“How Great Thou Art” is one of the most beloved Christian hymns in the world, known for its powerful melody and profound lyrics that celebrate the magnificence of God’s creation and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. This timeless hymn resonates deeply with believers across denominations, expressing awe and gratitude for God’s greatness. Let’s delve into the lyrics of this cherished song and explore the rich history behind its creation.
Verse 1
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works 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 journey of “How Great Thou Art” began with a Swedish poem written in 1885 by Carl Boberg, a pastor and evangelist. Inspired by a powerful experience of nature’s beauty and a sudden thunderstorm, Boberg penned the words “O Store Gud” (“O Great God”). The poem, reflecting on the majesty of creation, was later published in 1886 in a Swedish Christian periodical, “Missions-Vännen.”
While Boberg’s poem gained popularity in Sweden, it was a Russian translation and subsequent English adaptation that propelled “How Great Thou Art” to international fame. Ivan Stepanovich Prokhanoff translated “O Store Gud” into Russian. Later, in 1925, English missionaries Stuart K. Hine and his wife, while working in Ukraine, encountered the Russian version and were deeply moved. Hine began to translate the Russian text into English, adapting it and adding verses inspired by his own experiences in the Carpathian Mountains.
Hine completed the first three verses in English by 1949. Verse 4, focusing on Christ’s second coming, was added later in 1951 after Hine returned to England. It was during this time that the hymn began to gain traction in English-speaking countries, particularly within Baptist and Methodist congregations.
The hymn’s popularity soared in the mid-20th century, largely due to its adoption by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. George Beverly Shea, the music director for Billy Graham crusades, frequently sang “How Great Thou Art,” bringing it to audiences around the globe. Its powerful message of God’s greatness, expressed through both the wonders of nature and the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ, resonated deeply with listeners and solidified its place as a beloved hymn in Christian worship.
“How Great Thou Art” continues to be sung in churches worldwide, transcending denominational boundaries. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of awe and wonder at God’s creation and express heartfelt gratitude for His love and salvation. The lyrics invite us to reflect on the vastness of the universe, the beauty of nature, and the depth of Christ’s sacrifice, leading us to declare with conviction: “How great Thou art!”
