Who is this King of Glory
That pursues me with his love
And haunts me with each hearing
Of His softly spoken words
My conscience, a reminder
Of forgiveness that I need
Who is this King of Glory
Who offers it to me
Who is this King of Angels,
Oh blessed Prince of Peace
Revealing things of Heaven
And all its mysteries
My spirit's ever longing
For His grace in which to stand
Who's this King of Glory,
Son of God and son of man
Chorus:
His name is Jesus
Precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty
The King of my heart
The King of glory
Who is this King of Glory
With strength and majesty
And wisdom beyond measure
The gracious King of kings
The Lord of Earth and Heaven
The Creator of all things
He is the King of Glory
He's everything to me
Chorus
The Lord of Earth and Heaven
The Creator of all things
Who is this King of Glory
He's everything to me
Chorus
King of Glory
King of Glory Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Third Day's impactful song "King of Glory," which featured a video released on June 11, 2009, presents a series of heartfelt inquiries exploring the identity and nature of the divine. The lyrics begin with a personal reflection, posing the fundamental question, "Who is this King of Glory?" This initial query immediately establishes a tone of wonder and seeks to understand the one who actively pursues the singer with love and whose "softly spoken words" resonate deeply. The theme of conscience is introduced as a reminder of needed forgiveness, leading back to the core question of the King's identity, specifically highlighting His gracious offer of this essential forgiveness.
The song continues to build upon the initial question by layering various titles and attributes associated with this King. He is identified as the "King of Angels" and the "blessed Prince of Peace," titles that point to His celestial authority and His role in bringing reconciliation. The lyrics note that this King reveals "things of Heaven and all its mysteries," suggesting a source of profound spiritual knowledge and insight. Amidst these revelations, the singer expresses an enduring spiritual need, a "spirit's ever longing for His grace," grounding the awe-inspiring nature of the King in a personal need for His favor. The question is then posed again, adding the significant identifiers "Son of God and son of man," clearly pointing to the dual nature of Jesus Christ.
Expanding further on the majesty of this figure, the lyrics describe the King of Glory as possessing immeasurable strength, majesty, wisdom, and grace, identifying Him as the "gracious King of kings." The scope of His dominion is declared to be vast, encompassing "The Lord of Earth and Heaven" and the "Creator of all things." This establishes His supreme authority and creative power. The transition from these grand, universal declarations to the deeply personal is striking as the lyrics culminate in the declaration, "He is the King of Glory / He's everything to me," shifting from an exploration of His objective power to a statement of His ultimate personal significance.
The chorus provides a clear and powerful declaration, answering the questions posed throughout the verses. "His name is Jesus," it proclaims, explicitly identifying the King of Glory. The chorus reinforces this identity with titles like "Precious Jesus," "The Lord Almighty," and significantly, "The King of my heart." This shift from the universal "King of Glory" to the personal "King of my heart" encapsulates the song's journey from contemplating divine power and identity to embracing a personal relationship. Repeating the title "The King of glory" ties the personal commitment back to the grand divine nature.
The title "King of Glory" itself holds deep roots in scripture, particularly in Psalm 24, which speaks of opening the gates for the King of Glory to come in and asks, "Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle... The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory." The song's themes of pursuit by divine love and the offer of forgiveness align with numerous passages throughout the Bible describing God's grace and redemptive work. The identification of Jesus as "Son of God and son of man" points directly to New Testament teachings about Christ's identity (e.g., Matthew 16:16, John 1:14). His role as the "Lord of Earth and Heaven" and "Creator of all things" echoes scriptures like Colossians 1:16-17 and Hebrews 1:2. The declaration of Jesus as the "Prince of Peace" is found in Isaiah 9:6.
Ultimately, "King of Glory" is an inspirational song that takes the listener on a journey of discovering and acknowledging the multifaceted identity of God, culminating in the realization that this powerful, glorious King desires a personal relationship and is worthy of reigning in the heart. It invites contemplation on the awe-inspiring nature of the Creator and Redeemer while emphasizing the intimate truth that this same divine being offers grace, forgiveness, and relentless love. The song serves as both a hymn of worship, declaring the King's attributes, and a personal testimony, affirming His supreme place in the believer's life.