“How Great Thou Art” is one of the most beloved Christian hymns around the world. Its powerful lyrics and soaring melody resonate deeply with worshippers, expressing awe and gratitude for God’s creation and salvation. This hymn, rich in imagery and emotion, continues to inspire and uplift generations. Let’s delve into the lyrics of “How Great Thou Art” and uncover the fascinating story behind its creation and enduring appeal.
How Great Thou Art Lyrics
Here are the complete lyrics to “How Great Thou Art,” divided into verses and the chorus as they are traditionally sung:
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 Origins of “How Great Thou Art”
While the English lyrics are widely known, the story of “How Great Thou Art” begins in Sweden in 1885. Carl Boberg, a Swedish pastor, penned the poem “O Store Gud” (O Great God) after being inspired by the beauty of the Swedish countryside. Caught in a thunderstorm and then witnessing the serene beauty afterward, Boberg was moved to write about God’s greatness as seen in nature.
Boberg’s poem was later set to a Swedish folk melody. Over the years, the poem and tune traveled through Europe. It was translated into German and then into Russian. It was in Russia that English missionaries, Stuart K. Hine and his wife, encountered the song in the 1920s. Hine was deeply moved by the Russian version and began to translate it into English.
Hine didn’t just directly translate the lyrics. He adapted and expanded upon Boberg’s original verses, adding a verse about salvation and the cross (Verse 3) and a verse about Christ’s return (Verse 4), which are not present in Boberg’s original poem. Hine also set the English lyrics to a slightly different, but related, Swedish melody.
The Enduring Impact of “How Great Thou Art”
“How Great Thou Art” gained popularity in the English-speaking world, particularly through its use by Billy Graham in his crusades in the 1950s and 60s. The hymn’s powerful message about God’s majesty, creation, and redemption resonated with audiences across denominations.
The hymn’s appeal lies in its ability to connect personal experience with grand theological truths. The verses move from contemplating God’s power in nature to the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the hope of future glory. The repeated chorus, “How great Thou art,” becomes a heartfelt declaration of faith and worship.
“How Great Thou Art” continues to be a staple in churches around the world, sung in various languages and styles. Its timeless message of awe, gratitude, and the greatness of God ensures its place as a beloved hymn for generations to come. Whether sung in a grand cathedral or a quiet moment of personal reflection, “How Great Thou Art” invites all to consider and proclaim the magnificent greatness of God.
