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

1 TIMOTHY 6:15KJV
Know the Bible

1 Timothy 6:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 6:15 mean?

1 Timothy 6:15 says that, at the right time, God will reveal Jesus Christ, who is described as the blessed and only ruler, the King over all kings, and the Lord over all lords. This verse highlights the supreme authority and unique position of Jesus above every other power or leader.

Paul is writing this letter to Timothy, a younger leader in the early church, encouraging him to remain faithful and focused on God’s truth. In this part of the letter, Paul reminds Timothy that Jesus’ return and full revelation will happen according to God’s perfect timing, and that Jesus alone holds ultimate power and honor, far above any earthly authority.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 6:15

  • "Potentate" (δυνάστης, dynastēs): This Greek word means a powerful ruler or sovereign. Paul uses it to stress that Jesus’ authority is unmatched, not just one ruler among many.
  • "Only" (μόνος, monos): The Greek here emphasizes that Jesus is unique in His power—He is not one among several, but the sole supreme ruler.
  • "King of kings" (βασιλεὺς βασιλέων, basileus basileōn) and "Lord of lords" (κύριος κυρίων, kyrios kyriōn): These phrases underline that Jesus’ rule extends over all other rulers and authorities, making His position absolutely highest.

Why 1 Timothy 6:15 matters

  • This verse clears up any confusion about who holds ultimate authority; it is not any human leader, but Jesus alone.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by reminding Timothy (and readers) to trust in God’s timing and not be anxious about when Jesus will be fully revealed.
  • It emphasizes the unique and blessed nature of Jesus, setting Him apart from every other figure in history or power structure.

Where else these words appear

“Potentate” Greek G1413 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 1:52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
  • Acts 8:27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

“lords” Greek G2961 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 22:25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
  • Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
  • Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

“kings” Greek G936 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
  • Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

“shew” Greek G1166 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • John 5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
  • James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.