Michael W. Smith - No Eye Had Seen Lyrics
Lyrics
Words: Amy Grant
Music: Michael W. Smith
No eye had seen
No ear had heard
'til hosts on high
Proclaimed the birth
And heav'n brought down
(Quietly with no one watching)
It's only child
(From the womb of perfect peace)
The son of man
(Well spring of our joy delivered)
The world reconciled
(Into earthly destiny)
And song broke forth
Angelic strain
And none could help
But sing the name
Emmanuel
(Kyrie eleison we sing)
Emmanuel
(Glory to the newborn King)
Emmanuel
(Mortal and immortal voices)
Emmanuel
(Endless praises echoing)
Video
No Eye Had Seen
Meaning & Inspiration
Michael W. Smith's "No Eye Had Seen," released on November 28, 2017, stands as a profound reflection on the Nativity, offering a deeply theological and intimate glimpse into the greatest story ever told. Penned by Amy Grant, with music composed by Smith, this song serves as a masterful collaboration, distilling the immense spiritual weight of Christ's birth into a concise yet powerful narrative. It compels listeners to move beyond the familiar holiday narratives and ponder the astonishing, world-altering event that unfolded in such humble surroundings, emphasizing the divine orchestration behind it all.
The song immediately draws its theological anchor from ancient scripture, echoing phrases like "No eye had seen, No ear had heard," which resonate with Isaiah 64:4 and 1 Corinthians 2:9, speaking to the unimaginable wonders God had prepared. This opening sets the stage for a revelation previously concealed from human understanding, a divine secret now unveiled. The text then transitions to the celestial announcement, "til hosts on high Proclaimed the birth," a direct reference to the angelic choir that appeared to the shepherds in Luke 2:9-14, underscoring that the first declaration of this unparalleled event came not from human discovery but from heavenly proclamation.
The profound mystery of the Incarnation unfolds as the song describes "Heav'n brought down It's only child," affirming Jesus' unique divine sonship, as articulated in John 3:16, where God's love is demonstrated through the giving of His "one and only Son." The parenthetical phrase, "(Quietly with no one watching)," introduces a striking contrast: the most significant event in human history occurred in earthly obscurity, a humble stable, far removed from the world's attention or earthly fanfare, beautifully echoing the humility and self-emptying of Christ described in Philippians 2:7-8. Further enhancing this deep dive, "(From the womb of perfect peace)" poetically suggests Christ's pre-existence and divine origin, emanating from an untroubled, holy essence of God, bringing peace to a troubled world.
The lyrics continue to unpack the dual nature of Christ, calling Him "The son of man," a frequent self-designation of Jesus emphasizing both His humanity and His messianic identity, as seen in prophetic texts like Daniel 7:13-14. He is also identified as the "(Well spring of our joy delivered)," a promise fulfilled in Christ, who brings true and lasting joy, a theme celebrated in Psalms like 16:11. The ultimate purpose of this divine intervention is proclaimed as "The world reconciled," a clear articulation of the atonement, where humanity is brought back into fellowship with God through Christ, as detailed in 2 Corinthians 5:19 and Colossians 1:20. His arrival marks the beginning of a divine mission, described as being delivered "(Into earthly destiny)," a purposeful journey leading to redemption.
As this incredible narrative of God's redemptive act unfolds, the response is immediate and universal: "And song broke forth Angelic strain." This reflects the spontaneous worship of the heavenly host in Luke 2:14, and the truth of the Incarnation is so compelling that "none could help But sing the name Emmanuel." The name "Emmanuel," meaning "God with us" (Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14), is the very essence of the Christmas message, signifying the tangible presence of God among humanity. The repetition of "Emmanuel" throughout the song is enriched by liturgical and theological interjections, such as "(Kyrie eleison we sing)," a plea for divine mercy, acknowledging that Christ's coming fulfills our deepest need. The declaration "(Glory to the newborn King)" echoes traditional carols, celebrating Christ's sovereign identity from birth. The joining of "(Mortal and immortal voices)" in praise emphasizes the universal worship of Christ, uniting heaven and earth, as foreshadowed in Revelation 5:13. This collective adoration culminates in "(Endless praises echoing)," signifying the eternal nature of the worship that Christ inspires. "No Eye Had Seen" ultimately serves as a powerful reminder of the profound, world-changing truth of Christ’s birth, inviting all to reflect on its depth, marvel at its humility, and join in the eternal chorus of praise for Emmanuel, God with us.