1 Timothy 6:15
What does 1 Timothy 6:15 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 6:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 6:15 means
The timing of Christ’s appearing rests in God’s sovereign hand—“which in its own times he shall show.” God is “the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.” He alone has absolute authority; every earthly power is subordinate. These titles steady the heart: the church’s future is not precarious but governed by the One who rules over all. When He reveals Christ, it will be at the perfect moment. Such a vision humbles pride, silences fear, and fuels worship. Timothy’s labor occurs under the King who cannot fail, whose sovereign blessedness ensures that obedience is never wasted and hope is never vain.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000which in its own times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901which in its own times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Which at the right time he will make clear, who is the eternal and only Ruler, King of kings, and Lord of lords;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862which in His own times He shall shew--the blessed and only potentate, the King of the kings and Lord of the lords,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Which in his times he shall shew, who is the Blessed and only Mighty, the King of kings and Lord of lords:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890which in its own time the blessed and only Ruler shall shew, the King of those that reign, and Lord of those that exercise lordship;
Context
Verse 14 pointed to the appearing of “our Lord Jesus Christ.” Verse 15 affirms that God will disclose this at the proper time and exalts Him with royal titles. The doxology continues in verse 16, underscoring God’s unique immortality and unapproachable light. This theological summit crowns the charge to Timothy, lifting his eyes from local struggles to ultimate realities. After this high praise, Paul returns to practical exhortation in verses 17–19, directing the wealthy on how to live under God’s reign, and then offers a final charge to Timothy to guard the entrusted deposit (verses 20–21).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 8:15
By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.
- Jeremiah 10:10
But Jehovah is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting King: at his wrath the earth trembleth, and the nations are not able to abide his indignation.
- Revelation 17:14
These shall war against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they also shall overcome that are with him, called and chosen and faithful.
- Daniel 2:44
And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
- Psalms 47:2
For Jehovah Most High is terrible; He is a great King over all the earth.
- Daniel 4:34
And 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 honored him that liveth for ever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation;
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