The hymn writer, Walter Smith, 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 Chadwell Street, Islington, London, Dec. 25, 1850. He based this text on 1 Timothy 1: 17: “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever.” This hymn 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 “splendour of light hides [God] from view.”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

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

To all life thou givest, to both great and small
Creator, sustainer, the true life of all
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree
And wither and perish; but naught changeth thee

Great father of glory, pure father of light
Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight
And so in thy mercy, Almighty, impart
Through Christ our redeemer, thy grace to our hearts

¹hymnary.org/text/immortal_invisible_god_only_wise