The hymn “How Great Thou Art” stands as one of the most beloved pieces of Christian music in history. Whether it is performed by a full choir in a cathedral or hummed quietly in a moment of personal reflection, the how great thou lyrics resonate with millions of people across different cultures and denominations.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the profound meaning behind the how great thou art lyrics, the fascinating history of how the hymn came to be, and why it remains a staple in worship services today.
The Full “How Great Thou Art” Lyrics
Before we dive into the history and analysis, here are the complete how great thou art lyrics as they are most commonly sung in English-speaking churches.
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 Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior 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, fro19m lof20ty mountain grandeur And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.
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.
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 then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”
The Origin of the “How Great Thou Art” Lyrics
The journey of the how great thou lyrics is as majestic as the song itself. It wasn’t written in a single afternoon by one person; rather, it traveled across borders and through multiple languages before becoming the version we know today.
A Walk in the Swedish Countryside
The story begins in 1885 with a Swedish pastor named Carl Boberg. While walking home from church near Mönsterås, Boberg was caught in a sudden, violent thunderstorm. He watched the lightning flash across the sky and heard the thunder roar over the Kalmar Sound.
However, just as quickly as the storm arrived, it vanished. A rainbow appeared, and the birds began to sing peacefully in the trees. This transition from chaos to calm inspired Boberg to write a nine-stanza poem titled “O Store Gud” (O Great God).
The Journey to English
Boberg’s poem was eventually set to a Swedish folk melody. Over the next few decades, the song was translated into German and then Russian.
The version of the how great thou art lyrics used by most English speakers today was translated and expanded by an English missionary named Stuart K. Hine in the 1930s. While serving in Ukraine, Hine heard the Russian version of the hymn and was deeply moved. He translated the first three verses and added the fourth verse himself after the start of World War II, reflecting on the hope of the Second Coming.
A Verse-by-Verse Analysis of the Lyrics
To truly appreciate the how great thou lyrics, one must look at the progression of the narrative. The hymn moves from the general revelation of God in nature to the specific revelation of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.
Verse 1: The Creator of the Universe
The opening lines focus on “awesome wonder.” It calls the listener to look upward. By mentioning the “stars” and “rolling thunder,” the lyrics establish God as the Almighty Creator who holds the universe in His hands.
Verse 2: The Beauty of Earth
While the first verse looks at the cosmos, the second verse looks at the immediate world around us. The “forest glades,” “birds,” and “lofty mountain grandeur” remind us that God is present in the delicate details of nature. This is often where people feel the strongest connection to the how great thou art lyrics—in the quiet moments of the outdoors.
Verse 3: The Message of Redemption
This is the theological heart of the hymn. It shifts from God as Creator to God as Redeemer. The lines “God, His Son not sparing” and “He bled and died to take away my sin” capture the core message of the Christian Gospel. It acknowledges the personal weight of the sacrifice made on the Cross.
Verse 4: The Eternal Hope
The final verse looks toward the future. It speaks of the “shout of acclamation” when Christ returns. It brings the journey of the soul full circle—from witnessing God’s power on earth to worshipping Him in His eternal kingdom.
Read also this: Recipesjelly.com
Why “How Great Thou Art” Became a Global Phenomenon
You might wonder how a Swedish poem became the second most popular hymn in history (after “Amazing Grace”). Much of its fame is attributed to the Billy Graham Crusades.
In the 1950s, George Beverly Shea, the featured soloist for Billy Graham, began singing the hymn during the New York City crusades. The audience’s response was overwhelming. The powerful crescendo of the chorus provided a perfect moment for congregational worship. Since then, the how great thou art lyrics have been recorded by hundreds of artists, including:
- Elvis Presley: His 1967 version won him a Grammy Award.
- Carrie Underwood: Her powerful rendition at the ACM “Girls’ Night Out” went viral.
- Alan Jackson: A staple in his country-gospel collections.
The Impact of the Chorus: “Then Sings My Soul”
The most famous part of the how great thou lyrics is undoubtedly the chorus. The phrase “Then sings my soul” suggests that worship isn’t just something we do with our voices; it’s a reaction that starts deep within our spirit.
| Element | Significance in the Lyrics |
| “Then Sings My Soul” | Represents a spontaneous internal response to God’s glory. |
| “My Savior God” | Personalizes the relationship between the singer and the Creator. |
| “How Great Thou Art” | A simple, profound declaration of God’s character. |
How to Use These Lyrics in Your Life
The how great thou lyrics aren’t just for Sunday mornings. Many people find comfort in these words during various stages of life:
- In Times of Stress: Reminding yourself of the “rolling thunder” and God’s power can help put personal problems into perspective.
- In Nature: Singing or reciting verse 2 while hiking or walking can turn a simple outing into a spiritual experience.
- In Grief: The fourth verse provides immense comfort to those who have lost loved ones, focusing on the joy of being “taken home.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the original “How Great Thou Art” lyrics?
The original poem was written by Carl Boberg in Sweden in 1885. The English version we use today was primarily translated and adapted by Stuart K. Hine.
Is “How Great Thou Art” in the public domain?
In the United States, the Stuart K. Hine version of the how great thou art lyrics is still under copyright (administered by Hope Publishing Company). However, the original Swedish poem by Boberg is in the public domain.
Why is the song so popular at funerals?
The song is a popular choice for funerals because it spans the entire journey of life—from creation and nature to the sacrifice of Christ and the eventual hope of heaven.
Conclusion
The how great thou lyrics continue to be a source of strength and inspiration for people around the world. From a small town in Sweden to the largest stadiums in the world, the message remains the same: a humble recognition of the greatness of God.
Whether you are looking for the how great thou art lyrics to lead a worship service or simply to find personal peace, these words offer a timeless connection to the divine.
For more related topics: https://mirsft.com/