The splendor of a King,
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice,
All the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light,
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at his voice,
And trembles at his voice
How great is our God,
sing with me
How great is our God,
and all who sing
How great, How great
Is our God
Age to age he stands
And time is in His Hands
Beginning and the End,
Beginning and the End
The Godhead, Three in one
Father, Spirit, Son
The Lion and the Lamb,
The Lion and the Lamb
How great is our God,
sing with me
How great is our God,
and all who sing
How great, How great
Is our God
Name above all names
You are Worthy of all praise
and My heart will sing how great
Is our God
(x2)
How great is our God,
Sing with me
How great is our God,
and all who sing
How great, How great
Is our God
How great is our God,
Sing with me
How great is our God,
and who sing
How great, How great
Is our God
How Great Is Our God
How Great Is Our God Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Don Moen's rendition of "How Great Is Our God" stands as a widely cherished anthem in contemporary Christian worship, known for its powerful declaration of God's majesty and character. While the song was popularized by Chris Tomlin, Don Moen's performance has resonated deeply with global audiences, contributing to its enduring impact. A video featuring Don Moen presenting this song was released on March 6, 2023, further sharing this worship staple with viewers online.
The lyrics begin by portraying God as a King robed in splendor and majesty, prompting a call for the whole earth to rejoice in His presence. This imagery highlights God's supreme authority and glorious appearance. The song continues by depicting God wrapping Himself in light, a powerful metaphor signifying His purity, holiness, and glory, before which darkness cannot stand and trembles at His voice. This establishes God as the ultimate source of light and power, sovereign over all creation and the forces of darkness.
The chorus serves as a central invitation and declaration, urging listeners to join in proclaiming "How great is our God." This repetitive yet impactful phrase underscores the song's core message and purpose: to lead congregants and individuals in expressing awe and reverence for the divine. It shifts the focus from describing God's attributes to actively engaging the worshiper in acknowledging and vocalizing His greatness.
Moving through the verses, the song delves deeper into God's eternal nature. It describes Him as standing "Age to age," holding time in His hands, signifying His existence outside of temporal limitations. The lyrics declare Him as the "Beginning and the End," affirming His role as the Alpha and Omega, the origin and conclusion of all things. A fundamental Christian doctrine is then presented with the mention of the "Godhead, Three in one, Father, Spirit, Son," clearly articulating the concept of the Trinity. The verse concludes with the powerful juxtaposition of "The Lion and the Lamb," symbolizing Christ's dual nature as both powerful King and sacrificial savior, a key theme in Christian theology.
The song culminates in a bridge and repeated chorus, focusing on God's supreme position and worthiness. Declaring Him the "Name above all names" emphasizes His unparalleled authority and uniqueness. The lyrics affirm that He is "Worthy of all praise," a foundational truth in worship. The personal commitment follows, stating, "My heart will sing how great is our God," bringing the collective declaration into individual heartfelt worship. This personal pledge reinforces the theme that the recognition of God's greatness should lead to genuine, personal expression of praise. The song's structure, moving from universal declaration to specific attributes and then back to collective and personal praise, effectively guides the listener into a posture of worship grounded in theological truth.
Scriptural themes woven throughout the lyrics are evident. The description of God's majesty and clothing Himself in light echoes passages like Psalm 104:1-2, which speaks of God being clothed with splendor and majesty and wrapping Himself in light. His eternal nature as the Beginning and the End is a direct reference found in Revelation 1:8 and 21:6. The concept of the Godhead, Three in One, encapsulates the doctrine of the Trinity, referenced in various New Testament passages such as Matthew 28:19 and 2 Corinthians 13:14. The symbolic titles of "The Lion and the Lamb" for Christ are drawn from Revelation 5:5-6. Finally, proclaiming God as the "Name above all names" who is worthy of all praise resonates with Philippians 2:9 and numerous Psalms (e.g., Psalm 145). The song effectively distills profound biblical truths into accessible and singable phrases that facilitate corporate and individual worship experiences, inspiring believers to reflect on and celebrate the immeasurable greatness of God.