Joshua Bennett
How Great Thou Art is a popular hymn that has touched the hearts of many. The song has been recorded and performed by various artists, including Elvis Presley, who won a Grammy Award for his rendition in 1967. The hymn is widely loved by Christians of different denominations, including Protestants and Catholics. The lyrics, which express wonder at God's creation and salvation, were penned by Stuart K. Hine in 1949, drawing inspiration from diverse Christian traditions and devotional practices. Hine's own experiences as a missionary in Ukraine and his interactions with refugees during World War II also influenced the powerful words of this beloved hymn.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lyrics | 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 | |
| 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 see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze | |
| And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in | |
| That on a Cross, my burdens gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin | |
| 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! | |
| 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!" | |
| 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! | |
| Language | English |
| Translator | Stuart K. Hine |
| Year of translation | 1949 |
| Notable performances | Elvis Presley, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill |
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What You'll Learn
The history of the hymn
The Christian hymn "How Great Thou Art" has Swedish roots and has since travelled across the world. The song was originally a poem set to a Swedish melody. The poem, "O Store Gud" ("O Mighty God" or "O Great God"), was written by Swedish poet and lay minister Carl Boberg in 1885. According to hymnologist J. Irving Erickson, the poem is said to have been inspired by a sudden violent thunderstorm that Boberg experienced on his way home from church. After the storm had cleared, Boberg opened his window and looked out towards the sea. The evening was quiet, and he could hear the sound of church bells. It was these sights and sounds that inspired the words of "O Store Gud".
The poem was first matched with a traditional Swedish folk song and sung in a church in 1888, three years after it was written. As the hymn's popularity grew, the lyrics began to spread across the world. In the early 1920s, English missionaries Stuart K. Hine and his wife ministered in Poland, where they learned the Russian version of Boberg's poem, "O Store Gud", set to the original Swedish melody. Hine was inspired to create his own English paraphrase, "How Great Thou Art", which included the phrase ""How great thou art" four times in the refrain. The final English version of the hymn was published in 1949 and quickly spread throughout Britain, Africa, India, and America.
Hine's decision to copyright the text and tune of "How Great Thou Art" may have slowed down the process that allowed the hymn to evolve so freely between 1885 and 1949. However, it also allowed him to harness the song's popularity and success for God's kingdom, with royalties benefiting the Stuart Hine Trust, a UK-based organisation that funds Christian outreach and relief organisations worldwide.
"How Great Thou Art" has since been covered by numerous notable performers, including Elvis Presley, whose rendition won him a Grammy Award for "Best Sacred Performance" in 1967. The song has also been featured by country artist Carrie Underwood, who performed it with Vince Gill at the Grand Ole Opry in 2011.
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Renditions of the song
"How Great Thou Art" is a popular hymn that has been sung and recorded by numerous artists over the years. The song has undergone several adaptations and translations, with Stuart K. Hine's 1949 English version being the most widely accepted rendition worldwide. This version consists of two verses expressing wonder at God as the Creator, followed by two verses that further emphasise wonder at God as the Saviour.
Elvis Presley's rendition of "How Great Thou Art" is particularly notable. It was the title track of his second gospel LP, released in March 1967, and earned him a Grammy Award for "Best Sacred Performance" the same year. Presley's performance of the hymn also won him another Grammy in 1974 for "Best Inspirational Performance (Non-Classical)". Swedish gospel singer Per-Erik Hallin has also credited Presley's interpretation as a significant factor in the revival of "O Store Gud" in Sweden.
Carrie Underwood is another well-known artist who has performed "How Great Thou Art". She sang the hymn with Vince Gill on the ACM Presents: Girls Night Out show in 2011 and received a standing ovation. Following the televised performance, her single version of the song gained significant popularity.
In addition to these notable renditions, "How Great Thou Art" has been performed and recorded by various other artists, including Joey + Rory and Bart+Tricia. The hymn has also been interpreted a cappella by Home Free.
While the song is not as well-known among Catholics, it holds a special place in Protestant Christianity, typically ranking second in popularity behind "Amazing Grace". The hymn's melody is adaptable to a Protestant "gospel" context, and its lyrics powerfully express wonder and praise for God's creation and redemption.
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The lyrics and their meaning
The hymn "How Great Thou Art" is a popular English hymn used in Christian communities during worship. The lyrics derive from an 1885 poem by a lay minister, Carl Boberg, inspired by what he witnessed while walking home from a worship service along the beach at Mönsterås, Sweden. The poem, which began with the words "O mighty God, when I behold the wonder/Of nature's beauty, wrought by words of Thine", captured Boberg's awe and admiration for God's creation.
The English version of the hymn that is widely accepted today was created by British missionary Stuart K. Hine in 1949. It consists of four verses, the first two of which express wonderment at God as the Creator, and the latter two expressing even greater wonderment at God as the Saviour. The structure and lyrics of the hymn vary across different cultures and religions. For instance, in New Zealand, the hymn is known by the name "Whakaaria Mai", with Māori verses composed by Canon Wiremu Te Tau Huata.
The first verse of Hine's version of the hymn begins with "O Lord my God!/When I in awesome wonder/Consider all the works Thy hand hath made./I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder/Thy power throughout the universe displayed." Here, the singer is expressing their awe at God's creation, from the stars in the sky to the rolling thunder. The chorus then follows: "Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee:/How great Thou art, how great Thou art!".
The second verse continues the theme of nature, with the singer wandering through the woods and forest glades, hearing the birds sing sweetly in the trees, and feeling the gentle breeze. The third verse shifts the focus to God's sacrifice, with the singer reflecting on the fact that God sent His Son to die for their sins: "And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;/Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in". The fourth and final verse looks forward to the return of Christ and the joy that will fill the singer's heart when they are reunited with God: "When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation/And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart".
Overall, the lyrics of "How Great Thou Art" are a powerful expression of the singer's admiration for God's creation and their gratitude for God's sacrifice. The hymn has become a beloved part of Christian worship and has been popularised by many famous singers, such as Elvis Presley, who won a Grammy Award for his performance of the song.
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The song's popularity
"How Great Thou Art" is a popular hymn that has touched the hearts of many people. The song's enduring popularity can be attributed to its powerful message of awe and wonder at God's creation, as well as its ability to evoke strong emotions of love, comfort, and peace. The hymn has been widely embraced by Christians of various denominations and its impact has extended beyond the religious sphere.
The origins of "How Great Thou Art" can be traced back to the early 20th century, when British missionary Stuart K. Hine created an English paraphrase of a Russian translation of a German version that he heard while on a mission in the Ukrainian SSR in 1931. Hine's version, which includes the phrase "How Great Thou Art" four times in the refrain, quickly gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The final English version was published in 1949 and spread rapidly across Britain, Africa, India, and America.
The hymn is known for its beautiful and easily adaptable melody, which has undergone adjustments over time and across different cultures. The 4/4 version of the tune, with its familiar intervals in the refrain, has become the most recognised and widely accepted version. The song's structure, with its two verses expressing wonder at God as Creator and two verses expressing wonder at God as Saviour, adds to its appeal.
"How Great Thou Art" has been recorded and performed by numerous artists, contributing to its widespread popularity. Elvis Presley's rendition, which was the title track of his second gospel album released in 1967, won him a Grammy Award for "Best Sacred Performance". Presley's version also played a significant role in the revival of the hymn in Sweden. Other notable performances include Carrie Underwood's rendition on the ACM Presents: Girls Night Out show in 2011, which received a standing ovation.
The impact of "How Great Thou Art" extends beyond its musical appeal. The hymn has been a source of comfort and inspiration for many, with personal testimonies recalling how the song has brought peace and a sense of God's presence during difficult times. The powerful lyrics and melody of "How Great Thou Art" have the unique ability to evoke emotions and create a sense of connection to God, making it a beloved hymn for people around the world.
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The song's religious significance
"How Great Thou Art" is a powerful and beloved Christian hymn that has touched the hearts of believers worldwide. The song holds a special place in the Catholic tradition, offering a beautiful expression of faith and worship. The hymn is a testament to the grandeur of God and the awe-inspiring beauty of His creation. With humble and grateful lyrics, it captures the essence of a faithful heart's adoration for the Lord.
The religious significance of "How Great Thou Art" lies in its ability to convey the vastness and majesty of God while also expressing a deep sense of personal devotion. The hymn begins by praising God's mighty power and creativity, as evident in the vastness of the universe and the beauty of nature. It speaks of the stars, the rolling thunder, and the light of day, all testifying to God's greatness. This acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over creation is a fundamental aspect of Catholic belief, recognizing God as the source and sustainer of all life.
As the hymn progresses, it takes a more intimate turn, reflecting on Christ's sacrifice and the personal salvation experienced by believers. It speaks of standing before the cross, where Jesus endured suffering and death for the redemption of humanity. This portion of the hymn is a profound reminder of the central tenet of Christian faith—that through Christ's sacrifice, we find forgiveness, grace, and eternal life. The singer expresses their personal awe and gratitude, acknowledging their own limitations in fully understanding God's infinite love and mercy.
The hymn also holds significance in its ability to evoke a sense of humility and gratitude in the singer and listeners. By acknowledging God's greatness and our place in His creation, we are reminded of our finite nature and the blessings we receive from God's providence. This sense of humility can lead to a deeper faith and a more profound appreciation for the beauty and fragility of life. "How Great Thou Art" has the power to uplift and inspire, encouraging believers to reflect on their relationship with God and their place in the grand scheme of His creation.
Furthermore, "How Great Thou Art" has become a staple in Catholic liturgical music and is often sung during Mass, prayer services, and special religious events. Its melody and lyrics resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds, uniting them in a shared expression of faith. The hymn's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to convey profound religious sentiments in a way that is accessible and meaningful to people from all walks of life.
Overall, "How Great Thou Art" holds significant religious importance in the Catholic tradition. Its lyrics beautifully articulate a faithful heart's response to the majesty and love of God. Through its words and melody, believers are reminded of God's greatness, their personal salvation, and the awe-inspiring beauty of creation. This beloved hymn continues to inspire and uplift, drawing people closer to God and fostering a deeper sense of faith and gratitude.
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Frequently asked questions
The song was first written in German and then translated to Russian. In 1931, British missionary Stuart Hine heard the Russian version while in Ukraine and was inspired to create an English version. The final English version was published in 1949 and quickly became popular worldwide.
The lyrics to the song are as follows:
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 / 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.
"How Great Thou Art" is a powerful hymn that expresses wonder and praise for God as the Creator and Saviour of the world. The singer proclaims God's greatness and might, acknowledging His power and love.
Elvis Presley's rendition of the song won him a Grammy Award for "Best Sacred Performance" in 1967. Other notable performances include Carrie Underwood's rendition in 2011 and Joey + Rory's version.
"How Great Thou Art" is considered a masterpiece due to its ability to inspire and move listeners with its beautiful lyrics and melody. The hymn is also adaptable and has been adjusted many times in different lands, uniting diverse Christians in their admiration of God.
