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

Acclaimed Scottish pastor and academic Dr. Walter Smith used to write hymns as a hobby. How blessed we are to have his powerful 1867 hymn based on 1 Timothy 1:17, a song which has touched many lives with its bold proclamation of God's glory and light.
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Sources used for this video:
- Frank Colquhoun. Sing to the Lord: A Fresh Look at Great Hymns on Praise. 1988. Hodder & Stoughton: London
- Ian Bradley. The Penguin Book of Hymns. 1989. Penguin Group: London
LYRICS:
1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessèd, 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;
Of all Thy rich graces this grace, Lord, impart
Take the veil from our faces, the vile from our heart.
5. All laud we would render; O help us to see
’Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee,
And so let Thy glory, almighty, impart,
Through Christ in His story, Thy Christ to the heart.
#hymns #hymnhistory #hymnsofthefaith

[@geniesunflower12]

Hallelujah to the King of glory ❤️🙏

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@TryGod7]

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

[@deborahwilkerson8103]

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

[@marilynamagwula2699]

Tis’ only the splendor of light hideth thee. His light shines in darkness. Darkness comprehends not.

[@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.

[@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.

[@rodbrown8306]

The great suffering Apostle Paul, I love this song. Penned from his famous words of scripture.

[@nneragland8649]

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

[@MariaSantana-ul5wd]

Treasure. 💎

[@doxieherblitz]

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

[@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.

[@theresasmee456]

I remember when I my late teens LA local Church downtown on Elden Ave. I had up to this point only been in the Catholic Church and never heard this rich song! I was young and now I am old. Such a wonderful song!

[@goldiesimpson6284]

As a student we sang this in school for morning devotions

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!! 💙💙

[@EstherLiberty]

Thanks for the Blessings through the hymns. Thanks for bringing an old hymns to life. I hadn't heard this one. God bless you in your work.

[@ericadama9370]

So touching,one of my best hymns.

[@johnboccella1460]

Luke, I love the Friday hymn story, meditation and performance. I remember singing this growing up Catholic in Des Moines, Iowa in the late sixties before starting Dowling High School in 1967. I look back and think God used the hymn as part of pre conversional sanctification. I called on the Lord Jesus to save me after a dormitory Bible study at Iowa State University in winter 1971.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!.

[@marysmith9109]

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

[@gabrielsathianathan8442]

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

[@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 🙏 🙌 ❤️

[@olivierfonte2999]

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

[@Orpilorp]

Hello! I sang this growing up at my church. I have always loved it. Thank you for spotlighting it.

[@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!!

[@annettek1735]

I love hymns ancient and modern, inspired Biblical

[@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.

[@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.

[@jessicajoel5885]

I didn't know the song is from scripture.I loved playing it on a grand organ in Union Chapel Calcutta where we used our feet also on floor keys The lyrics are more meaningful now.Thanks❤

[@user-ef4sb7pq8j]

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😊

[@Steven-er6sb]

There's a place I can go to learn the history of so many hymns? Where have you been all my life!

[@homeworshipwithmartyandamy7754]

Thank you for sharing about this wonderful Hymn of worship and praise.

[@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.✝️🕊️🌌

[@edoliver7990]

Love this hymn!

[@sherriejohnson508]

Thank you for this song. I learn so much each time. Thank you

[@gerolenesterley4080]

I was a Methodist and remember singing this beautiful hymn.

[@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

[@lovetteobaseki4929]

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

[@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.

[@julieellis6793]

I have sung this many times. I love it

[@rachelcopeland2485]

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

[@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!

[@WomanofGod08]

I love this song! I sing it everyday as i worship God. It is in the Seventh Day Adventist hymnal: pg 21

[@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.

[@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

[@goodnewswriter]

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

[@theironherder]

One of my favourite hymns. Thank you.

[@tamlind16]

Hi Luke. My memory of the hymn, we sang it quite often in church, the Methodist church and we still sing it in church. Thank you for the analogy and breaking down of the hymns and history.

[@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.

[@margarettaylor2385]

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

[@phantomflutist]

Thank you for posting your videos. I will check out your older videos too. I been searching older hymns, and the history of them for my videos. I don't sing, I do play flute. You have a lovely voice. Thank you for posting. I am practicing this hymn, on my flute.

[@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.

[@Alexander-me7xh]

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

[@doxieherblitz]

Cynthia Clawson sings this beautifully.

[@donaldgeorge3717]

I love her too.Thank you

[@debcarroll8192]

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

[@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!❤️

[@EstherKAsare]

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

[@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.

[@Glasguensis]

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

[@susanleary1352]

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

[@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

[@jenniferparkinson9411]

Thenk you for this study and performance Luke...As you know, your name means light. I love the poetry in the lyrics of this hymn. I love the theme of light that floods it. I began studying this hymn yesterday and want to continue to study the author, his life and The Free Church of Scotland. Yesterday I watched a KZbin video of this song being sung in a cathedral. And then I saw that the British Royal Family were there worshipping and singing! Which reminded me to pray for them. King Charles was there and Prince William and his family. So glad that you mentioned that this song was sung at Queen Elizabeth's sixtieth birthday. Significant for me became my sixtieth birthday is in two weeks. 😂😊😊 Your presentation of this hymn was very lovely. You really "communicated" the hymn. Flowing from your heart and shaken free from any stiffness that often hymns have taken on over years of unlistening use... Bless God and thank you, brother.

[@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."

[@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.🙏❤️📖🎶👏👏👏👏

[@gabrielsathianathan8442]

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

[@gillian8293]

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

[@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.

[@rachelwagner323]

Hi Luke-- I don't know if I ever sang this in a church service, but I found it in one of the several hymnals I have, and I have always enjoyed its beauty. I appreciate how you go through the words carefully and draw our attention to the deeper meanings . I especially appreciate that you worship from your heart as well as play and sing beautifully. Thank you so much for this ministry exclamation point

[@gladys763]

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

[@smoothsailingmp]

We have sung it many times ❤

[@Michellevonh]

Thank you for sharing this magnificent hymn.

[@stanelder3523]

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

[@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!

[@theresapinkerton420]

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

[@smoothsailingmp]

Amen❤

[@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!

[@edithbubb306]

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

[@wendykemp4031]

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

[@greggrady1283]

For the algorithms... great job.

[@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.

[@cathrinelabuschagne7615]

Beautiful hymn, love to hear you sing longer 😊

[@ac3414]

Crazy! This is my favorite (Do I always say that?) hymn and I never knew there was another verse! The last verse about Christ isn’t in our hymnal or in other versions I’ve listened to. Thank you so much Luke!

[@veronaskyers4946]

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

[@pattieprophet7987]

Thank You ❤

[@kerriecarley8836]

❤ this hymn. Am wondering who wrote the majestic music to sing it too. It is really sad that these magnificent hymns are no longer sung. The words of old hymns come to me and strengthen and comfort me. Definitely not sung in this 21st century.

[@carolpidoke8132]

God bless your ministry.

[@ludwichpretorius9596]

Thank you! 🙂

[@tessaviljoen6320]

Hi don't feel bad, I had never heard this hymn myself. Amen

[@liubaporcel8880]

❤️🕊️🙏

[@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.