New Testament

1 Timothy 1:17

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

This verse celebrates the greatness of God, acknowledging Him as the eternal King who never changes and is beyond our sight.

Author
Paul the apostle
Written
Around AD 62-66
Genre
Letter (pastoral epistle)
Original Audience
Timothy and the Ephesian church
CBTClear Bible Translation

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse celebrates the greatness of God, acknowledging Him as the eternal King who never changes and is beyond our sight. He is described as immortal, meaning He cannot die, and invisible, indicating that He exists beyond our physical world. The phrase 'the only wise God' highlights His unmatched wisdom, suggesting that His understanding surpasses all human knowledge. The call for honor and glory emphasizes our response to His majesty, recognizing that He deserves our deepest respect and admiration. This verse serves as a reminder of God's eternal nature and His sovereignty over all creation. It encourages us to reflect on His attributes and to live in a way that honors Him. By recognizing God's greatness, we can find peace and purpose in our lives, knowing we are part of His eternal plan. Ultimately, this verse invites us to worship and celebrate the incredible nature of God, who is always present, guiding us through life with His wisdom and love. It’s a powerful declaration of faith and reverence for the divine.

Key themes

Related topics

wisdom, honor, worship

How to apply 1 Timothy 1:17 to your life

Take a moment to reflect on the greatness of God in your life. Consider how His eternal nature provides stability and hope. In your daily actions, strive to honor Him through kindness, integrity, and love towards others. Let His wisdom guide your decisions and interactions with those around you. Remember, you are part of His eternal plan!

Curated for this public verse page. 1 Timothy Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 1 Timothy 1:17 mean?

1 Timothy 1:17 emphasizes God's eternal nature and unmatched wisdom. It acknowledges Him as the immortal and invisible King who deserves honor and glory forever.

What is the meaning of 'the only wise God' in 1 Timothy 1:17?

The phrase 'the only wise God' in 1 Timothy 1:17 highlights that God's wisdom is unparalleled and exceeds all human understanding, affirming His supreme knowledge and insight.

How does 1 Timothy 1:17 relate to God's attributes?

1 Timothy 1:17 showcases God's attributes by describing Him as eternal, immortal, and wise, reminding us of His sovereignty and the reverence He deserves.

What can we learn from 1 Timothy 1:17?

From 1 Timothy 1:17, we learn to reflect on God's greatness and to honor Him in our lives, recognizing His eternal nature and allowing His wisdom to guide our actions.

The Book of 1 Timothy
Book Summary

The Book of 1 Timothy

1 Timothy 1: Charge to Timothy and the Law's Purpose

Paul introduces himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour and the Lord Jesus Christ. He addresses Timothy, calling him his son in the faith. Paul urges Timothy to remain at Ephesus and command certain men not to teach other doctrine or give attention to endless genealogies and fables that produce questions rather than godly building up in faith. He says the goal of the commandment is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. Some have turned aside into empty talk and desire to be teachers of the law without understanding what they say.

Premium

Unlock the full 1 Timothy summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of 1 Timothy — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 6 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of 1 Timothy summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.