majesty

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transcendence

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

Walter Chalmers Smith 1867 Tune: St. Denio (11.11.11.11)

A reverent hymn extolling the unseen majesty and wisdom of God.

Quick Answer

A reverent hymn extolling the unseen majesty and wisdom of God. Written by Walter Chalmers Smith (1867), set to the tune "St. Denio" by Welsh hymn melody.

Suggested pairing scripture

1 Timothy 1:17

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

Read 1 Timothy 1:17 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing as an opening processional, on Christ the King Sunday, and in services that magnify the reign of Christ.

Lyrics

Stanza 1

Immortal, invisible, God only wise, In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

Stanza 2

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might; Thy justice like mountains high soaring above Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

Stanza 3

To all life Thou givest, to both great and small; In all life Thou livest, the true life of all; We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, And wither and perish; but naught changeth Thee.

Stanza 4

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight; All laud we would render: O help us to see 'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee.

History & Background

Free Church of Scotland minister Walter Chalmers Smith wrote the hymn in 1867 based on 1 Timothy 1:17. The tune 'St. Denio' is a traditional Welsh ballad melody adapted for hymn use in 1839. It is one of the few hymns in English that focuses entirely on the attributes of God Himself.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

1 Timothy 1:17

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

Read in context

1 Timothy 6:16

"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."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

What scripture is this hymn based on?

It is a meditation on Paul's doxology in 1 Timothy 1:17, drawing also on 1 Timothy 6:16's description of God dwelling in 'light which no man can approach unto.'

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise.

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

Joachim Neander · 1680

Holy, Holy, Holy

Reginald Heber · 1826

Crown Him With Many Crowns

Matthew Bridges & Godfrey Thring · 1851

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Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

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Where to go next

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