How Great Thou Art
Author: Stuart K. Hine (1949)·Music: Swedish folk melody·Scripture: Psalm 8:3-4
Meaning & History
Based on a Swedish poem by Carl Boberg, this hymn invites the worshipper to behold creation, the cross, and Christ's return — and to respond in awe. It is a staple of SDA worship for Sabbath and evangelistic services.
Lyrics
Verse 1
O 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.
Refrain
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Verse 2
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.
Refrain
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Verse 3
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in, That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.
Refrain
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Verse 4
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!
Refrain
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art!