion' — applies a series of superlative attributes that ground the parenetic command to keep the commandment unstained until the appearing of Christ (verse 14). The phrase 'alone has immortality' (monos echon athanasian) sharply distinguishes Creator from creature: human immortality is always derived and conditional, whereas God's is inherent and absolute. 'Unapproachable light' (phos aprositon) draws on the theophany tradition where divine presence is simultaneously luminous and overwhelming, beyond direct human experience (compare Exodus 33:20; 1 Kings 8:12). The verse functions as a liturgical anchor: the immensity of the God whose charge Timothy bears provides both the warrant and the motivation for faithful stewardship of the gospel deposit.
Other Translations
who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen.
who only is having immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable, whom no one of men did see, nor is able to see, to whom <FI>is<Fi> honour and might age-during! Amen.
Who only has life for ever, living in light to which no man may come near; whom no man has seen or is able to see: to whom be honour and power for ever. So be it.
Cross References
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children …
For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high …
And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding …
Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord …