Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

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Immortal, invisible, God only wise,

Author: Walter C. Smith (1867)
Tune: ST. DENIO
Published in 132 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, Sibelius
Audio files: MIDI

Piano/Organ
	Trumpet Solos for Worship

Instrumental
	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

Choral
	IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE

Full Text

1 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.

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 changest Thee.

4 Great Father of glory pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee all veiling their sight;
All praise we would render O help us to see
'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee.

Source: Baptist Hymnal 2008 #56

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Author: Walter C. Smith

Smith, Walter Chalmer, D.D., was born at Aberdeen Dec. 5, 1824, and educated at the Grammar School and University of that City. He pursued his Theological studies at Edinburgh, and was ordained Pastor of the Scottish Church in Chad well Street, Islington, London, Dec. 25, 1850. After holding several pastorates he became, in 1876, Minister of the Free High Church, Edinburgh. His contributions to poetical literature have been many and of great merit. His principal works are:— (1) The Bishop's Walk, 1860; (2) Olrig Grange, 1872; (3) Borland Hall, 1874; (4) Hilda among the Broken Gods, 1878; (5) North Country Folk, 1883; (6) Kildrostan, 1884; (7) Hymns of Christ and Christian Life, 1876. From his Hymns of Christ, &c, 1876, the following,… Go to person page >

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Related Texts

First Line:	Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
Title:	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Author:	Walter C. Smith (1867)
Meter:	11.11.11.11

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Notes

Walter C. Smith based this text on 1 Timothy 1: 17: "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever." The six-stanza text was published in Smith's Hymns of Christ and the Christian Life (1867) and, after having been revised by Smith, in W. Garrett Horder's Congregational Hymns (1884). Further revisions were made by the Psalter Hymnal Revision Committee.

"Immortal, Invisible" is a strong text of praise to God, who created and sustains the lives of all his creatures. The text focuses on the Creator of the universe, the invisible God whose visible works in nature testify to his glory and majesty. "Light" is the prevailing image in stanzas 1, 2, and 4 (see also Ps. 104:2); our inability to see God is not because of insufficient light but because the "splendor of light hides [God] from view."

Walter Chalmbers Smith (b. Aberdeen, Scotland, 1824; d. Kinbuck, Perthshire, Scotland, 1908) was educated at the University of Aberdeen and New College, Edinburgh, and became a Presbyterian pastor in the Free Church of Scotland in 1850. He served four congregations, including the Free High Church in Edinburgh (1876¬-1894). Moderator of his denomination in 1893, Smith was a man of wide interests. His poetry was published in some six volumes entitled Poetical Works (1902), and his hymn texts were published in Hymns of Christ and the Christian Life (1886).

Liturgical Use
A festival hymn of praise to God; for various other worship services, especially at the beginning of the service; with stanza 3 for services that focus on the brevity of life.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

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Tune

ST. DENIO

ST. DENIO is based on "Can mlynedd i nawr" ("A Hundred Years from Now"), a traditional Welsh ballad popular in the early nineteenth century. It was first published as a hymn tune in John Roberts's Caniadau y Cyssegr (Hymns of the Sanctuary, 1839). The tune title refers to St. Denis, the patron saint…

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All tunes published with 'Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise'^ top

For Leaders

Worship Notes
Bulletin Blurb
Scores

Text:

Walter Chalmers Smith wrote this hymn in six stanzas based on 1 Timothy 1:17 and published it in his in 1867. Percy Dearmer edited the text into a four-stanza version for the English Hymnal in 1906; this version is now standard. Most hymnals include all four stanzas, though sometimes with further revision. In the first, second, and fourth stanzas, blinding light is the prevailing metaphor for God's glory. The theme of stanza three is the eternal God as the Giver of life.

Tune:

ST. DENIO is a tune of Welsh origin. It is also known as JOANNA and may have been based on a Welsh folk song. The tune was first published under the name PALESTRINA in a sacred song collection in 1839. The editors of the English Hymnal paired ST. DENIO with “Immortal, Invisible” in 1906. Though the tune begins on the tonic note, the first three notes outline a different chord. Despite this, it is fairly easy for congregations to sing. Sing this sturdy tune in unison or in harmony with vigorous accompaniment.

When/Why/How:

This hymn can be sung at any time of year as a hymn of praise. The vigorous tune works well for festival settings. “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” is for organ and handbells and includes an optional trumpet trio. A festival setting for organ and congregation is found in “The Coral Ridge Festival, vol. 1.” Another arrangement of “Immortal, Invisible” is introduced and concluded by the choir, and is a great setting for congregational accompaniment. “Walk Worthy” contains an energetic piano solo on ST. DENIO. A concertato arrangement of “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” for congregation, choir, organ, and trumpet features a range of moods to suit the text.

Tiffany Shomsky
Hymnary.org

This hymn was originally published under this Scripture: “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17 KJV). After paraphrasing this verse in the first stanza, the author goes on to elaborate on the themes of light, immortality, and glory in the following stanzas.

Full Score	Bulletin Score	Bulletin Score (melody only)

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Timeline

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Arrangements

PowerPoint IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE (Celebration 33) IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE (Worship & Rejoice 2003 - 48) IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 834) IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE (United Methodist 103) IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE (Trinity Hymnal, 1961 - 35) IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE (Baptist 1991 - 6) IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE (Voices United 1996 - 264) IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE (Presbyterian Hymnal 263)
Piano/Organ Trumpet Solos for Worship A New Song Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise More Piano/Organ >
Choral Immortal, Invisible IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE More Choral >
Instrumental Sing It Simply (25 Congregational Hymn Accompaniments for Piano, with opt. Guitar, Bass, and Handbells) Joyful, Joyful: Three Hymns for Trumpet and Organ Three Festive Hymn Settings More Instrumental >
Handbells Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE More Handbells >

More arrangements ^ top

Media

Scores
Audio

Baptist Hymnal 1991 #6

Bulletin Score (melody only) (PDF, SIB, Scorch)
Bulletin Score (PDF, SIB, Scorch)
Full Score (PDF, SIB, Scorch)

Psalter Hymnal (Gray) #460

Bulletin Score (melody only) (PDF, SIB, Scorch)
Bulletin Score (PDF, SIB, Scorch)
Full Score (PDF, SIB, Scorch, XML)

The United Methodist Hymnal #103

Bulletin Score (melody only) (PDF, SIB, Scorch)
Bulletin Score (PDF, SIB, Scorch)
Full Score (PDF, SIB, Scorch)

Worship and Rejoice #48

Bulletin Score (PDF, SIB, Scorch, XML)
Full Score (PDF, SIB, Scorch, XML)
Bulletin Score (melody only) (PDF, SIB, Scorch, XML)

MIDI file from Baptist Hymnal 1991 #6
MIDI file from Baptist Hymnal 1991 #6
MIDI file from Psalter Hymnal (Gray) #460
MIDI file from Psalter Hymnal (Gray) #460
MIDI file from The United Methodist Hymnal #103
MIDI file from Worship and Rejoice #48

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Page Scans

Celebrating Grace Hymnal (2010), p.56

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Instances

Instances (43)	First Line	Text Title	Authors	Composers	Meter	Scripture	Tune Title	Tune Key	Languages	Publication Date
A New Hymnal for Colleges and School #69	Immortal, invisible, God only wise						St. Denio			1992
Baptist Hymnal 1991 #6	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chalmers Smith		11.11.11.11	1 Timothy 1:17	ST. DENIO	A Flat Major		1991
Baptist Hymnal 2008 #56	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chalmers Smith		11.11.11.11		ST. DENIO	G Major or modal	English	2008
Celebrating Grace Hymnal #58	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chalmers Smith		11.11.11.11	1 Timothy 1:17	ST. DENIO	A Flat Major		2010
Celebration Hymnal #33	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chalmers Smith		11.11.11.11	1 Timothy 1:17	ST. DENIO	A Flat Major	English	1997
Chalice Hymnal #66	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chalmers Smith		11.11.11.11	1 Timothy 1:17	ST. DENIO	G Major or modal		1995
Christian Worship: a Lutheran hymnal #240	Immortal, invisible, God onl wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	W. Chalmers Smith, 1824-1908		11.11.11.11		ST. DENIO	G Major or modal		1993
Church Family Worship #267	Immortal, invisible, God only wise				11.11.11.11					1988
Church Hymnal, Fifth Edition #6	Immortal, invisible, God only wise									2000
Church Hymnary, Fourth Edition #132	Immortal, invisible, God only wise		Walter Chalmers Smith (1824-1908)		11.11.11.11		ST. DENIO (JOANNA)	A Flat Major	English	2005
Common Praise #393	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chalmers Smith (1824-1908)	John Roberts of Henllan (1808-1876)	11.11.11.11	Exodus 13:17-22; Nehemiah 9:5-25; Job 28:12-28; Psalm 27; Psalm 36:5-12; Psalm 102; Isaiah 2:1-5; Isaiah 45:1-12; Daniel 2:20-23; Daniel 7:1-3; Daniel 7:9-10; Daniel 7:13-18; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; James 1:17-27	ST DENIO	A Flat Major		1998
Complete Anglican Hymns Old & New #320	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, invisible, God only wise								2000
Complete Mission Praise #327	Immortal, invisible, God only wise				11.11.11.11					2000
Evangelical Lutheran Worship #834	Immortal, invisible, God only wise		Walter Chalmers Smith, 1824-1908	John Roberts, 1807-1876	11.11.11.11		ST. DENIO	G Major or Modal		2006
Gather Comprehensive #506	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter C. Smith, 1824-1908		11.11.11.11	Psalm 36:6-7; Isaiah 6:2-3; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:15-16; James 1:10-17	ST. DENIO	G Major	English	1994
Hymnal 1982: according to the use of the Episcopal Church #423	Immortal, invisible, God only wise		Walter Chalmers Smith, 1824-1908	John Roberts, 1822-1877	11.11.11.11		ST DENIO	G Major	English	1985
Hymns Ancient & Modern, New Standard Edition #199	Immortal, invisible, God only wise				11.11.11.11					1983
Hymns for a Pilgrim People #37	Immortal, invisible, God only wise						ST. DENIO			2007
Hymns of the Saints: Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints #32	Immortal, invisible, God only wise, In light inaccessible hid from our eyes						ST. DENIO			1982
Hymns of Truth & Light #12	Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes						ST. DENIO			1998
Hymns Old and New: New Anglican #242	Immortal, invisible, God only wise				11.11.11.11					1996
Lift Up Your Hearts: psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs #579	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter C. Smith		11.11.11.11	Job 28:21; Daniel 7:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17	ST. DENIO	G Major or modal		2013
Living Hymns #16	Immortal, invisible, God only wise						[Immortal, invisible, God only wise]			1988
Lutheran Service Book #802	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	W. Chalmers Smith, 1824-1908	Richard W. Hillert, b. 1923	11.11.11.11	Psalm 104:1-5; Psalm 104:31-35; Daniel 7:13; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:15-16	ST. DENIO	G Major or modal	English	2006
Presbyterian Hymnal #263	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chambers Smith		11.11.11.11	Psalm 36; Daniel 7:9; 1 Timothy 1:17	ST. DENIO	G Major	English	1990
Psalter Hymnal (Gray) #460	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chambers Smith		11.11.11.11	Psalm 65; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Timothy 6; 2 Thessalonians 2:17; 1 Timothy 1	ST. DENIO	G Major	English	1987
Rejoice in the Lord #7	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chalmers Smith		11.11.11.11	Daniel 7:9; Psalm 36:6; Psalm 103:15-17; Psalm 104:2; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:15	ST. DENIO (JOANNA)	A Flat Major	English	1985
Renew! #46	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chalmers Smith	John Roberts	11.11.11.11		ST. DENIO	G Major	English	1995
Revival Hymns and Choruses #32	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chalmers Smith, 1824-1908		11.11.11.11		ST. DENIO	A Flat Major	English	1982
Scripture Song Database #1758	[Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise]	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter C Smith			2 Thessalonians 2:17; 1 Timothy 6; 1 Timothy 1				2008
Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal #21	Immortal, invisible, God only wise, In light inaccessible hid from our eyes						ST. DENIO			1985
Sing Glory: Hymns, Psalms and Songs for a New Century #44	Immortal, invisible, God only wise				11.11.11.11					1999
Sing Joyfully #12	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible	Walter Chalmers Smith				[Immortal, invisible, God only wise]	G Major	English	1989
The Christian Life Hymnal #18	Immortal, Invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise					St. Denio			2006
The Hymnal for Worship and Celebration #25	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible	Walter Chalmers Smith		11.11.11.11	1 Timothy 1:17	ST. DENIO	A Flat Major		1986
The New Century Hymnal #1	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter C. Smith		11.11.11.11	1 Timothy 1:17; Psalm 36:6	ST. DENIO	G Major or modal		1995
The United Methodist Hymnal #103	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chalmers Smith	John Roberts	11.11.11.11	1 Timothy 1:17	ST. DENIO	G Major	English	1989
The Worshiping Church #62	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chalmers Smith	John Roberts	11.11.11.11	Romans 1:19-26; 1 Timothy 1:17; Acts 17:25; Job 28:21; Psalm 104:2; Isaiah 6:2; Daniel 7:9	ST. DENIO	G Major	English	1990
Together in Song: Australian Hymn Book II #143	Immortal, invisible, God only wise				11.11.11.11					1999
Trinity Hymnal #38	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chambers Smith		11.11.11.11	1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:15-16	JOANNA (OR ST. DENIO)	G Major	English	1990
Voices United: The Hymn and Worship Book of The United Church of Canada #264	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chalmers Smith	John Roberts (Henllan)	11.11.11.11		ST DENIO	G Major or modal	English	1996
Worship and Rejoice #48	Immortal, invisible, God only wise	Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise	Walter Chalmers Smith, 1824-1908	John Roberts, 1822-1877	11.11.11.11	Romans 1:26; Isaiah 6:2; Exodus 33:20; Romans 1:19; Psalm 104:2; Revelation 5:9-14; Genesis 2:7; Acts 17:25; Psalm 90:5-10; Revelation 4:6-11; Job 28:21; John 1:9; Psalm 57:10; James 1:16-18; Psalm 1:3; Daniel 7:9; Genesis 1:26-28	ST. DENIO	G Major or modal		2001
Worship in Song: A Friends Hymnal #28	Immortal, invisible, God only wise						St. Denio			1996