1 Timothy 6:16
New International Version
who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

New Living Translation
He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.

English Standard Version
who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
alone having immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no one of men has seen nor is able to see, to whom be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

New American Standard Bible
who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

NASB 1995
who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

NASB 1977
who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

Legacy Standard Bible
who alone has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal might! Amen.

Amplified Bible
He alone possesses immortality [absolute exemption from death] and lives in unapproachable light, whom no man has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal power and dominion! Amen.

Christian Standard Bible
who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see, to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
the only One who has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; no one has seen or can see Him, to Him be honor and eternal might. Amen.

American Standard Version
who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen.

Contemporary English Version
Only God lives forever! And he lives in light that no one can come near. No human has ever seen God or ever can see him. God will be honored, and his power will last forever. Amen.

English Revised Version
who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power eternal. Amen.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He is the only one who cannot die. He lives in light that no one can come near. No one has seen him, nor can they see him. Honor and power belong to him forever! Amen.

Good News Translation
He alone is immortal; he lives in the light that no one can approach. No one has ever seen him; no one can ever see him. To him be honor and eternal power! Amen.

International Standard Version
He alone has endless life and lives in inaccessible light. No one has ever seen him, nor can anyone see him. Honor and eternal power belong to him! Amen.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
He alone possesses immortality and lives in unapproachable light, whom no human has ever seen or is able to see. To him be honor and eternal power! Amen.

New Heart English Bible
who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no human has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.

Webster's Bible Translation
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.

Weymouth New Testament
who alone possesses immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, and whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be eternal honour and power! Amen.

World English Bible
He alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen nor can see, to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
having immortality alone, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no one of men saw, nor is able to see, to whom [is] honor and perpetual might! Amen.

Berean Literal Bible
alone having immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no one of men has seen nor is able to see, to whom be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

Young's Literal Translation
who only is having immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable, whom no one of men did see, nor is able to see, to whom is honour and might age-during! Amen.

Smith's Literal Translation
Who only having immortality, inhabiting inaccessible light; which none of men saw, nor can see; to whom honour and might forever. Amen.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who only hath immortality, and inhabiteth light inaccessible, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and empire everlasting. Amen.

Catholic Public Domain Version
who alone holds immortality, and who inhabits the inaccessible light, whom no man has seen, nor even is able to see, to whom is honor and everlasting dominion. Amen.

New American Bible
who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, and whom no human being has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

New Revised Standard Version
It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who alone has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach, and whom no man has seen, nor can see: to him be honor and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
He who alone is uncorrupted and dwelling in light that a human cannot approach and which none of the children of men has seen, nor can see, to whom be honor and authority to the eternity of eternities. Amen.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
who alone has immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable, whom no man has seen, nor can see, to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen.

Godbey New Testament
he alone having immortality, inhabiting light unapproachable; whom no one of men has seen, or is able to see: to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen.

Haweis New Testament
who alone possesseth immortality, inhabiting light inaccessible, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and glory eternal. Amen.

Mace New Testament
who alone is essentially immortal, dwelling in that inaccessible light, which no mortal ever saw, or can see: to whom belongs everlasting honour and empire, amen.

Weymouth New Testament
who alone possesses immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, and whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be eternal honour and power! Amen.

Worrell New Testament
Who only hath immortality, inhabiting light unapproachable, Whom no man ever saw or is able to see; to Whom be honor and dominion eternal. Amen.

Worsley New Testament
who alone hath immortality, dwelling in light inaccessible, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Fight the Good Fight
15which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time. 16He 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. 17Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.…

Cross References
John 1:18
No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.

Exodus 33:20
But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.”

1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us.

Colossians 1:15
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

Hebrews 11:27
By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.

1 Timothy 1:17
Now to the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 1:17
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,

John 6:46
not that anyone has seen the Father except the One who is from God; only He has seen the Father.

Deuteronomy 4:12
And the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of the words but saw no form; there was only a voice.

Isaiah 6:1-5
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ...

Revelation 4:11
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.”

Psalm 104:2
He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent,

Daniel 7:9
As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.

Matthew 17:2
There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

Revelation 21:23
And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp.


Treasury of Scripture

Who only has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach to; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.

only.

1 Timothy 1:17
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Exodus 3:14
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

Deuteronomy 32:40
For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.

dwelling.

Psalm 104:2
Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

Habakkuk 3:4
And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.

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.

whom.

Exodus 33:20
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

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.

John 6:46
Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.

to whom.

1 Timothy 1:17
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Romans 16:25-27
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, …

Ephesians 3:21
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

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1 Timothy 6
1. Of the duty of servants.
3. Not to have fellowship with newfangled teachers.
6. Godliness is great gain;
10. and love of money the root of all evil.
11. What Timothy is to flee, and what to follow.
17. and whereof to admonish the rich.
20. To keep the purity of true doctrine, and to avoid godless ideas.














He alone is immortal
The phrase "He alone is immortal" emphasizes the unique and exclusive nature of God's immortality. The Greek word for immortal, "ἀθανασία" (athanasia), signifies a state of deathlessness or imperishability. In the context of the Greco-Roman world, where gods were often depicted with human-like vulnerabilities, this statement underscores the Christian belief in the one true God who is fundamentally different from all other beings. This immortality is not just about living forever but about an existence that is inherently incorruptible and eternal, a quality that only God possesses.

and dwells in unapproachable light
The imagery of "unapproachable light" draws from the Old Testament, where God's presence is often associated with overwhelming brightness and glory, such as in Exodus 24:17 and Psalm 104:2. The Greek word "ἀπρόσιτος" (aprositos) means inaccessible or unapproachable, highlighting the transcendence and holiness of God. This light symbolizes purity, truth, and the divine nature that is beyond human comprehension or approach. It serves as a reminder of the reverence and awe due to God, who is both near in His love and distant in His majesty.

No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him
This phrase reinforces the idea of God's invisibility and the limitations of human perception. The Greek word "ἑώρακεν" (heoraken) means to see or perceive, and it is used here to stress that God's essence is beyond human sight. This aligns with passages like John 1:18, which state that no one has seen God, but Jesus, the Son, has made Him known. It speaks to the mystery of God's nature and the need for faith, as believers trust in the unseen and eternal.

To Him be honor and eternal dominion!
The doxology "To Him be honor and eternal dominion" is a declaration of praise and acknowledgment of God's supreme authority. The Greek word for honor, "τιμή" (timē), conveys a sense of value, respect, and reverence. "Dominion," from the Greek "κράτος" (kratos), refers to power and might. This phrase is a call to recognize God's rightful place as the sovereign ruler over all creation, whose reign is everlasting. It encourages believers to live in a way that honors God, acknowledging His ultimate authority in all things.

Amen
The concluding "Amen" is a term of affirmation, derived from the Hebrew "אָמֵן" (amen), meaning "truly" or "so be it." It is a word of agreement and certainty, used throughout Scripture to confirm the truth of a statement. In this context, it serves as a fitting end to a passage that exalts God's unique and unparalleled nature, inviting believers to join in the affirmation of His eternal glory and dominion.

(16) Who only hath immortality.--The holy angels--the souls of men--are immortal. "But one alone, 'God,' can be said to have immortality," because He, unlike other immortal beings who enjoy their immortality through the will of another, derives it from His own essence.

Dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto.--This should be rendered, dwelling in light unapproachable. The Eternal is here pictured as dwelling in an atmosphere of light too glorious for any created beings (not only men) to approach. (See Psalm 104:2, where the Eternal is addressed as covering himself with light as with a garment; see too Daniel 2:22, where light is spoken of as dwelling with God.) The symbolism of the old covenant teaches the same truth, the unapproachable glories in which God dwells; for instance, the guarding of the bounds of Sinai in the giving of the Law; the covering of the faces of the Seraphim in the year that King Uzziah died, when Isaiah saw the divine vision; the veiled darkness of the Holy of holies in the Tabernacle and the Temple, where ever and anon the visible glory dwelt.

Whom no man hath seen, nor can see.--The Old Testament teaches the same mysterious truth--"For there shall no man see me, and live" (Exodus 33:20, and also Deuteronomy 4:12). John 1:18 repeats this in very plain words--"No man hath seen God at any time." The Greek word here includes all created beings. The English translation, "no man," utterly fails to reproduce the meaning of the original. (See also 1John 4:12.) . . .

Verse 16. - Light unapproachable for the light which no man can approach unto, A.V.; eternal for everlasting, A.V. Unapproachable (ἀπρόσιτον); only here in the New Testament, but found occasionally in. the later classics, corresponding to the more common ἄβατος. Whom no man hath seen, nor can see (comp. 1 Timothy 1:17 (where see note) and Exodus 33:20-23). The appearance of the "God of Israel" to Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, related in Exodus 34:9-11, was that of the Son in anticipation of the Incarnation. The invisibility of the essential Godhead is also predicated in our Lord's saying, "God is a Spirit" (John 4:24). This whole passage is a magnificent embodiment of the attributes of the living God, supreme blessedness and almighty power, universal dominion, and unchangeable being, inscrutable majesty, radiant holiness, and glory inaccessible and unapproachable by his creatures, save through the mediation of his only begotten Son.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[He]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

alone
μόνος (monos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3441: Only, solitary, desolate. Probably from meno; remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication, mere.

is
ἔχων (echōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

immortal
ἀθανασίαν (athanasian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 110: Immortality, imperishability, freedom from death. From a compound of a and thanatos; deathlessness.

[and] dwells
οἰκῶν (oikōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3611: To inhabit, dwell, indwell. From oikos; to occupy a house, i.e. Reside; by implication, to cohabit.

in unapproachable
ἀπρόσιτον (aprositon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 676: Unapproachable. Inaccessible.

light.
φῶς (phōs)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5457: Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.

No one
οὐδεὶς (oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

has ever seen
εἶδεν (eiden)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

[Him],
ὃν (hon)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

nor
οὐδὲ (oude)
Conjunction
Strong's 3761: Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.

can [anyone]
δύναται (dynatai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

see [Him].
ἰδεῖν (idein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

To [Him be]
(hō)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

honor
τιμὴ (timē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5092: A price, honor. From tino; a value, i.e. Money paid, or valuables; by analogy, esteem, or the dignity itself.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

eternal
αἰώνιον (aiōnion)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 166: From aion; perpetual.

dominion!
κράτος (kratos)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2904: Dominion, strength, power; a mighty deed. Perhaps a primary word; vigor.

Amen.
ἀμήν (amēn)
Hebrew Word
Strong's 281: Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.


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NT Letters: 1 Timothy 6:16 Who alone has immortality dwelling in unapproachable (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)
1 Timothy 6:15
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