1 Timothy 6:16

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὁ
G3588
Who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
μόνος
G3441
only
remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere
#3
ἔχων
G2192
hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#4
ἀθανασίαν
G110
immortality
deathlessness
#5
φῶς
G5457
in the light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#6
οἰκῶν
G3611
dwelling
to occupy a house, i.e., reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication, to cohabit
#7
ἀπρόσιτον
G676
can approach unto
inaccessible
#8
ᾧ
G3739
to whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#9
ἰδεῖν
G1492
hath seen
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#10
οὐδεὶς
G3762
no man
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#11
ἀνθρώπων
G444
no man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#12
οὐδὲ
G3761
nor
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#13
ἰδεῖν
G1492
hath seen
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#14
δύναται·
G1410
can
to be able or possible
#15
ᾧ
G3739
to whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#16
τιμὴ
G5092
be honour
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
#17
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
κράτος
G2904
power
vigor ("great") (literally or figuratively)
#19
αἰώνιον
G166
everlasting
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
#20
ἀμήν
G281
Amen
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection