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

1 TIMOTHY 1:17KJV
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1 Timothy 1:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 1:17 mean?

1 Timothy 1:17 is a statement of praise to God, describing Him as the eternal, immortal, and invisible King, the only wise God, and giving Him honor and glory forever. The verse is a doxology, or a short hymn of praise, expressing deep respect and awe for God's unique and unmatched nature.

Paul, the apostle, is writing to Timothy, a younger church leader, after reflecting on how God showed him mercy despite his past. Moved by gratitude, Paul breaks out in praise, highlighting God's qualities that set Him apart from all others. The verse sums up the greatness of God and reminds readers of His eternal and unchanging nature.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 1:17

  • βασιλεὺς (basileus, "King"): This word emphasizes God's supreme authority and rule, not just over a nation but over all creation, which would have stood out in a world full of earthly rulers.
  • αἰώνιος (aiōnios, "eternal"): This word means "without beginning or end," stressing that God exists outside of time, unlike anything or anyone else.
  • ἀθάνατος (athánatos, "immortal"): This word means "not subject to death," highlighting that God is not affected by mortality or decay.
  • ἀόρατος (aoratos, "invisible"): This word points out that God cannot be seen with human eyes, underlining His spiritual nature and mystery.
  • μόνος (monos, "only"): This word singles God out as unique, especially when paired with "wise," showing that all true wisdom belongs to Him alone.

Why 1 Timothy 1:17 matters

  • This verse clears up any confusion about God's nature by stressing that He is not like human rulers or gods from other religions—He is eternal, cannot die, and cannot be seen.
  • The doxology connects to the previous verses, showing Paul's personal gratitude and awe after reflecting on God's mercy in his own life.
  • The verse reminds readers that all honor and glory belong to God alone, shaping how believers think about worship and the source of true wisdom.

Where else these words appear

“invisible” Greek G517 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
  • Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
  • Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

“immortal” Greek G862 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
  • 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

“wise” Greek G4680 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
  • Romans 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

“honour” Greek G5092 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
  • Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
  • Hebrews 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.