HOLY HOLY HOLY [1]

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 1826


“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” — History of the Hymn


Author (Text): Reginald Heber (1783–1826)

Composer (Tune): John Bacchus Dykes (1823–1876)

Tune Name: Nicaea


Origin of the Text


Reginald Heber was an Anglican priest who later became Bishop of Calcutta.


He wrote the text around 1826 specifically for Trinity Sunday, drawing inspiration from Isaiah 6:3 (“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts”) and Revelation 4:8, where heavenly beings proclaim God’s holiness.


The hymn emphasizes the doctrine of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—at a time when Trinitarian teaching was central to Anglican worship.


Publication


Heber died in 1826, and the hymn was published posthumously in 1827 in a collection of his hymns edited by his widow.


It quickly gained popularity for its clear theology and majestic language.


The Tune “Nicaea”


The melody most associated with the hymn, “Nicaea,” was composed in 1861 by John Bacchus Dykes, an English church musician.


The tune’s name refers to the Council of Nicaea (AD 325), which affirmed the doctrine of the Trinity—perfectly matching the hymn’s theme.


Dykes’ stately, rising melody helped cement the hymn’s place as a classic opening hymn for worship.


Use and Legacy


“Holy, Holy, Holy” is now one of the most widely sung Christian hymns in the English-speaking world.


It is commonly used on Trinity Sunday, Ordination services, and as an opening hymn due to its reverent and majestic tone.


The hymn is valued for combining biblical imagery, doctrinal clarity, and congregational accessibility.


Summary


“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” stands as a cornerstone of Christian hymnody—uniting Scripture, theology, and music to express awe before the Triune God. Its enduring popularity reflects both its spiritual depth and musical grandeur.

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