Alongside pastoral elegies, How Great Thou Art has withstood and still stands as one of the most beloved and performed Christian hymns. From the majesty of God to God’s creation, this hymn captures it all. It all began with Carl Gustav Boberg’s “O Store Gud” (translated “Oh Store Gud”), which in 1885, wrote a poem and later envisioned a song after surging thunderstorms developed an obsessive enthusiasm within him regarding God’s capabilities.
During the 1940s the poem was translated into English by Stuart K. Hine, who, after his missionary work, saw fit to add some of his own verses. It highlights God’s supremacy in nature and his sacrifice for humanity through Christ while hoping for life after death, sure enough making it a favorite choice for many church services, funerals, and gospel performances. The emotional depth embodied in the beautifully crafted melody has certainly played a part in its popularity amongst legendary artists such as Carrie Underwood, Elvis Presley, and George Beverly Shea. Truly, “How Great Thou Art” withstands the relentless test of time alongside patriotism and serves as a mark of worship and respect.
How Great Thou Art Lyrics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Song Title | How Great Thou Art |
| Original Writer | Carl Gustav Boberg (Swedish, 1885) |
| English Translator & Adapter | Stuart K. Hine (1949) |
| Genre | Christian Hymn, Gospel |
| Themes | Worship, God’s Creation, Salvation, Eternal Hope |
| Famous Line | “Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art” |
| Popular Versions By | Elvis Presley, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson |
| Usage | Church services, funerals, worship concerts |
| Legacy | Globally beloved hymn; ranked among greatest gospel songs ever |
How Great Thou Art 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
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
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!
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
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!
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