Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

By Walter C. Smith

Lyrics

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.

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.

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.

4. Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all praise we would render, O help us to see
'tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.

Bible Reference

1 Timothy 1:17

About This Hymn

"Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" is a Christian hymn written by Walter Chalmers Smith in 1867. The hymn is based on 1 Timothy 1:17, which declares, "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever." The text was first published in Smith's Hymns of Christ and the Christian Life in 1867 and was later revised by Smith and included in W. Garrett Horder's Congregational Hymns in 1884. The hymn is typically sung to the tune "St. Denio," a Welsh folk melody arranged by John Roberts in 1839.

The hymn's lyrics emphasize the majesty and mystery of God, describing Him as "immortal, invisible, God only wise" and highlighting His eternal and unapproachable light. The text reflects on God's transcendence and the awe that His glory inspires.

"Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" has been included in various hymnals and continues to be sung in Christian worship settings, offering a profound expression of praise to the eternal and invisible God.