Carrie Underwood - How Great Thou Art Lyrics

How Great Thou Art

How Great Thou Art Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

"How Great Thou Art," as performed by Carrie Underwood and released in a video format on April 5, 2021, is a powerful rendition of a beloved Christian hymn. The song itself traces its origins through multiple adaptations and translations, eventually reaching its widely recognized English form based on a Swedish poem. Underwood's performance brings renewed attention to this classic, allowing its profound message to resonate with a contemporary audience while maintaining its timeless reverence.

The first verse sets a scene of awe and wonder, contemplating the vastness of creation. The lyrics paint a picture of observing the universe, from the stars above to the sound of thunder, acknowledging these natural phenomena as direct evidence of God's immense power and creative hand. This initial contemplation of the physical world leads directly into the soul's response in the powerful, repetitive chorus: "Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art." This central declaration serves as the song's core, a direct expression of worship prompted by the realization of divine greatness.

The second verse shifts focus from the majesty of creation to the depth of redemption. It reflects on the profound act of God sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross. The lyrics convey the staggering nature of this sacrifice, acknowledging that Christ willingly bore the burden of human sin. The image of bleeding and dying to take away sin underscores the immense cost of salvation. This contemplation of God's sacrificial love in sending His Son brings the worshiper back to the same heartfelt response expressed in the chorus, reinforcing that God's greatness is manifest not only in creation but supremely in redemption.

The hymn concludes with a forward-looking perspective, anticipating the future return of Christ. The final verse envisions a moment of triumphant return, marked by a "shout of acclamation," leading the believer home. This future event is depicted as a time of ultimate joy and humble adoration. The promise of bowing down in worship and proclaiming God's greatness upon Christ's return provides a hopeful and worshipful climax to the song's journey from contemplating creation and redemption to anticipating eternal life and worship. The repetition of the chorus following this verse underscores that the ultimate act of worship is acknowledging and proclaiming God's greatness in every age and circumstance, from creation to consummation.

Several scripture references resonate deeply with the themes explored in "How Great Thou Art." The contemplation of creation's grandeur reflecting God's power aligns with passages like Psalm 19:1, which states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." The sacrifice of Christ depicted in the second verse echoes foundational Christian beliefs found in verses such as John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," and Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." The anticipation of Christ's return and the future worship described in the final verse corresponds with biblical promises found in passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, describing the Lord descending with a shout, and Revelation 22:20, which includes the prayer, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." These scriptural connections highlight the deep biblical roots of the hymn's message.