Pentatonix - How Great Thou Art Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1: Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer & Scott, Jennifer, Scott & Mitch
Oh Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout, the universe displayed
Chorus: Jennifer Hudson, All
Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, to Thee
How great thou art (How great thou art)
How great thou art (How great thou art)
Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, to Thee
How great thou art (How great thou art)
How great thou art (Great thou art)
Verse 2: Scott & Jennifer Hudson
When through the woods, and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze
Chorus: Jennifer Hudson, All
Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, to Thee
How great thou art (How great thou art)
How great thou art (How great thou art)
Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, to Thee
How great thou art (How great thou art)
How great thou art (Great thou art)
Verse 3: Jennifer Hudson
When Christ shall come, with shouts of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim, "My God, how great Thou art"
Chorus: Jennifer Hudson, All
Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, to Thee
How great thou art (How great thou art)
How great thou art (How great thou art)
Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, to Thee
How great thou art (How great thou art)
How great thou art (How great thou art)
How great thou art, how great thou art
Video
[OFFICIAL VIDEO] How Great Thou Art - Pentatonix featuring Jennifer Hudson
Meaning & Inspiration
Pentatonix’s rendition of "How Great Thou Art," released on October 20, 2023, as part of their album *The Greatest Christmas Hits*, offers a powerfully moving interpretation of this timeless hymn, originally penned by Carl Boberg. While the album title might suggest a seasonal focus, this particular track transcends holiday boundaries, delving into the profound spiritual adoration that is the song's core. The meaning of "How Great Thou Art" is rooted in a deep contemplation of God’s magnificent creation, leading to an overwhelming sense of awe and praise. The lyrics beautifully articulate this, from observing the vastness of the cosmos, "When I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds thy hands have made," to the intricate details of nature, like "hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees" and "feel the gentle breeze." These natural elements serve as tangible evidence of divine power and artistry, echoing the sentiment found in Psalms 19:1, which states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." The song’s narrative arc moves from this outward observation of creation to an inward declaration of faith and anticipation of Christ’s return, culminating in a promise of eternal worship.
The strength of Pentatonix’s performance lies not just in their signature vocal arrangements, which are undoubtedly impressive, but in their ability to convey the profound spiritual message of the song with sincerity and reverence. Jennifer Hudson’s commanding presence and emotive delivery are particularly impactful, grounding the performance in a place of deep personal faith. The song’s message directly correlates with the biblical understanding of God’s sovereignty and majesty. The awe inspired by the stars and thunder mirrors the experience of Moses on Mount Sinai when he saw God’s glory, as described in Exodus 33:18: "Then Moses said, 'Please show me your glory.'" Similarly, the peace found in wandering through the woods and hearing the birds’ songs can be seen as a reflection of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:26, reminding us to consider the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, which are cared for by our Heavenly Father. The anticipation of Christ’s return and the joy of being taken home speaks to the Christian hope articulated in scriptures like John 14:2-3, where Jesus promises to prepare a place for his followers, assuring them, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself." Pentatonix’s arrangement, while sophisticated, allows the lyrical content to shine, ensuring that the focus remains on the unwavering declaration of God’s greatness. It’s a rendition that encourages listeners to pause, reflect on the divine presence in both the grand spectacles and the quiet moments of life, and ultimately, to join in the exultant proclamation of faith.