1 Timothy 6:15
Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
Original Language Analysis
ἣν
Which
G3739
ἣν
Which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἰδίοις
in his
G2398
ἰδίοις
in his
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
3 of 17
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
τῶν
who
G3588
τῶν
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μακάριος
is the blessed
G3107
μακάριος
is the blessed
Strong's:
G3107
Word #:
6 of 17
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
who
G3588
τῶν
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεὺς
the King
G935
βασιλεὺς
the King
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
11 of 17
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
τῶν
who
G3588
τῶν
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κύριος
Lord
G2962
κύριος
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
15 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Revelation 19:16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.Revelation 17:14These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.1 Timothy 1:17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.Psalms 47:2For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.Jeremiah 10:10But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.1 Timothy 1:11According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.Psalms 83:18That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.Proverbs 8:15By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.Jeremiah 46:18As I live, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts, Surely as Tabor is among the mountains, and as Carmel by the sea, so shall he come.Daniel 4:34And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
Historical Context
Roman emperors claimed divine honors and absolute authority. Christians confessed 'Jesus is Lord,' denying Caesar's ultimate claims. Paul's doxology asserts God's supremacy: He is the only true Sovereign, King over all kings (including Caesar). This was treasonous language in the empire but expressed core Christian conviction—God alone rules history, and Christ will ultimately triumph over all opposition.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over history's timing comfort believers awaiting Christ's return?
- What does it mean practically to confess God as 'King of kings' when earthly powers seem dominant?
- How should this vision of God's absolute rule shape our response to political authority?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Which in his times he shall shew (ἣν καιροῖς ἰδίοις δείξει, hēn kairois idiois deixei)—'which He will bring about at the proper time.' Kairos means appointed time, opportune moment. God has set the time for Christ's appearing; it's not arbitrary or delayed but perfectly timed. Who is the blessed and only Potentate (ὁ μακάριος καὶ μόνος δυνάστης, ho makarios kai monos dynastēs)—'the blessed and only Sovereign.' Makarios means blessed, happy. Dynastēs means ruler, potentate, sovereign.
The King of kings, and Lord of lords (ὁ βασιλεὺς τῶν βασιλευόντων καὶ κύριος τῶν κυριευόντων, ho basileus tōn basileuontōn kai kyrios tōn kyrieuontōn)—'King of those who reign as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords.' This doxological title affirms God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. No matter how powerful human rulers seem, God reigns supreme.
Paul bursts into worship, affirming God's sovereign control over history. Christ will appear exactly when God ordains—not early, not late, but at the perfect moment. This sovereignty comforts persecuted believers: earthly rulers are temporary; God is eternal King.