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.

1 TIMOTHY 6:16KJV
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1 Timothy 6:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 6:16 mean?

1 Timothy 6:16 describes God as the only one who possesses immortality, living in a light so pure and intense that no human can approach or has ever seen. The verse ends by declaring that honor and everlasting power belong to God alone.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a young church leader, to remind him of God’s unique and unmatched nature. In this verse, Paul emphasizes that God’s existence and glory are far beyond human reach or understanding, highlighting God’s absolute holiness and authority.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 6:16

  • ἀθανασία (athanasia, G110): This word means "immortality" or "deathlessness." Paul stresses that only God truly has life that cannot end, setting Him apart from all created beings.
  • φῶς (phōs, G5457): Translated as "light," this word often represents purity, truth, and the overwhelming presence of God. Here, it points to God’s unapproachable majesty.
  • ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos, G444): Meaning "man" or "human," this word is used to underscore that no person has seen or can see God, reinforcing the vast gap between Creator and creation.
  • τιμή (timē, G5092) and δύναμις (dynamis, G2904): These words for "honor" and "power" highlight the respect and authority that belong to God forever, summing up the verse’s focus on God’s supremacy.

Why 1 Timothy 6:16 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that humans or other beings share God’s immortality or can fully know Him; only God is truly eternal and completely beyond human sight.
  • Paul’s words connect to the surrounding passage, where he urges Timothy to focus on God rather than earthly riches or power, grounding Timothy’s faith in God’s unmatched greatness.
  • The verse helps readers see the awe and reverence due to God, reminding them that God’s nature is not just greater than ours, but entirely unique and set apart.

Where else these words appear

“immortality” Greek G110 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

“dwelling” Greek G3611 · used in 9 verses

  • Romans 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
  • Romans 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

“power” Greek G2904 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
  • Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
  • 1 Peter 5:11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

“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.