Ethan Walker
What Wondrous Love Is This is a widely known Christian folk hymn from the American South. The hymn's text was first published in 1811 during the Second Great Awakening, and its melody was derived from a popular English ballad. The hymn is included in many major hymnals, including the Baptist Hymnal, Book of Praise (Presbyterian), Chalice Hymnal (Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)), Common Praise (Anglican), and Worship (Roman Catholic). The author of the hymn remains anonymous, but its lyrical beauty and simplicity have made it a beloved and timeless expression of faith.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Hymn |
| Genre | Folk song |
| Origin | United States |
| Region | Appalachian |
| First published | 1811 |
| Tune | Similar to "The Ballad of Captain Kidd", an English song from 1701 |
| Lyricist | Anonymous |
| Included in hymnals of | Baptist, Presbyterian, Anglican, Episcopalian, Unitarian Universalist, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and many other denominations |
| Melody | Mournful |
| Lyrics | Comforting |
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What You'll Learn
The hymn's origin and history
"What Wondrous Love Is This" is a well-loved Christian hymn that has touched the hearts of many with its poignant lyrics and haunting melody. The hymn's origin can be traced back to the early 19th century, though its precise authorship remains unknown. It is believed to have emerged from the rich tradition of American folk hymns, which were often created and shared orally within religious communities.
The earliest known publication of the hymn text appeared in a shape-note songbook titled "Southern Harmony," compiled by William Walker and first published in 1835. Shape-note singing was a popular practice in rural America during this period, particularly among Baptist and Methodist congregations. The shape-note system used distinct shapes for different musical notes, making it easier for people with little or no musical training to read and sing the hymns. "Southern Harmony" became a widely used songbook in churches across the American South, and "What Wondrous Love Is This" quickly became a favorite among congregations.
The hymn's text is a profound reflection on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the depth of His love for humanity. It explores the Christian concept of atonement, expressing wonder and gratitude for Christ's selfless act of redemption. The lyrics are filled with poignant imagery and biblical allusions, capturing the emotional and spiritual intensity of the passion story. The line "When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down, Jesus passed along and He lifted me" evokes the story of Christ healing the paralyzed man lowered through the roof in Mark 2:1-12.
While the hymn is not explicitly attributed to any one author, some scholars have speculated that it may have been written by John Zundel, a Methodist preacher and songwriter who contributed several hymns to "Southern Harmony." However, this attribution remains uncertain, as the hymn's oral tradition may have obscured its original authorship. Over time, "What Wondrous Love Is This" has undergone various alterations and adaptations, with slight variations in lyrics and melody appearing in different hymnals.
Today, "What Wondrous Love Is This" continues to be a cherished hymn in Christian denominations worldwide, including Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical churches. Its powerful message of divine love and salvation resonates across theological traditions, making it a beloved expression of faith during Lent, Holy Week, and Easter celebrations. The hymn's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to convey the deepest mysteries of the Christian faith through simple yet profound language.
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The meaning and interpretation
"What Wondrous Love Is This" is a widely known hymn that has been included in many major hymnals across various denominations. The hymn is believed to have originated in the Appalachian region of the United States in the early 1800s, and its lyrics were first published in 1811 in a Methodist hymnal entitled "A General Selection of the Newest and Most Admired Hymns and Spiritual Songs." The author of the hymn is unknown, although some sources attribute it to Alexander Means, a Methodist pastor or preacher, while others suggest James Christopher of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The hymn's melody is traditionally associated with an Old English or traditional Appalachian melody, which was later identified as the tune of the 1701 English song "The Ballad of Captain Kidd." The pairing of the text and melody is believed to have gained popularity during camp meetings of the Second Great Awakening, where hymns were sung to well-known melodies. The text and melody were formally published together in the 1840 edition of "The Southern Harmony" by William Walker, a book of shape-note hymns.
The lyrics of "What Wondrous Love Is This" express awe and wonder at the sacrificial love of Christ for humanity. The opening lyric, "What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!" is a declaration of the singer's amazement at the extent of Christ's love. The hymn also speaks of how Christ laid aside his crown and bore the dreadful curse for the singer's soul, highlighting the theme of redemption and salvation through Christ's sacrifice.
The hymn has been used in various religious contexts, including funeral services, where its comforting lyrics and beautiful melody offer solace and hope in the face of mortality and loss. The repetition in the hymn, such as the phrase ""What wondrous love is this," sung three times, emphasizes the singer's profound experience of Christ's love and serves as a call for others to witness and join in this declaration of praise.
The ambiguity of the hymn's stanzas, which can be read as either statements of awe or profound questions, adds to its interpretive depth. This rhetorical device allows the hymn to capture the Christian's realization of God's love in Christ, mirroring similar sentiments found in Charles Wesley's "And Can It Be." The hymn's inclusion of Scripture references, such as John 3:16, further reinforces its theological depth and devotional warmth.
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Christ's love and salvation
"What Wondrous Love Is This" is a widely known Christian folk hymn from the American South. Its text was first published in 1811, during the Second Great Awakening, and its melody was derived from a popular English ballad. The hymn speaks of Christ's wonderful love and the salvation it brings.
The hymn begins with a declaration of wonder at the love of Christ: "What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!". It goes on to describe how this love caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for our souls. This is a reference to Christ's sacrifice on the cross, where he took on the sins of humanity and endured the wrath of God in our place. Through his death and resurrection, Christ conquered sin and death, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe in him.
The second verse of the hymn continues, "When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down, when I was sinking down, O my soul!". This verse acknowledges our fallen state, where we are weighed down by sin and under the righteous judgement of God. Yet, in our despair, Christ laid aside his glory and humbled himself to save us. He took on our sins and endured the cross so that we could be reconciled to God.
The third verse of the hymn expresses our response to Christ's love and salvation: "To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing". We sing praises to God and the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who is the great "I Am". Our individual voices join with the multitude of believers, lifting our songs of worship and gratitude.
The final verse looks ahead to eternity, proclaiming, "And when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joyful be, and through eternity I'll sing on". Death, which once held us captive, has lost its sting through Christ's victory on the cross. We are set free from the fear of death and can look forward to eternal life with our Saviour.
"What Wondrous Love Is This" captures the transformative power of Christ's love and salvation. It reminds us of our fallen state, the sacrifice Christ made for our redemption, and the eternal life we have in him. Through this hymn, we are called to reflect on the depth of Christ's love and to respond with worship and gratitude.
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Death and resurrection
"What Wondrous Love Is This," is a powerful and emotional hymn that reflects on the sacrifice and triumph of Christ's death and resurrection. This event is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, and the hymn explores the depth of God's love and the transformative power it has for believers.
When considering the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is important to understand the context and significance of these events. Jesus' death on the cross was a sacrifice to atone for the sins of humanity. He took upon himself the punishment and suffering that we deserved, demonstrating God's incredible love and willingness to provide a way of salvation. The resurrection, which Christians celebrate during Easter, is the triumph over death and the assurance of eternal life. Jesus' resurrection proved his divinity and confirmed the power of God's love to overcome even the grave.
In the hymn, the lyrics "Visited my heart to calm my fears, eliminating death's sting" directly refer to the impact of Christ's sacrifice. Through his death, believers can find peace and the assurance that their sins are forgiven. The fear of death and the unknown is calmed by the knowledge that Christ has conquered death and offers eternal life. This is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, providing hope and comfort in the face of mortality.
The resurrection is also a vital component of the hymn's message. The line "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all" expresses the overwhelming gratitude and devotion inspired by Christ's sacrifice. Because He rose from the dead, believers can have a personal relationship with God and experience the transforming power of His love. The resurrection is a testament to God's faithfulness and the promise of new life, both in this world and the next.
Reflecting on the death and resurrection of Christ through hymns like "What Wondrous Love Is This" is an important part of the Christian tradition. It allows believers to remember and celebrate the foundation of their faith, and to express their gratitude and devotion. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on the depth of God's love and the incredible gift of salvation offered to all who believe. This hymn, with its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, captures the emotional and spiritual impact of Christ's sacrifice, reminding believers of the wondrous love at the heart of their faith.
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Inclusion in hymnals and adaptations
"What Wondrous Love Is This" is a widely known hymn that has been included in many major hymnals across various Christian denominations. The hymn, often referred to simply as “Wondrous Love,” is considered a traditional American folk song with its roots in the American South. While the author of the hymn remains anonymous, its first publication is traced back to 1811, appearing in Methodist and Baptist hymnals.
Inclusion in Hymnals
The hymn "What Wondrous Love Is This" has been included in numerous hymnals across different Christian denominations. Here are some of the notable hymnals where it can be found:
- Baptist Hymnal: This hymnal is used by Baptist churches and includes the hymn "What Wondrous Love Is This."
- Book of Praise (Presbyterian): The Presbyterian Church utilizes this hymnal, which contains the beloved hymn.
- Chalice Hymnal (Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)): This hymnal is specific to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination and includes the hymn.
- Common Praise (Anglican): Anglican churches use this hymnal, which features "What Wondrous Love Is This."
- The Hymnal 1982 (Episcopalian): Episcopalian churches adopted this hymnal, which includes the well-loved hymn.
- Lutheran Book of Worship: Lutherans find this hymn in their denominational hymnal.
- New Century Hymnal (United Church of Christ): The United Church of Christ utilizes this hymnal, which contains the hymn.
- Presbyterian Hymnal: Another hymnal used by Presbyterian churches, distinct from the Book of Praise.
- Voices United (United Church of Canada): This hymnal is specific to the United Church of Canada denomination.
- The Worshipping Church (interdenominational): An interdenominational hymnal that includes the hymn, catering to a diverse range of Christian traditions.
- Worship (Roman Catholic): Roman Catholics sing this hymn from their denominational hymnal.
- Singing the Living Tradition (Unitarian Universalism): The Unitarian Universalist tradition adapts the hymn with modified lyrics by Connie Campbell Hart to align with their theological perspective.
- A New Hymnal for Colleges and Schools (interdenominational): Another interdenominational hymnal that includes "What Wondrous Love Is This."
- United Methodist Hymnal: The United Methodist Church includes this hymn in their hymnal, sometimes with amended stanzas.
Adaptations
"What Wondrous Love Is This" has also been adapted and incorporated into various other forms of music. Here are some notable adaptations:
- The Southern Harmony (1840): William Walker's second edition of "The Southern Harmony" was the first publication to pair the text of the hymn with its familiar melody, derived from “The Ballad of Captain Kidd." This publication popularized the combination of text and tune.
- The Sacred Harp (1844): B.F. White's shape-note hymnal further promoted the pairing of the hymn text with its traditional melody.
- Singin' Billy (1952): American composer and musicologist Charles F. Bryan included "What Wondrous Love Is This" in his folk opera "Singin' Billy," adapting it for a new musical context.
- Wondrous Love: Variations on a Shape Note Hymn (Op. 34) (1958): American composer Samuel Barber composed this organ piece for the Christ Episcopal Church in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. It begins with a statement based on the traditional hymn, followed by four variations.
- American Hymnsong Suite (2003): Dwayne S. Milburn composed a prelude on "Wondrous Love" as the first movement of his "American Hymnsong Suite" for concert band, showcasing the hymn in a concert setting.
- Blue Highway's Album "Wondrous Love" (2003): The group Blue Highway recorded a new version of the hymn, including it on their album "Wondrous Love," bringing it to a broader audience.
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Frequently asked questions
The hymn is a Christian folk hymn from the American South. Its text was first published in 1811 during the Second Great Awakening. Its melody is believed to be derived from a popular English ballad, "The Ballad of Captain Kidd", which dates back to 1701. The hymn was first set to text in William Walker's second edition of "Southern Harmony" in 1840.
"What Wondrous Love Is This" is a hymn that reflects on the wonderful love of Christ. It speaks to the idea of sinking down into sin and being under God's "righteous frown", but ultimately finding redemption and salvation through Christ's love.
The hymn conveys themes of sin, redemption, and eternal love. It acknowledges our fallen nature and the certainty of death but celebrates Christ's love as a source of hope and salvation. The hymn also expresses a desire to sing and worship God and the Lamb, reflecting a sense of gratitude and devotion.
