Lyrics
Tenors
sing praises to the king
for he is the king of kings
sing praises to the king
for he's the king of kings
(repeat)
give him glory, for he's the king of kings
give him glory, for he's the king of kings
give him glory, for he's the king of kings
give him glory, for he's the king of kings
Sopranos
sing praises to the king
for he is the king of kings
sing praises to the king
for he's the king of kings
(repeat)
give him glory, for he's the king of kings (harmony)
give him glory, for he's the king of kings
give him glory, for he's the king of kings
give him glory, for he's the king of kings
All
all hail king jesus
all hail emmanuel
all hail king jesus
all hail emmanuel
he reigns forever
he reigns forever
he reigns forever
and ever more
(repeat as directed)
Sopranos
he reigns
Altos
he reigns
Tenors
he reigns
(repeat as directed)
All
he reigns forever
he reigns forever
he reigns forever
and ever more
(repeat as directed)
all hail king jesus
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
He Reigns Forever is a choir praise song that proclaims Jesus as King of kings. The parts call out in turn: tenors and sopranos sing praises to the king for He is King of kings, the choir gives Him glory, and everyone joins to hail King Jesus and Emmanuel. The ending repeats that He reigns forever and ever more.
The titles come from Revelation 19:16 and 1 Timothy 6:15 on King of kings, Matthew 1:23 on Emmanuel, and Revelation 11:15 on His reign forever and ever, with Psalm 47:6-7 on singing praises to the King. The notes for tenors, sopranos, altos and all show that the song is arranged for a choir with repeated sections, and the layered entries build excitement toward the final declaration. Plain and rhythmic, it is easy for a congregation to join, and its message stays focused on the kingship of Christ.
Related Scripture
- Revelation 19:16 Christ is named King of kings and Lord of lords.
- Revelation 11:15 The kingdom of the world becomes the kingdom of the Lord and of His Christ, who reigns forever.
- Psalm 47:6-7 The psalm calls for singing praises to God the King of all the earth.