Michael Brooks
How Great Thou Art is a popular hymn that has touched the hearts of many Catholics. The song's beauty and expression of God's greatness have brought comfort and peace to those who sing it. The hymn has a unique history, with its origins traced back to a Swedish poet and its melody adjusted over time by diverse Christians, united in their admiration for God. The English version by Stuart K. Hine, inspired by a refugee's story, added to its global appeal, spreading to former British colonies in Africa and India and circulating among refugees worldwide. While some consider it too sentimental, How Great Thou Art remains a beloved hymn that has become a staple in many Catholic dioceses, often evoking strong emotions during Mass.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Swedish |
| Original Author | Carl Boberg |
| Original Poem Year | N/A |
| English Translator | Stuart K. Hine |
| English Version Year | 1949 |
| No. of Verses in English Version | 4 |
| No. of Verses in Original Poem | 9 |
| Hymn Type | Athanasian |
| Hymn Theme | Praise for God as Creator and Saviour |
| Hymn Popularity | Widely accepted throughout the world |
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What You'll Learn
The hymn's Athanasian nature
The Athanasian Creed is a Christian statement of belief focused on Trinitarian doctrine and Christology. It is widely accepted in Western Christianity, including by the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Churches, Reformed Churches, and ancient liturgical churches. The oldest surviving manuscripts of the Athanasian Creed date from the late 8th century. The creed is divided into two sections: the first section addresses the doctrine of the Trinity, while the second section deals with Christology. The creed ascribes divine attributes to each person of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and stresses their unity in the one Godhead.
The Athanasian Creed is named after Athanasius (AD 293-373), who championed orthodoxy against Arian attacks on the doctrine of the Trinity. However, it is unlikely that he wrote the creed, and its origin is attributed to the 4th or 5th century, with possible influences from Southern Gaul. The creed has been influential in shaping the current Protestant understanding of Trinitarian doctrine.
The hymn "How Great Thou Art" has been described as an Athanasian masterpiece. Like St. Athanasius' work on the Incarnation, the hymn praises the Saviour of the world and God as Creator and Redeemer. The structure of the hymn, as translated by Stuart K. Hine, consists of two verses expressing wonder at God as Creator, followed by two verses of awe at God as Saviour. Hine's version has gained worldwide acceptance and contributed to the hymn's popularity in various countries.
The Athanasian nature of "How Great Thou Art" is evident in its lyrical content and theological underpinnings. The hymn reflects on the grandeur of God's creation, mirroring the Athanasian Creed's emphasis on the Trinity and the Incarnation. The hymn's appeal lies in its ability to unite diverse Christians in their admiration of God's majesty and salvific power. The musical settings and translations of "How Great Thou Art" have evolved over time, contributing to its widespread adoption and enduring relevance across different cultures and denominations.
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The evolution of the hymn's lyrics and melody
The hymn "How Great Thou Art" has a rich history and has undergone a fascinating evolution in terms of its lyrics and melody. The original version of the hymn was written in Swedish by Carl Boberg in 1885 and was titled "O Store Gud." The lyrics were inspired by a beautiful scene Boberg witnessed one calm summer evening after a thunderstorm, which filled him with awe and gratitude for God's majesty and beauty in nature. The melody is believed to be based on a traditional Swedish folk tune that Boberg adapted and modified to fit the lyrics.
The hymn spread throughout Sweden and became popular in Swedish churches. In 1925, the hymn was translated into German by Ernst Carl Wilhelm Dietrichson, a German clergyman, which helped spread its popularity beyond Sweden. However, it was the English translation by British missionary Stuart Hine in 1949 that truly internationalized the hymn and made it accessible to a global audience. Hine not only translated the original Swedish text but also added two new verses of his own, reflecting his missionary experiences in Ukraine and his deep faith.
The melody that we know today is a result of these various cultural influences. While the basic structure and folk tune remain intact, each translator adapted the melody to fit the linguistic nuances of their respective languages. Hine, in particular, modified the melody to suit the English language, making it more singable and accessible to a wider audience. He also introduced a more triumphant and majestic feel to the melody, especially in the final verse, capturing the awe and grandeur of God's creation.
Over time, "How Great Thou Art" has been further adapted and arranged by various musicians and choirs, with additional harmonies and instrumental accompaniments. These arrangements have added to the richness and diversity of the hymn, making it suitable for a range of musical settings, from intimate church services to grand choral performances. The hymn's enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful message and the emotional resonance of its melody.
The evolution of "How Great Thou Art" reflects the cross-cultural and multilingual nature of Christian worship. It demonstrates how a simple folk tune and heartfelt lyrics can transcend national boundaries and unite people of different languages and backgrounds in praise and adoration of God. The hymn's journey from a small Swedish village to churches and concert halls worldwide is a testament to the universal appeal of its message and the enduring power of music to inspire and uplift.
Today, "How Great Thou Art" is recognized as one of the most beloved and widely sung hymns across denominations, including Catholic, Protestant, and evangelical churches. Its inclusion in hymnals and worship services around the world attests to its enduring impact and the ability of its lyrics and melody to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, uniting Christians in praise and adoration of God's greatness.
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The hymn's global popularity
"How Great Thou Art" is a popular hymn with a global reach. Its origins lie in a poem written by Swedish preacher Carl G. Boberg in 1885, titled "O Store Gud". Boberg's poem was later set to an old Swedish melody, and it was this version that English missionaries Stuart K. Hine and his wife encountered in Poland in the early 1920s. Hine wrote his own English lyrics to the Swedish melody, and his version, "How Great Thou Art", became popular around the world.
Hine's version of the hymn was spread by British missionaries to former colonies in Africa and India, and it was introduced to the United States in 1951 by missionary James Caldwell. Hine's translation of the hymn was also circulated among refugees in fifteen countries, including North and South America, through his Russian gospel magazine, Grace and Peace. The fourth stanza of Hine's English version was inspired by the story of a refugee couple who were ministered to and was added in 1948.
The hymn's popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s led to it being included in The Covenant Hymnal in 1973, replacing E. Gustav Johnson's earlier translation. Hine's version has been recognised in polls as the number one hymn in America.
In New Zealand, the hymn's tune is widely known through a different hymn, "Whakaaria Mai", with Māori lyrics composed by Canon Wiremu Te Tau Huata. "Whakaaria Mai" is set to the music of "How Great Thou Art" and often combined with the English version. The hymn was popularised by Sir Howard Morrison, who sang it during Queen Elizabeth II's visit to New Zealand in 1981, and it spent six months in the New Zealand national charts, including five weeks at number one.
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The hymn's emotional impact
"How Great Thou Art" is a powerful hymn that has touched the hearts of many and is known for its emotional impact. The hymn's ability to evoke emotion is evident in the personal testimonies of those who have shared their experiences of feeling God's presence, love, and comfort while singing or listening to it.
The hymn's lyrics, which praise God's greatness and majesty, are a testament to the awe and wonder inspired by the beauty of creation. The imagery used in the hymn, such as the mention of stars and rolling thunder, showcases God's power and creativity, leaving singers and listeners alike in awe of His greatness. This sense of wonder is heightened by the melody, which complements the profound message of the lyrics.
The emotional impact of "How Great Thou Art" is also evident in the personal story of its creation. The hymn's English translator, Stuart K. Hine, was inspired by the testimony of a refugee he met while on a missionary journey. The refugee shared his longing to be reunited with his wife, a Christian convert, whom he believed he would only meet again in heaven. This story of love, loss, and faith deeply moved Hine, and he incorporated it into the fourth and final verse of the hymn. The inclusion of this personal story adds a layer of emotional depth to the hymn, making it even more impactful for those who sing or hear it.
The hymn's ability to evoke emotion is also influenced by its adaptability and the contributions of diverse Christians. Over time, "How Great Thou Art" has been adjusted and translated into various languages, allowing it to reach and resonate with people from different cultural backgrounds. This collaborative effort has resulted in a hymn that transcends geographical and linguistic boundaries, uniting Christians from around the world in their admiration of God.
The emotional impact of "How Great Thou Art" is further enhanced by its use in significant life moments, such as weddings and funerals. The hymn's message of God's love and salvation offers comfort and hope during times of grief and celebration, making it a cherished part of people's most important life events.
Through its beautiful lyrics, melody, and the personal stories woven into its creation and performance, "How Great Thou Art" continues to touch the hearts and lives of people, reminding them of God's greatness and their own faith.
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The hymn's religious significance
"How Great Thou Art" is a Christian hymn that praises God as the Creator and Redeemer of the world. The hymn expresses wonder and awe at God's power and majesty, as reflected in the beauty and vastness of nature, including the stars and the rolling thunder. The hymn also acknowledges God's love and faithfulness, and the comfort and peace that believers find in Him.
The religious significance of "How Great Thou Art" lies in its ability to inspire feelings of reverence, gratitude, and devotion towards God. The hymn reminds believers of God's sovereignty, creativity, and providence, and it invites them to respond with worship and praise. The imagery and language used in the hymn, such as references to nature and God's mighty works, resonate with Christians who find meaning and connection to their faith through the beauty and order of creation.
The hymn's message of God's greatness and faithfulness has provided comfort and hope to many Christians, especially during challenging times. The hymn reminds believers of God's presence, care, and strength, which can bring peace and reassurance in the midst of hardship or uncertainty. The personal testimony of one refugee, as reflected in the fourth stanza, adds to the hymn's religious significance by illustrating the hope and joy found in the anticipation of Christ's second coming and the promise of eternal life.
"How Great Thou Art" has united Christians from diverse backgrounds in their shared admiration and worship of God. The hymn has been translated into multiple languages and spread across different countries and cultures, becoming a beloved and widely accepted expression of faith. The adjustments and contributions made by various Christians over time, including Stuart K. Hine's popular English version, have shaped the hymn's evolution and contributed to its enduring appeal.
The hymn's ability to transcend denominational boundaries and unite Christians from various traditions, including Catholic, Protestant, and Baptist, is also noteworthy. "How Great Thou Art" has been embraced by Christians across these traditions, reflecting its universal appeal and ability to convey fundamental aspects of the Christian faith that resonate with believers from diverse backgrounds.
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Frequently asked questions
"How Great Thou Art" is a Christian hymn that is popular among Catholics. It praises the Saviour of the world, who made the world, and expresses wonderment at God as both Creator and Saviour.
The hymn was originally a poem written by a Swedish poet, Carl Boberg, in Swedish ("O store Gud"). It was then set to music in triple time, but this was misjudged and within a decade was replaced by the now-familiar 4/4 version. The poem was translated into Russian and German, and then into English by British missionary Stuart K. Hine in 1949. Hine's version became popular worldwide and was spread by British missionaries to former colonies in Africa and India.
The hymn first expresses wonderment at God as Creator, and then expresses even greater wonder at God as Saviour.
The lyrics to the hymn are as follows:
> 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.
>
> 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!
