How great thou art lyrics began as a Swedish poem written by Carl Boberg in 1885, with the English version published by Stuart K. Hine in 1949. This guide is for worshippers, hymn lovers, and families choosing funeral or church music. You will understand the story behind the hymn and why its message still moves millions. A thunderstorm changed hymn history. Do you know how? One sudden storm, followed by calm, inspired words sung in churches worldwide.
The how great thou art lyrics are more than poetry; they are a prayer. Many people sing the how great thou art hymn without knowing its true origin. You are about to discover the story behind the lyrics to how great thou art. The how great thou art hymn lyrics carry a hidden journey across Sweden, Russia, and England. Skip this, and you will never feel the then sings my soul lyrics chorus the same way.
Details About How Great Thou Art Lyrics
How Great Thou Art is one of the most beloved Christian hymns of all time, and its lyrics speak to the heart of anyone who has stood in wonder before the beauty of the world. The song moves from admiration of nature, like mountains, forests, and thunder, to a deeper reflection on sacrifice, redemption, and the hope of eternal life. Its sincere words and majestic tone make it a favorite in churches, funerals, weddings, and personal moments of prayer, reminding listeners of humility, thankfulness, and unwavering faith.
| Detail | Information |
| Song Title | How Great Thou Art |
| Original Title | O Store Gud (Swedish) |
| Original Lyricist | Carl Boberg (Swedish pastor and poet, 1859-1940) |
| Year Written | 1885, published in 1886 |
| Inspiration | A thunderstorm followed by calm, which Boberg experienced near Mönsterås, Sweden |
| Melody | Traditional Swedish folk melody |
| German Translation | Manfred von Glehn (1907), titled Wie groß bist du |
| Russian Translation | Ivan Prokhanov (1912), titled Velikiy Bog |
| English Version Writer | Stuart K. Hine (English missionary), published 1949 |
| Genre | Christian hymn / Gospel |
| Theme | Awe of creation, worship, salvation, gratitude, and hope of eternal life |
| Most Famous Early Performer | George Beverly Shea, who sang it at Billy Graham’s crusades from 1954 |
| Other Notable Singers | Elvis Presley (1967 recording, which won a Grammy for Best Sacred Performance), Mahalia Jackson, Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood |
| Common Occasions | Church services, funerals, weddings, and prayer |
How Great Thou Art Lyrics
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
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee
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
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
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee
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
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow with humble adoration
And then proclaim, “My God, how great Thou art”
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who originally wrote How Great Thou Art?
Carl Boberg, a Swedish pastor and poet, originally wrote the poem O Store Gud in 1885, inspired by a thunderstorm near Mönsterås, Sweden.
Do Catholics sing How great thou art?
Yes, Catholics commonly sing it. Although it is a Protestant hymn by origin, many Catholic parishes include it in worship, funerals, and hymnals today.
Who wrote the lyrics to the song How Great Thou Art?
Carl Boberg wrote the original Swedish words in 1885, while English missionary Stuart K. Hine wrote the widely used English version, published in 1949.
Is How Great Thou Art an appropriate funeral song?
Yes, it is a very popular funeral hymn. Its message of hope, comfort, and eternal life offers reassurance to grieving families and mourners.
What is the meaning of how great thou art lyrics?
They express awe at God’s creation, from thunder to forests, and gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice, ending with hope of eternal life in heaven.
Are how great thou art lyrics copyrighted?
Stuart K. Hine’s English version remains under copyright, so permission is needed for printing, while Boberg’s Swedish original is in the public domain.
Conclusion
How great thou art lyrics trace back to Carl Boberg, who wrote the Swedish poem O Store Gud in 1885 after a thunderstorm near Mönsterås. Stuart K. Hine’s English version, published in 1949, shaped the lyrics to how great thou art that congregations sing today.
The how great thou art hymn moves from nature’s grandeur to Christ’s sacrifice and the promise of eternal life. Its four verses, paired with a recurring chorus, make the how great thou art hymn lyrics easy to remember and deeply moving. The then sings my soul lyrics refrain captures the heart of the message: worship born from wonder. It still brings comfort, humility, and hope.