1 Timothy 6:16

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Timothy 6:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honor and power eternal. Amen.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honor and power eternal. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:16 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Timothy 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honor and power eternal. Amen.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Who only hath immortality, etc.] Angels are immortal, and so are the souls of men, and so will be the bodies of men after the resurrection; but then neither of these have immortality of themselves, they have it from God; who only has it, of himself, originally, essentially, and inderivatively. Dwelling in that light which no man can approach unto; in this present, frail, and mortal state; yea, angels themselves cannot bear the lustre of it, but cover their faces with their wings; for God is light itself, as well as clothes himself with light, as with a garment; and is the Father and fountain of lights to all his creatures. Whom no man hath seen, nor can see: nowhere but in Christ, at least…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Who only hath immortality--in His own essence, not merely at the will of another, as all other immortal beings [JUSTIN MARTYR, QuÃ&brvbrst. ad Orthod., 61]. As He hath immortality, so will He give it to us who believe; to be out of Him is death. It is mere heathen philosophy that attributes to the soul indestructibility in itself, which is to be attributed solely to God's gift. As He hath life in Himself, so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself (Joh 5:26). The term used in the New Testament for "immortal," which does not occur, is "incorruptible." "Immortality" is found in Co1 15:53-54. dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto--After life comes mention of light, as in…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Who only hath immortality - The word here - ἀθανασία athanasia - properly means “exemption from death,” and seems to mean that God, in his own nature, enjoys a perfect and certain exemption from death. Creatures have immortality only as they derive it from him, and of course are dependent on him for it. He has it by his very nature, and it is in his case underived, and he cannot be deprived of it. It is one of the essential attributes of his being, that he will always exist, and that death cannot reach him; compare the expression in John 5:26, “The Father hath life in himself,” and the notes on that passage. Dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto - Greek, “Inhabiting…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Who only hath underived, independent immortality. Dwelling in light unapproachable - To the highest angel. Whom no man hath seen, or can see - With bodily eyes. Yet "we shall see him as he is." 1 Timothy 6:17”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“only: Ti1 1:17; Exo 3:14; Deu 32:40; Psa 90:2; Isa 57:15; Joh 8:58; Heb 13:8; Rev 1:8, Rev 1:17, Rev 1:18 dwelling: Psa 104:2; Hab 3:4; Jo1 1:5; Rev 1:16, Rev 1:17, Rev 21:3, Rev 22:5 whom: Exo 33:20; Joh 1:18, Joh 6:46, Joh 14:9; Col 1:15 to whom: Ti1 1:17; Rom 16:25-27; Eph 3:21; Phi 4:20; Jde 1:25; Rev 1:6, Rev 4:11, Rev 7:12 1 Timothy 6:17”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification