How Great Thou Art Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
How Great Thou Art by Alan Jackson: A Timeless Hymn of Worship
Introduction
"How Great Thou Art" is a beloved Christian hymn that has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. Originally a Swedish poem written by Carl Boberg in 1885, it was later translated into English by Stuart K. Hine and set to a Swedish folk melody. Over the years, this hymn has been performed by numerous artists, including the renowned country singer Alan Jackson.
1. The Meaning of "How Great Thou Art"
The hymn "How Great Thou Art" is a powerful expression of praise and adoration to God. With its vivid imagery and heartfelt lyrics, it encourages believers to reflect on the greatness and majesty of God. The song acknowledges God as the creator of the universe, the source of salvation, and the one who deserves all honor and glory.
The opening lines of the hymn set the tone for the rest of the song: "O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, / Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made." These words convey a sense of awe and amazement at the vastness and beauty of God's creation. It prompts us to reflect on the wonders of nature and recognize God as the master artist behind it all.
The chorus of the song captures the essence of its message: "Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, / How great Thou art, How great Thou art." Here, the singer's soul is moved to worship and praise God for His greatness. It is a personal response to the revelation of God's character and works, acknowledging His sovereignty and worthiness of adoration.
2. The Inspiration and Story Behind "How Great Thou Art"
The inspiration behind "How Great Thou Art" can be traced back to a stormy day in 1885 when Carl Boberg, a Swedish pastor, witnessed the power and grandeur of God's creation. As the story goes, Boberg found himself caught in a severe thunderstorm while walking home from church. The thunder and lightning filled the sky, and the winds howled around him. Despite the danger and uncertainty of the moment, Boberg felt a profound sense of peace and awe in the presence of God.
Overwhelmed by the experience, Boberg penned the original Swedish poem "O Store Gud" (O Great God) as a reflection on the storm and his encounter with God's power. The poem was published in 1886 and quickly gained popularity in Sweden, spreading throughout the country and eventually being translated into various languages.
In 1927, Stuart K. Hine, an English missionary, came across the Swedish version of the poem while visiting Ukraine. Deeply moved by its message, Hine decided to translate it into English and added several verses of his own. The resulting English version became the hymn we know today as "How Great Thou Art."
3. Bible Verses Related to "How Great Thou Art"
The lyrics of "How Great Thou Art" are deeply rooted in biblical truths and draw inspiration from various passages of Scripture. Let's explore some of these verses:
a) Psalm 19:1-2 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge." This verse reflects the opening lines of the hymn, which acknowledge God's handiwork in creation. It emphasizes the idea that nature itself testifies to the greatness of God.
b) Isaiah 40:26 - "Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one is missing." This verse echoes the second verse of the hymn, which highlights God's role as the creator of all things and His intimate knowledge of His creation.
c) Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This verse relates to the third verse of the hymn, which speaks of Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. It reminds us of God's incredible love and the price He paid to redeem us from sin.
d) Revelation 5:12 - "In a loud voice they were saying: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'" This verse aligns with the final verse of the hymn, which anticipates the future return of Christ and the worship that will take place in His presence. It emphasizes the eternal worthiness of God to receive all honor and glory.
Conclusion
"How Great Thou Art" is a timeless hymn that continues to resonate with believers across generations. Whether sung in a church service, performed by a talented artist like Alan Jackson, or quietly whispered in personal worship, this hymn carries a powerful message of praise and adoration to God. Its lyrics remind us of the greatness of our Creator, the love of our Savior, and the hope we have in Christ's return. As we sing these words, may our souls be stirred to worship and declare, "How great Thou art!"
