Hillsong Worship - What A Beautiful Name It Is Lyrics
Lyrics
You were the Word at the beginning
One with God the Lord Most High
Your hidden glory in creation
Now revealed in You our Christ
What a beautiful Name it is
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a beautiful Name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus
You didn’t want heaven without us
So Jesus You brought heaven down
My sin was great Your love was greater
What could separate us now
What a wonderful Name it is
What a wonderful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a wonderful Name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a wonderful Name it is
The Name of Jesus
What a wonderful Name it is
The Name of Jesus
Bridge
Death could not hold You
The veil tore before You
You silence the boast of sin and grave
The heavens are roaring
The praise of Your glory
For You are raised to life again
You have no rival
You have no equal
Now and forever God You reign
Yours is the kingdom
Yours is the glory
Yours is the Name above all names
What a powerful Name it is
What a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a powerful Name it is
Nothing can stand against
What a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus
What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus
What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus
Video
What A Beautiful Name - Hillsong Worship
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on September 30, 2016, Hillsong Worship’s "What A Beautiful Name It Is" emerged as an anthem that swiftly resonated across the global church, solidifying its place as a cornerstone in contemporary worship. This song wasn't simply written; it was crafted as a profound theological declaration, aiming to articulate the multifaceted nature of Jesus Christ in a way that is both accessible for congregational singing and deeply enriching for individual reflection. Its purpose is to guide worshippers into a deeper understanding and adoration of the name of Jesus, systematically unfolding His identity, work, and eternal reign through a powerful lyrical progression.
The song immediately establishes the eternal pre-existence and divine nature of Jesus, declaring His identity as the Word who was with God at the very beginning, echoing the majestic opening of John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." It portrays Christ as not merely a part of creation, but its source and sustainer, as Colossians 1:16-17 clarifies, "For by Him all things were created... and in Him all things hold together." The hidden glory of God, previously discernible through the natural world (Romans 1:20), is now fully revealed in the person of Jesus, the very "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being," as stated in Hebrews 1:3. This initial revelation sets a foundational truth: Jesus is divine, eternal, and the ultimate unveiling of God's character, prompting the declaration that His name is uniquely beautiful.
As the song progresses, it delves into the profound narrative of redemption, painting a vivid picture of God's relentless love for humanity. It expresses the staggering truth that Jesus, in His boundless love, "didn't want heaven without us," and so He willingly descended, bringing heaven down to earth. This sentiment beautifully captures the incarnation, the divine choosing to become human, as articulated in Philippians 2:6-8, where Christ "made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant." The lyrics then confront the stark reality of human sin against the overwhelming magnitude of divine grace: "My sin was great Your love was greater." This echoes Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The rhetorical question, "What could separate us now," powerfully asserts the secure and unbreakable bond forged by Christ's sacrifice, reflecting the assurance of Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate believers from the love of God. This segment inspires a shift in perception, moving from the *beauty* of His name to the *wonder* of His salvific work.
The bridge serves as a magnificent crescendo, proclaiming Christ's ultimate victory over death and sin. It declares that "Death could not hold You," a direct testament to the resurrection, the cornerstone of Christian faith, as seen in Acts 2:24 where Peter proclaims God "raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death." The imagery of "The veil tore before You" powerfully references Matthew 27:51, signifying that through Christ's death, direct access to God was made available, fulfilling the purpose of the temple veil that separated humanity from God's presence. "You silence the boast of sin and grave" celebrates the triumph anticipated in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, where death is swallowed up in victory. The ensuing lines, "The heavens are roaring the praise of Your glory, For You are raised to life again," evoke a vision of universal acclamation for the resurrected Christ, reminiscent of the celestial worship described in Revelation 5. The bridge culminates in a powerful assertion of Christ's unparalleled supremacy: "You have no rival, You have no equal, Now and forever God You reign." This truth is firmly rooted in Scripture, such as Isaiah 44:6, where God declares, "I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God." The declaration that "Yours is the kingdom, Yours is the glory, Yours is the Name above all names" resonates with the doxology of the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:13) and the exaltation of Philippians 2:9-11, which proclaims that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. This comprehensive declaration of His sovereignty leads naturally to the final, emphatic declaration that His name is not merely beautiful or wonderful, but unequivocally *powerful*. The final chorus underlines that "Nothing can stand against" this powerful name, reinforcing the absolute authority of Jesus, who disarmed the powers and authorities (Colossians 2:15) and sits at the right hand of God, far above all rule and authority (Ephesians 1:20-22).
"What A Beautiful Name It Is" is far more than a catchy tune; it is a meticulously crafted theological journey. It progressively unveils the attributes of Jesus Christ – His divinity, His redemptive work, and His ultimate victory and reign – prompting a deep and comprehensive worship response. By moving from beauty to wonder to power, the song guides the worshipper through a profound understanding of Jesus' identity and His unparalleled significance in salvation history and personal faith. It serves as an enduring call to fix our gaze on the incomparable name of Jesus, inspiring courage, instilling hope, and affirming the unshakeable truth of His supreme authority for all who encounter it.