Joshua Bennett
Holy, Holy, Holy is a Christian hymn written by Reginald Heber, with music composed by John B. Dykes. It is a popular hymn among Catholics and is also performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The hymn exalts the Holy Trinity, with the lyrics Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! repeated throughout. The hymn is a joyous acclamation of God's glory, perfection, and power, often said during Mass as a prayer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Hymn | Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! |
| Writer | Reginald Heber |
| Composer | John B. Dykes |
| Type of Hymn | Christian |
| Based on | Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8 |
Explore related products
![St. Joseph Sunday Missal Prayerbook and Hymnal for 2025 [Paperback] Catholic Book Publishing Corp](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/711pTpsvKkL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
$4.25
![St. Joseph Sunday Missal Prayerbook and Hymnal for 2026 [Paperback] Catholic Book Publishing Corp](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71N-HHa6foL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Holy, Holy, Holy is a Christian hymn
"Holy, Holy, Holy" is a Christian hymn written by Reginald Heber, the Bishop of Calcutta. Heber was an English clergyman and hymn writer, most of whose hymns are still used today. The music for the hymn was composed by John B. Dykes, another English clergyman known for composing over 300 hymns. The hymn is also known as the Sanctus because that is its first word in Latin. The first line of the hymn is the same as the hymn of the seraphim in Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8.
The hymn is a popular one and has been performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and included on the album Then Sings My Soul. The lyrics of the hymn are as follows:
> Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
> Early in the morning, our song shall rise to Thee.
> Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
> God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
> Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
> Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
> Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
> Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
> Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
> Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,
> Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
> Perfect in power, in love, and purity.
> Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
> All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
> Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
> God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.
The hymn is also used as a prayer during Mass, where it is often said as follows:
> Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Jesus' Name: Catholic Prayer Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Written by Reginald Heber
"Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!" is a Christian hymn written by Reginald Heber, an Anglican bishop born in 1783 into a wealthy, educated family in England. Heber was a bright child, translating a Latin classic into English verse by the age of seven. He entered Oxford University at 17 and won awards for his poetry during his time there. After graduating, he became a clergyman and served in the church for 16 years, integrating hymn writing with his clerical duties.
Heber wrote the text of "Holy, Holy, Holy!" during his time as vicar in Hodnet, Shropshire, England, from 1807 to 1823. The hymn was first published posthumously in 1826 in the third edition of "A Selection of Psalms and Hymns for the Parish Church of Banbury." It was set to the tune "Nicaea" by John Bacchus Dykes and appeared in the influential "Hymns Ancient and Modern."
The hymn is considered Heber's greatest composition and one of the rare hymns included in almost every hymnal with universally similar text. It is written in reverent and apocalyptic language, alluding to various biblical passages, particularly Revelation 4:6-11 and Isaiah 6:1-3, to sing the majesty of the triune God. The text is trinitarian in theme, inviting worshippers to join in praising the trinitarian deity, but not in structure.
Heber's hymn has a wide scope, successively referencing humans, saints, angels, and all living creatures. It is also known for its unusual 11.12.12.10 meter, contrasting with the shorter stanzas of most preceding English hymns. The opening line, "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!" mirrors the first line of the Sanctus in Latin, which translates to "'Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts."
Orthodox Religion: Catholic's Cousin?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Composed by John B. Dykes
"Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty" is a Christian hymn with lyrics written by Reginald Heber and music composed by John Bacchus Dykes. The hymn was written in the early 1800s during Heber's time as a vicar in Hodnet, Shropshire, England. It was first published posthumously in 1826 in "A Selection of Psalms and Hymns for the Parish Church of Banbury". The hymn was set to the tune "Nicaea" by John Bacchus Dykes, in the influential "Hymns Ancient and Modern".
John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876) was an English clergyman and composer of over 300 hymns. He is known for his contribution to church music, with his hymns being widely used in various Christian traditions even in the 21st century. The tune "Nicaea" is considered one of his finest works and was composed in 1861. It is named after the First Council of Nicaea, which was held in 325 AD to formalize the doctrine of the Trinity. The council was convened to counter the heresy of Arius, who believed that Jesus was not fully divine.
"Holy, Holy, Holy" is an expression of awe at the majesty of God and a call for all creation to praise the Trinitarian Godhead. The hymn has endured as one of the rare hymns that appear in almost every hymnal, with universally similar text. It has been performed and recorded by various artists and remains popular in many denominations.
The music composed by Dykes for "Holy, Holy, Holy" is a testament to his skill and has contributed to the enduring popularity of the hymn. The four-part harmonisation he created is usually unchanged in hymnals, though the key may be transposed to fit different vocal ranges. The hymn begins with an ascending major triad, symbolizing the Trinity, and features solid harmonies and subtle chromaticism characteristic of Victorian hymn-writing.
The Virginity Vows of Catholic Nuns
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The hymn is based on the first line of the hymn of the seraphim in Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8
The hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!" is a Christian hymn written by Reginald Heber, the Bishop of Calcutta, and composed by John B. Dykes. It is a popular hymn that has been performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and included on the album "Then Sings My Soul". The hymn is based on the first line of the hymn of the seraphim in Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8, which reads, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts, heaven and earth are full of your glory." This first line is known as the Sanctus, which is the Latin word for "holy."
The Sanctus is a significant part of the Christian liturgy and is often used as a prayer or acclamation during Mass. In the Catholic tradition, the Sanctus is recited as part of the Eucharistic Prayer, where it serves as a solemn proclamation of God's holiness and majesty. During the Mass, the congregation joins in reciting the Sanctus, affirming their belief in God's holiness and expressing their worship and adoration.
The seraphim, mentioned in Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8, are a type of angelic being depicted as having six wings and being perpetually in the presence of God. They are described as crying out "Holy, holy, holy" in praise and adoration of God's holiness and majesty. This depiction of the seraphim has been a source of inspiration and devotion for Christians throughout the centuries.
The hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy" expands on the theme of God's holiness and incorporates additional biblical imagery. For example, the line "Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea" may be a reference to Revelation 4:10, where the twenty-four elders fall down before God and cast their crowns before Him. The hymn also includes references to the Trinity, with the phrase "God in three Persons, blessed Trinity" affirming the Christian doctrine of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy" has become a beloved and well-known expression of praise and adoration in Christian worship, particularly within the Catholic tradition. Its biblical foundations and theological depth have contributed to its enduring popularity and its ability to inspire devotion and worship among Christians worldwide.
The Catholic Church's Stance on Suicide and Sin
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is a prayer called the Sanctus
"Holy, Holy, Holy" is a Christian hymn written by Reginald Heber, the Bishop of Calcutta, and composed by John B. Dykes. It is also a prayer called the Sanctus, which is said during Mass. The prayer originates from the hymn of the seraphim in Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8. The second part of the prayer, "Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord", was cried by the crowd to Jesus during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as described in Matthew 21:9 and modelled after Psalm 118:25.
"Hosanna" is a Hebrew term derived from the words "yasha", meaning "save", and "na", an expression of entreaty or request. Combined, these words form an exclamation of acclamation, joy, and petition. The Sanctus, or "Holy, Holy, Holy", is thus a prayer of praise and adoration, declaring the holiness and glory of God.
The hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy" is a popular expression of this prayer, with lyrics written by Reginald Heber and music composed by John B. Dykes. Heber, born in England in 1783, was a clergyman and hymn writer known for his poetic talent. He wrote 57 hymns during his lifetime, most of which are still used today. John B. Dykes, also an English clergyman, is renowned for composing over 300 hymns.
The hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy" has been performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and included on the album Then Sings My Soul. It has also been arranged and performed by various other choirs and musical groups, contributing to its popularity and impact as a Christian hymn. Thus, "Holy, Holy, Holy" serves both as a prayer of worship during Mass and as a hymn of praise and adoration outside of the formal prayer context.
Archdiocese Health Benefits: Tubal Ligation Coverage?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty" is a Catholic hymn. The lyrics were written by Reginald Heber, and the music was composed by John B. Dykes.
Reginald Heber was the Bishop of Calcutta. Born in England in 1783, he was a clergyman and hymn writer. Most of the 57 hymns he wrote in his lifetime are still used today.
The expression is derived from the Hebrew terms "yasha", which means "save", and "na", an expression of entreaty or request. The phrase can be translated as a joyful petition for deliverance.
