How Great Thou Art: Lyrics, History, And Meaning Explained
How Great Thou Art, a timeless hymn beloved by millions, expresses profound reverence and awe for God's creation and love. Guys, let's dive into the lyrics that make this song so powerful. Here are the words to each verse and chorus:
Verse 1: O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Chorus: Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Verse 2: When through the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees, When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;
Chorus: Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Verse 3: And when I think that God, His Son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin;
Chorus: Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Verse 4: When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow in humble adoration And there proclaim, My God, how great Thou art!
Chorus: Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
The History and Origins of How Great Thou Art
The history of How Great Thou Art is as captivating as the hymn itself, weaving together threads from different cultures and languages. This beloved hymn didn't emerge from a single moment of inspiration but evolved through a fascinating journey across continents and decades. Its origins can be traced back to a Swedish poem written in 1885 by Carl Boberg, a Swedish preacher and songwriter. Boberg penned the poem, titled "O Store Gud," after experiencing a powerful encounter with nature during a walk in the Swedish countryside. The beauty of the landscape, the sounds of the birds, and the distant church bells filled him with a sense of awe and wonder, prompting him to reflect on God's greatness. Imagine walking through serene woods, the sunlight dappling through the leaves, the air filled with birdsong – that's the kind of experience that inspired Boberg's heartfelt words. This initial poem captured his profound emotions and set the stage for the hymn's future journey.
The Swedish poem then made its way into German, where it was translated by Manfred Claussen in 1907. The German version, “Wie groß bist Du,” further solidified the hymn's message of divine majesty. It's like the poem was gathering momentum, its message resonating across different languages and cultures. But the hymn's journey wasn't over yet. The pivotal moment in How Great Thou Art's history came when it was translated into English by English missionary Stuart K. Hine in the 1930s. Hine, who was working in Ukraine at the time, was inspired by a Russian version of the song, which was itself based on the German translation. He not only translated the verses but also added his own personal touch, crafting the iconic chorus that we sing today. Hine’s travels and experiences significantly shaped the hymn. Witnessing the struggles and faith of the people he served, he infused the lyrics with a deeper sense of hope and resilience. The now-famous chorus, "Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art!" is a testament to Hine's profound understanding of worship and adoration. It’s catchy, it’s powerful, and it’s the part everyone remembers and sings with gusto!
Stuart K. Hine's English translation is what truly propelled How Great Thou Art into global prominence. His version captured the essence of the original Swedish poem while adding a unique English voice that resonated deeply with congregations worldwide. The hymn's popularity soared, especially after it was introduced in America by the George Beverly Shea and Cliff Barrows during the Billy Graham Crusades in the 1950s. The Billy Graham Crusades were a massive platform, and How Great Thou Art became a staple, touching the hearts of countless individuals. It became an anthem of faith, a song that transcended denominational boundaries and united people in worship. Elvis Presley's rendition of How Great Thou Art further amplified the hymn's reach. Presley's powerful and emotive performance brought the song to an even wider audience, introducing it to many who might not have otherwise encountered it in a church setting. His version won a Grammy Award in 1967, solidifying its place in both gospel and popular music history. Can you imagine Elvis singing this hymn? It’s a goosebump-inducing thought! How Great Thou Art's enduring appeal lies in its ability to articulate the awe-inspiring nature of God in a way that is both personal and universal. It speaks to the human experience of encountering the divine in the beauty of creation, the sacrifice of Christ, and the hope of eternal life. The hymn's message is timeless, resonating with people across generations and cultures. It’s a reminder that despite our differences, we can all unite in acknowledging God's greatness. So, the next time you sing How Great Thou Art, remember its incredible journey – from a Swedish poem to a global anthem. It’s a story worth telling, just like the song itself is worth singing.
The Meaning and Significance of the Lyrics
The lyrics of How Great Thou Art are rich with theological depth and personal reflection, inviting singers to contemplate the vastness of God's creation and the intimacy of His love. Each verse builds upon the previous one, creating a powerful narrative of faith and adoration. Let's break down the meaning and significance of each verse to truly appreciate the profound message embedded within the song. The first verse, "O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made," immediately sets the stage for a grand contemplation of God's creative power. The phrase "awesome wonder" captures the emotional response of beholding the majesty of the universe. When we look up at the stars, hear the thunder, or simply observe the natural world around us, we are confronted with the evidence of God's handiwork. The words remind us that God is not just a distant deity but an active creator who has shaped the cosmos. It’s like stepping outside on a clear night and being blown away by the sheer number of stars – that’s the “awesome wonder” the verse describes. The lines "I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed" emphasize the tangible ways in which God's power is revealed. Stars and thunder, both awe-inspiring phenomena, serve as reminders of God's boundless might. The universe itself becomes a canvas displaying His creative energy. It’s a reminder that God’s power isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s something we can witness in the world around us every day. Thinking about it, even something as simple as a thunderstorm can be a reminder of God's incredible power.
Moving onto the second verse, “When through the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,” the focus shifts from the cosmic to the intimate, from the grand to the personal. Wandering through nature, listening to birdsong, and feeling a gentle breeze are everyday experiences that can evoke a sense of God's presence. This verse highlights the beauty of creation and invites us to find God in the simple things. It’s about finding those moments of peace and recognizing that they, too, are gifts from God. The lyrics “When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze” continue this theme, drawing attention to the majestic and serene aspects of nature. Mountains, brooks, and breezes all contribute to a sense of tranquility and wonder, fostering a deeper connection with the divine. It’s like standing on a mountaintop and feeling that sense of awe – the kind that makes you feel small yet connected to something much bigger. The chorus, “Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art!" is the heart of the hymn, expressing a profound sense of worship and adoration. The phrase “sings my soul” suggests a deep, heartfelt response to God's greatness. It’s not just a mental acknowledgment but an emotional outpouring of praise. It's like when you're so moved by something that you can't help but sing – that’s the kind of heartfelt worship this chorus describes. Repeating the line “How great Thou art!” emphasizes the magnitude of God's glory and power, creating a powerful affirmation of faith. It’s a simple yet profound statement that encapsulates the hymn's central message. It’s a declaration that God is not just good, but truly great. The third verse, “And when I think that God, His Son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,” introduces the theme of salvation and redemption. This verse speaks to the incredible sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the depth of God's love for humanity. The idea that God would send His own Son to die for our sins is almost incomprehensible, hence the phrase “I scarce can take it in.” It’s a moment of reflection on the enormity of God’s love and sacrifice. The lines “That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin” underscore the personal impact of Christ’s sacrifice. The image of Jesus bearing our burdens and dying to take away our sins is a powerful reminder of God's grace and mercy. It’s a deeply personal message, one that speaks to the heart of Christian faith. It’s a reminder that we are loved and forgiven, no matter what we’ve done.
Finally, the fourth verse, “When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart,” looks forward to the second coming of Christ and the promise of eternal life. This verse is filled with hope and anticipation, envisioning the joy of being reunited with God in heaven. It’s a reminder that our earthly lives are not the end of the story; there’s a future filled with joy and peace waiting for us. The lyrics “Then I shall bow in humble adoration And there proclaim, My God, how great Thou art!” conclude the hymn with a vision of ultimate worship. Bowing in humble adoration is an expression of reverence and submission to God's will. Proclaiming “My God, how great Thou art!” one last time reinforces the hymn's central theme and provides a fitting conclusion. It’s like the final note in a beautiful song, leaving you with a feeling of peace and awe. In essence, the lyrics of How Great Thou Art offer a comprehensive expression of faith, encompassing creation, salvation, and the hope of eternal life. They invite us to reflect on God's greatness in all its manifestations, from the beauty of nature to the sacrifice of Christ. The hymn’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to articulate profound spiritual truths in a way that is both accessible and deeply moving. So, when you sing How Great Thou Art, remember the rich meaning behind the words. It’s more than just a song; it’s a declaration of faith, a hymn of praise, and a testament to the greatness of God.
