How Great Thou Art Lyrics: A Hymn Of Awe And Worship
How Great Thou Art is a beloved Christian hymn known for its powerful lyrics and moving melody. This hymn has touched the hearts of countless individuals around the world, and its message of awe and reverence for God continues to resonate deeply. In this article, we'll explore the complete lyrics of How Great Thou Art, delve into its rich history, and uncover the profound meaning behind its words. So, let's dive in and discover why this hymn remains a timeless classic.
The Complete Lyrics of How Great Thou Art
To fully appreciate the beauty and depth of How Great Thou Art, it's essential to have the complete lyrics at your fingertips. Here are the verses and chorus that make up this iconic hymn:
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 from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;
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 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 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 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 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!
The History and Origins of How Great Thou Art
The story behind How Great Thou Art is as fascinating as the hymn itself. Guys, did you know that this hymn wasn't originally written in English? Its roots trace back to a Swedish poem penned in 1885 by Carl Boberg, a Swedish preacher. Boberg was inspired by the beauty of the Swedish countryside after a thunderstorm. The poem, titled "O Store Gud" ("O Great God"), captured his awe and wonder at God's creation.
The melody we know today wasn't the original one either. The tune was adapted from a Swedish folk melody. Over the years, Boberg’s poem was translated into German and then into Russian. It was the Russian translation that caught the attention of English missionaries. In 1925, English missionary Stuart K. Hine translated the Russian version into English, adding his own personal touch and flair. Hine’s version is the one we sing most often today. He was deeply moved by the hymn's message and felt compelled to share it with the English-speaking world.
Stuart Hine's translation gained popularity, particularly within missionary circles. It wasn't until the mid-20th century that How Great Thou Art truly exploded onto the global stage. The hymn's powerful message resonated with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Its use in Billy Graham crusades further amplified its reach, making it a staple in churches and gatherings worldwide. So, the next time you sing this hymn, remember its journey across languages and continents – a testament to its universal appeal.
A Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Lyrics
To truly grasp the depth of How Great Thou Art, let's take a closer look at each verse and the chorus, guys. By examining the lyrics line by line, we can uncover the layers of meaning and emotion embedded within this timeless hymn.
Verse 1: Awe and Wonder in Creation
The opening verse sets the stage, painting a vivid picture of God's magnificent creation. "O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made." These lines express a sense of profound awe and reverence. The speaker is overwhelmed by the vastness and beauty of the universe, recognizing it as the work of God's hands. The phrase "awesome wonder" perfectly captures the feeling of being humbled by the greatness of God.
The verse continues, "I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed." Here, the lyrics highlight specific elements of creation that evoke a sense of God's power and majesty. The stars, vast and distant, symbolize the infinite nature of God. The rolling thunder, a powerful and awe-inspiring force of nature, demonstrates God's might. These images combine to create a sense of God's presence and power in the world around us.
Chorus: A Soulful Declaration
The chorus is the heart of the hymn, a powerful declaration of praise and adoration. "Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art, How great Thou art!" The repetition emphasizes the depth of feeling. It's not just a casual acknowledgment but a heartfelt expression of worship. The phrase "sings my soul" suggests a deep, emotional response – a soul overflowing with gratitude and love for God.
The core message of the chorus is the affirmation of God's greatness: "How great Thou art!" This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the hymn's central theme. It's a declaration of God's supreme power, majesty, and love. The repetition of this phrase reinforces its importance, driving home the message of God's immeasurable greatness.
Verse 2: Nature's Gentle Whispers
While the first verse focuses on the grand scale of creation, the second verse shifts to more intimate, personal encounters with nature. "When through the woods and forest glades I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees." This imagery evokes a sense of peace and tranquility. The speaker finds God not only in the vastness of the universe but also in the quiet beauty of nature.
The lyrics continue, "When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze." The mountain grandeur represents the majesty of creation, while the brook and gentle breeze offer a sense of serenity and peace. These natural elements remind us of God's presence in the everyday moments of life. It’s like God whispering, “I’m here,” through the gentle breeze and the singing birds.
Verse 3: The Ultimate Sacrifice
Verse three takes a turn, focusing on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. "And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in." This verse reflects on the incredible love of God, who willingly sent His Son to die for humanity. The phrase "I scarce can take it in" conveys a sense of awe and disbelief at the magnitude of this sacrifice.
The verse continues, "That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin." These lines highlight the central message of Christianity: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as atonement for sin. The imagery of Jesus bearing our burdens and dying to take away our sins is powerful and deeply moving. This verse connects God's greatness not just to creation but also to redemption.
Verse 4: Hope and Anticipation
The final verse looks forward to the second coming of Christ and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. "When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!" This verse expresses hope and anticipation for the future. The "shout of acclamation" suggests a triumphant return, a moment of great celebration and joy.
The verse concludes, "Then I shall bow in humble adoration And there proclaim, “My God, how great Thou art!”" This final declaration brings the hymn full circle. It reiterates the central theme of God's greatness and emphasizes the importance of humility and adoration. The speaker envisions a future where they can bow before God and proclaim His greatness for eternity. Guys, it’s a powerful image of eternal worship and praise.
The Enduring Meaning and Impact of How Great Thou Art
How Great Thou Art has resonated with millions of people around the world for its powerful message and moving melody. Its enduring impact stems from its ability to capture the essence of faith, awe, and reverence. The hymn speaks to the universal human experience of encountering the divine, whether through the beauty of nature, the sacrifice of Christ, or the hope of eternal life. The hymn is more than just a song; it's an experience.
The hymn's message is timeless. It reminds us of God's greatness, His love, and His power. It encourages us to reflect on our place in the universe and to recognize the divine hand at work in our lives. It’s a call to worship, a reminder of the incredible sacrifice made for us, and a beacon of hope for the future. Guys, that's why it's still sung in churches and gatherings today.
Moreover, How Great Thou Art has a unique ability to transcend cultural and denominational boundaries. Its message of God's greatness is one that resonates with Christians of all backgrounds. It's a unifying hymn, bringing people together in worship and praise. It’s a common language of faith, spoken and sung across the globe. The hymn’s simplicity and depth allow people from all walks of life to connect with its message.
In conclusion, How Great Thou Art is more than just a hymn; it's a testament to the enduring power of faith and the universal human longing for connection with the divine. Its lyrics, rich in imagery and emotion, invite us to reflect on the greatness of God and to express our love and gratitude. So, the next time you sing How Great Thou Art, remember its history, its message, and its ability to touch hearts across generations. It's a timeless classic that will continue to inspire awe and worship for years to come.
