Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Immortal, invisible, God only wise
A hymn of profound theological depth about the transcendence and attributes of God. Drawing on 1 Timothy 1:17 and the apophatic tradition, it celebrates what God is: immortal, invisible, inaccessible, unresting, unhasting, silent, the source of all light and life. A corrective to overly sentimental views of God.
History & Background
Written by Walter Chalmers Smith (1824-1908), a Free Church of Scotland minister, published in 1867. Based on 1 Timothy 1:17. The tune ST. DENIO is a Welsh folk melody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 423
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 526
- Lutheran Service Book — 802
- Lutheran Worship — 451
Bulletin Note
Immortal, Invisible — Walter Chalmers Smith, 1867
Preaching Connection
The majesty and transcendence of God — connects to sermon themes on divine attributes.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (God's transcendent holiness and justice) to Gospel (human response of worship and union with the divine life)
Themes
God's Majesty Transcendence Praise Attributes of God