Immortal Invisible God Only Wise | story behind the hymn | hymn history | lyrics

[@maneustol6499]

I'm a proud odadee, meaning an old student of Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School, Legon, Ghana. We often sang this song at school and each time I felt the mighty power power of God. "GOD YOU HAVE BEEN SO GOOD TO ME WORDS CANNOT EXPLAIN. THANK YOU!!"

[@monicalee82]

One of my favourites! We sang it often when I was growing up. My kids also know it well because I sang it to them as a lullaby. (hymns are wonderful for calming babies... and mamas!)

[@patriciakinloch9896]

Beautiful old hymn I remember from my childhood.

[@kunegondahoward-tripp68]

Good morning Luke I've sung this often in church in the 1970/1980's. Your explanation of these hymns is such a blessing to me. Although I have sung it, I've never realised what is behind this song He has been my Saviour since 1968. I was bound in sin and He called me to himself. I repented of my sin and God forgave me in Jesus name. Amen Luke He is coming again, praise His name. Thank you so much for your programme. I listen to it so much. God bless you for the hymns we are able to listen to through your ministry.

[@paultaylor3026]

What a beautiful head we sang at school and I’ve never forgot it. It means so much to me.

[@Ancient-Paths]

I too sang this at school assemblies in the UK. And I strangely remembered it and many others all my life. People were surprised how many hymns I knew when I was saved at the age of 37 - yet I had never sung them since my childhood.

[@8762able]

Greetings Luke Powell from the state of Connecticut in the U.S. I first heard this beautiful hymn shortly after I came to the Lord over 40 years ago, then I totally forgot it until recently when I heard it again. The hymn is filled with Bible truths so profound about God's true nature that it dropped me to my knees in eternal gratitude for saving my soul and making me His child through Christ. Blessings.

[@anthonyariyo7336]

This was the song at my high school graduation valedictory service at Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church, Lagos, Nigeria 36 years ago. It has since remained one of my best gospel hymns. Thank you for sharing the story behind it.

[@hillreid4827]

I learned this most wonderful of hymns in school assembly, 65 years ago. We still sing it in our church, as recently as a few weeks ago.

[@goldieloucks9959]

This has been a favorite of ours for decades. How many times the glorious rendition in 'Hymns Triumphant' by the London Harmonic Choir and the National Philharmonic Orchestra has stirred us. Additionally, 'Classical Praise, Vol. 10, Brass' weaves the hymn beautifully together with Holst's 'Jupiter.' The only wise God merits such high praise! Thank you, Luke, for bringing treasured hymns to light.

[@edithofmo3171]

I wasn't very familiar with this hymn before it appeared in a lesson while homeschooling our girls. So wonderfully descriptive of our great God!!

[@Frannie12]

Love the last line, tis only the splendor of light hideth thee...

[@kljohnson77]

Amen and Amen!

[@catherinesikazwe86]

Thank you for the information. I sang it while in the Catholic church. Unfortunately my heart always yearned for God. It's only in the year 2000 when I left the Catholic church that I found Jesus. My heart is full of him now.

[@Ancient-Paths]

Praise God that you saw the light my sister.

[@Kathy54767]

Fortunately! Your heart heard God’s calling. Your shepherd was calling you to Him.

[@hminchella7423]

You were set free by the One in whom we are free indeed.

[@wanjirunganga-gichuhi876]

Yes. I know this song. We sang it in school in the 80s. Our school was started by Scottish missionaries. 🇰🇪 It is a beautiful praise song. Let's keep praising Him.

[@mubaibu]

Alliance or Kagumo?

[@wanjirunganga-gichuhi876]

@@mubaibu Alliance Girls High School.

[@SusanSims-c3c]

I knew this as a child and my mom the organist played it at night along with many others. But listening to your explanation of the words have made this one I need to commit to memory to praise and think on Him."

[@glendaduncan7089]

WE SANG THIS SONG AS A CHILD EVERYDAY IN SCHOOL IN OUR MORNING DEVOTION, I'VE BEEN SINGING THIS SONG SINCE I WAS SIX YEARS OLD. AND TO THIS DAY I KNOW EVERY WORDS OF IMMORTAL INVISIBLE GOD ONLY WISE, NOW AS AN ADULT, I SANG IT EVERY MORNING IN MY DEVOTION, IT IS VERY UPLIFTING AND EDIFYING, I FIND SO MUCH STRENGTH SINGING THIS SONG EVERYDAY.

[@goldiesimpson6284]

As a student we sang this in school for morning devotions

[@nneragland8649]

My go to hymn... Immortal God! Only wise God!

[@kesmarn]

If I'm not mistaken, Jonathan Edwards (American Colonial theologian) felt that his genuine conversion experience was suddenly initiated when he read these verses from First Timothy.

[@harrietb.arrasmith4965]

I know this hymn well. So many hymns we have sung all our lives but never paid attention to the amazing texts like we should have. These days I meditate on the texts of my favorite hymns and enjoy them more than ever and feel so blessed by them. I appreciate your efforts, Luke.

[@TryGod7]

Luke, in a world that seems out of control, watching your videos give me peace. Thank you for who you are.

[@frankdagostino9089]

Just found your channel……EXCELLENT…..the commentary is a sermon itself based on the hymn……thanks so much. I subscribed to your great channel.

[@bx-ld]

I was raised in the Anglican church and I remember this song very well. Unfortunately, as a teen I went through a period of rebellion and it wasn't until later that I fully repented and came to faith in Christ. While I haven't sung this hymn in a church setting for years, as soon as I saw the title I started singing. This really blessed me, thank you.

[@edithdotson7603]

I am one of the possible millions of school children throughout the British Empire who sang that song during school assemblies in the mornings. It was a popular hymn which many enjoyed singing. Thanks for sharing it, Bro. Luke.

[@suev3339]

This hymn is one of many I’ve memorized. A practice I began in my youth. So helpful for encouraging myself w/truths biblically based, not emotionalism. Thank you for your historical hymns; I’ve just found you and will go back to your others. God bless your ministry.

[@maricls26]

Such a good idea!! Thank you, blessings to you!! 💙💙

[@philiphumphrey1548]

I've known this hymn since school assembly. The tune (St Denio) is Welsh in origin, it's a stately "dance" in 3/4 time which to me reflects the magnificence of God's creation. I'm playing it at our Vigil Mass on Saturday night as it fits the theme of the bible readings for 5th Sunday of Easter.

[@randolphpara8286]

I attended an Anglican primary school at St Paul's Primary School, Diobu Port Harcourt, Nigeria in the mid 1970s. Before going into our classes from the assembly ground, we sang a hymn and Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise, was one of my favourite Hymns. Thanks for sharing the history behind the Hymn.

[@gabrielsathianathan8442]

Most impact: 'tis only the splendour of light hideth thee

[@marysmith9109]

Yes, I sang this in my chilhood through highschool. Love this song.

[@gregharris5619]

The intricate rhyming pattern in which every two lines rhyme not only at the end but also in the middle adds another dimension of beauty to this great hymn.

[@conniewright1113]

This is a beautiful hymn. I have been singing hymns the last 50 years in my walk with the Lord. I have never heard this hymn.

[@davidnumer5686]

This hymn is part of my morning shower routine of singing worship.

[@olivierfonte2999]

We sang this song at school. (Hong Kong) back in the 1960's...... Still remember the lyrics and melody..... Thanks for sharing....

[@angelawalker9793]

We used to always sing it in school assembly when I was in junior school in England. I thought we were singing about the Queen because we sang it after God save the Queen. I smile about that whenever I hear it or we sing it. Profound theology, right from Scripture, evoking the imagination, “in light, inaccessible, hid from our eyes!.

[@Iceland874]

I grew up with this one. The London Philharmonic did it with choir on the CDs Hymns Triumphant. Its a beautiful collection that I played a lot for my sons in the 1990s and too today they stream it on KZbin and Apple Music. I chose it for Sunday services sometimes when I was organist and choir director.

[@arcelibonilla968]

Awesome, thank you,,

[@toniekulkarni9243]

I am Toni from the USA and am 76 years old. I was young when we use to sing this hymn. I love hymns and I really enjoy hearing who wrote them and why. Thank you and I really enjoy listening to encounter with you.

[@dollienel6093]

To God be the glory. Wonderfull song that gives the Lord praise

[@jeancaldwell965]

Thank you for your personal touch. You have done well. I am sharing your site with the grandchildren who are musicians. I grew up with this hymn in the Dutch Reformed Church. My family were Presbyterians. J. Caldwell (Mrs.) Fri. July 26, '24

[@LukePowellMinistries]

Very generous, thank you!

[@Subarna-pr9dh]

I like the wording. We blossom, flourish as leaves on tree. ,wither and perish. that's the futility of human life.Life is so short.Nothing is permanent.Our joys and sorrows are short-lived.

[@heidihoney965]

I remember this from growing up in a Presbyterian Church. The first part of the first verse has been running through my thoughts and I couldn't remember any more words. Thanks fir sharing.

[@gerolenesterley4080]

I was a Methodist and remember singing this beautiful hymn.

[@juliahuff6035]

Singing as a child in the 60’s Baptist church . Such a beautiful hymn. Very relaxing but powerful words singing about justice!! Love it

[@dennismichas285]

Hi Luke, this is one of those very special Humns that make me think of my Dad, He was the organist in our Anglican Church for many years. He passed away 30 years ago and I still mis him

[@MarkGla55]

This hymn reminds me of God's declaration to Moses "I AM THAT I AM"

[@edmondironside240]

Used to sing this occasionally at morning chapel in school in England. There we’re a few hymns that were sung more enthusiastically than others. I think mainly down to the uplifting melodies. Everyone used to belt this one out. Fantastic Hymn. These songs with everyone’s voices reverberating around the nave of the church really did lift your spirits. God bless.

[@doxieherblitz]

Cynthia Clawson sings this beautifully.

[@donaldgeorge3717]

I love her too.Thank you

[@BenjaminTJones]

This is my favourite hymn for life

[@MultiProudMother]

I’m so glad you shared the full 4th and 5th verses because I only knew the blended version. And therefore I was missing the essential key to seeing the God who is too light-filled to see. Namely, Christ .

[@ireneakeyo]

My mum,God bless her,she taught me this song about 20 years ago,she taught me many songs but this stuck.Thank you mum,i love you

[@julieellis6793]

I have sung this many times. I love it

[@margarettaylor2385]

thank you. that took me way back to my school days

[@EstherKAsare]

I loved this song growing up; I still love it, famous mid-week prayer song.

[@annettek1735]

I love hymns ancient and modern, inspired Biblical

[@theresapinkerton420]

Cynthia Clawson's version of Immortal Invisible is phenoomenal!!! A "must hear"! It's on KZbin! The instrumental arrangement is so beautiful!

[@theironherder]

One of my favourite hymns. Thank you.

[@lnpena]

Thank you Pastor Luke for your ministry! What a blessing to learn the stories behind the hymns, many I’ve sung growing up in a Methodist Church. Now in a church that sings out of hymnals. Love it!

[@chigbubethel8196]

We used to sing this hymn quite a lot in boarding school back in the days. I quite like it, very glorifying and powerful praise.

[@goodnewswriter]

I love these old hymns. Thank you so much for making these videos and keep them coming!

[@NicoletteEBedford]

Powerful, worship hymn! I can imagine it sung faster to a rousing organ and folks being caught up in it's words! Thank you for your rendition, poetry to music.✝️🕊️🌌

[@debcarroll8192]

I love this hymn! I grew up singing it in the Baptist church in the 60's and 70's.

[@cathrinelabuschagne7615]

Beautiful hymn, love to hear you sing longer 😊

[@susanleary1352]

I re-listened to the video and it was as deep a teaching as the Live broadcast. in tears of gratitude

[@doxieherblitz]

I like the powerful melody. It reminds me of "A Might Fortress."

[@obiorasibeudu1746]

I love the hymn. Sung it a lot as a kid in the Anglican Church & occasionally now in Pentecostal Church. My Dad really loved this hymn..and sung it with excitement. It takes me back memory lane...and also reminds me of him. The hymn is a Blessing. Thank you for sharing it. Also good to know the history.

[@gabrielsathianathan8442]

This is Hymn No.1 in our College Hymnal, Madras Christian College, Chennai, India, founded by Scottish Missionaries.

[@veronaskyers4946]

I sang this song in the 60's in a Baptist church. I still sing it now at home These songs are not being sung in our churches today

[@kerriecarley8836]

Yes. Sadly these magnificent hymns are not sung today. 😢 All so full of righteousness and truth. It was so glorious to sing these hymns in the congregation. There were always those in the congregation who sang base, alto or tenor. Oh to hear all that harmony again!

[@ac3414]

My church only sings from the hymnals and we are in a major American city. They are still alive and well! Our homeschool community teaches the hymns to our children as well!❤️

[@veronaskyers4946]

I sung this song in the 1950s at a Baptist church. There I learned to reverence the God of this song

[@Alexander-me7xh]

I have never heard this before, absolutely beautiful. Powerful and beautiful.

[@ralphmenegbe]

I am Raphael Menegbe in Abuja, Nigeria. This is one of my favourite hymns. Your background information has further informed me on it. I am truly blessed. Thanks

[@lovetteobaseki4929]

Thank you, Pastor Powell. Thanks for another masterpiece piece hymn. May God continue to bless you abundantly in all that you do in serving Him and humanity. Enjoy your blessed weekend in His presence 🙏 God be with you 🙏 🙌 ❤️

[@daleleslie6425]

We sing this in our chuch quite often. Trinity Luthern Church, Golden BC. Canada

[@carolpidoke8132]

God bless your ministry.

[@dassyareg7587]

When you read through the comments, you really understand the true meaning of “We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree. And wither and perish - but naught changeth Thee” 9:06 People who sang the song 10, 20…60 years, going through different times of their lives. They grow old and would one day return to God. But God remains.

[@jaelanderson6263]

Thank you!

[@Bahz2k11]

I never heard or heard of this hymn until I ran across several years ago it in the book O Worship the King by John MacArthur, Joni Eareckson Tada, and company, featuring several classic hymns of the faith including "O Worship the King," "A Mighty Fortress," "Be Thou My Vision"..., and this one! I began leading it for the congregation where I worship, introducing it to them as well.

[@Michellevonh]

Thank you for sharing this magnificent hymn.

[@gillian8293]

Thank you for sharing the history of this great old hymn! We sang it often in school assembly and in Church

[@AyomideJohnson-z7f]

I love hymns i love this particular hymn imortal invisible God only wise. This was alwas sang in my church it made me love God the whole lyrics of this hymn adores God Mr Luke Powell i thank God i love hymn also so God through the holy spirit inspiration innspired me to write a lot of powerful hymn also Hymn are such powerful spirit songs that lifts you to the presence of God i hear hymn alot a my friend and folks call me an acient old man😊

[@donblosser8720]

This was originally two separate songs, with three verses each. Two verses were mangled into one and one verse totally omitted. Here are the 6 verses: 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. Unresting, unhasting, silent as light, Nor striving, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might ; Thy Justice like mountains soaring above Thy clouds which are fountains of mercy and love. To all life Thou givest, both great and small In all life Thou livest, true life of all ; They blossom and flourish only are we, To wither and perish- but nought changeth Thee. To-day and To-morrow with Thee still are Now ; Nor trouble, nor sorrow, nor care. Lord, hast Thou ; Nor passion doth fever, nor age can decay. The same God for ever as on yesterday. Great Father of Glory, Father of Light, Thine angels adore Thee, veiling their sight ; But of all Thy good graces this grace. Lord, impart - Take the veil from our faces, the vile from our heart. All laud we would render ; O help us to see, 'Tis only the splendour of light hideth Thee ; And now let Thy glory to our gaze unroll Through Christ in the story, and Christ in the soul. archive.org/details/hymnschristandc00smitgoog

[@edithbubb306]

Hi Luke,thanks once again for a beautiful hymn,we sang it at school,I still love it

[@gladys763]

I have never heard this song. It is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us. ❤

[@gabrielsathianathan8442]

One of the favourites in our College Hymn Book, Madras Christian College. INDIA. We were taught and sang these hymns with servants of God like Rev. Duncan Forrester and Rev. McPhail

[@wendykemp4031]

I love this song sang it The Salvation Army Godbless you keep your singing will reach many more people

[@missme541]

I love listening to your stories behind the songs. Because of the songs that you tell about. These old and significantly deep and inspiring songs! These are my favorite. They are rich in divine knowledge.

[@zaj6425]

This is one of my favorite hymns. I have known it from childhood, & have sung it at church and school to this tune. Some of the lyrics you shared are a bit different from what I know. Thanks for sharing!

[@irenemaitland9318]

So many of God's attributes are expressed in this beautiful hymn. It's been one of my favourites since childhood. We sang it at school and in church meetings. I wish the old hymns were sung frr more often in churches today.

[@petermmofoke6873]

I think this is one of the timeless hymns which perfectly encapsulates the three core properties of God as best understood by lowly man: His Omniscience (=All-Knowing), His Omnipotence (All-Powerful), and His being Omnibenevolence (supremely loving and full of goodness and Love). Thank you Luke: this was another great performance... and I agree with you: While it remains a standard in the Baptist Church: I think we need to sing this moreeeeee in our local churches.

[@lovetteobaseki4929]

A Mega Amen to all the words of the powerful hymn. God be with you 🙏 🙌 ❤️

[@kunegondahoward-tripp68]

This song I sang at the Baptist church. We sang it quite often. As a new Christian then these songs meant so much to me. Thank you Pastor Luke, the Lord bless you as you produce these programs.

[@donttakethemark65]

A favorite in the Anglican, Lutheran, and Presbyterian (Scottish) churches. Your discussion made me curious about the angels veiling their sight; I couldn't place the verse, but I did finally find it in Isaiah 6:2, about the seraphim covering their faces with one pair of their wings. I like how the author contrasts this to our unveiled faces in 2Cor. 3:18, "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

[@annexton3795]

We sang this lovely hymn often at school, back when there was CNE (Christian National Education) in all South African schools. The words are so fulfilling and begin to satisfy the need to praise and worship our ineffable God.

[@ohdear4133]

Yep, this one was morning devotion at school. You had to assemble in the church that was on the grounds where the school was, the entire school. Then at lunch time there were grace before being let out for lunch that would have been the individual classes doing grace and in the evening individual class say prayers before being let out for the end of the day.

[@Glasguensis]

A hymn I've sung since a boy - it's very popular in the Church of Scotland.

[@stanelder3523]

Thank you for doing this. I love hearing the stories behind the song.

[@mcddsl]

As a child in Jamaica we would have devotions before classes started and this included singing hymns. This song was a favorite of mine! I love this song. Thanks for telling me about the history behind it.

[@mikenixon2401]

Oh, my I haven't heard this is many, many years. I'm guessing since the 1960s. You are correct in the meaningful message. For me, It seemed kind of cumbersome. In all honesty it still does, but I am sure someone treasures it. The Father and Savior glorified is key.

[@rachelcopeland2485]

Sang it in Primary school years ago , at morning devotion.

[@ruthraj7145]

Brilliant explanation Pastor Luke. Sang this song about 60 years ago in a very very small church in South Africa. I am 80 years old and it brings back such great memories. Will share it with my siblings of this beautiful hymn again to remind them.God bless you in your ministry.🙏❤️📖🎶👏👏👏👏

[@deborahwilkerson8103]

These videos are a favorite part of our week. Thank you for making them.

[@edoliver7990]

Love this hymn!

[@jimwilliams5476]

A wonderful hymn, especially with the original verses!! The matching of the lyrics with the tune is "divine!" I can never hear it too often. Thank you for this.