The Crabb Family - My King Is Known By Love Lyrics
Lyrics
Some are known by great authority
For kingdoms far as eyes can see
In royal robes, they rule from thrones
Waging war they overthrow the weak
And call it victory
My King is known by mercy
My King is known by grace
For the hope in his name
And a power that saves
My King is known by the cross
My King is known by an empty grave
Oh in all that he does
My King is known by love
I can almost see him even now
Rejected, with thorns upon his brown
What kind of King would leave his throne
And make my sin and shame his own
Yet he gave his life for me
He gave his life for me
A love that welcomes everyone
As his daughters and his sons
And no one is turned away
My King is known by mercy
My King is known by grace
For the hope in his name
And a power that saves
My King is known by the cross
My King is known by an empty grave
Oh in all that he does
My King is known by love
Video
The Crabb Family - "My King Is Known By Love" (Official Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
The Crabb Family's "My King Is Known By Love," released on their 2020 album *20/20*, offers a profound contemplation of kingship, starkly contrasting earthly power with the transformative nature of divine love. The song immediately sets this dichotomy, presenting rulers known for their authority, territorial dominion, and the subjugation of the weak as a prelude to introducing a different kind of Sovereign. This lyrical approach immediately elevates the song beyond a simple declaration of faith; it's an invitation to re-evaluate what true power and rulership signify. The core message, as its title suggests, is that the identity and essence of this King are not found in earthly accolades or forceful conquest, but in the inexhaustible wellspring of His love.
The narrative woven into the lyrics delves into the heart of Christian theology, specifically the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The song thoughtfully explores how this King's reign is defined not by "great authority" or "kingdoms far as eyes can see," but by profound acts of "mercy" and "grace." This directly echoes biblical descriptions of God's character, such as in Exodus 34:6 where God declares, "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." The song’s emphasis on "the hope in his name and a power that saves" speaks to the very foundation of the Gospel message – that salvation is not earned but freely given through faith in Christ. The powerful imagery of "the cross" and "an empty grave" are pivotal, serving as tangible reminders of the sacrifice made and the victory over sin and death. This resonates with the Apostle Paul's declaration in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day. The lyrics poetically capture the astonishment and humility of a King who would willingly abandon His throne, symbolized by the "thorns upon his brow," to bear the weight of human sin and shame. This selfless act of giving His life, a theme that permeates the song, directly aligns with John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
Furthermore, the song extends this radical love to all, proclaiming a welcome to everyone "as his daughters and his sons," with "no one is turned away." This inclusivity is a hallmark of Christ's ministry, demonstrated by His interactions with those on the fringes of society and His universal invitation to His kingdom, as seen in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." The Crabb Family's delivery amplifies this message, making "My King Is Known By Love" an anthem of profound hope and an inspiring testament to the boundless and redemptive nature of God's affection, encouraging listeners to anchor their understanding of true kingship not in worldly power, but in the enduring grace and love of their Savior.