HOW GREAT THOU ART

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 1885



“How Great Thou Art” – A Brief History of the Hymn


“How Great Thou Art” is one of the most beloved Christian hymns worldwide, known for its powerful expression of awe at God’s creation and redemption. Its history spans several countries and cultures.


1. Origin as a Poem (1885, Sweden)


The hymn began as a poem, not a song.


Author: Carl Gustav Boberg (1859–1940), a Swedish pastor and poet.


Year: 1885


Original title: “O Store Gud” (“O Great God”)


Boberg was inspired after witnessing a dramatic thunderstorm followed by calm weather. As church bells rang and birds sang, he reflected on the majesty and power of God in nature. That experience led him to write the poem, which was later published in a Swedish newspaper.


2. Early Musical Setting


The poem was eventually set to a Swedish folk melody, which helped it spread among congregations in Scandinavia. The hymn became popular in Sweden and neighboring countries before reaching the English-speaking world.


3. Translation and Expansion


The hymn traveled internationally through translations:


German translation: Manfred von Glehn


Russian translation: Ivan S. Prokhanov


The Russian version was especially important, as it later influenced the English translation.


4. English Version (1949)


The most famous English version was translated by Stuart K. Hine, a British missionary, around 1949.


Hine encountered the hymn while serving in Eastern Europe.


He translated it into English and added new verses, especially the verse about Christ’s return:


“When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation…”


This verse was not part of Boberg’s original poem but became central to the hymn’s theological message.


5. Worldwide Popularity


“How Great Thou Art” gained massive popularity in the mid-20th century:


It became a staple in Protestant worship.


Billy Graham crusades featured the hymn prominently.


Gospel singer George Beverly Shea helped popularize it globally.


Elvis Presley recorded the hymn, winning a Grammy Award for his gospel performance.


6. Themes and Significance


The hymn emphasizes:


God’s power in creation


God’s love shown through Christ


Hope in Christ’s second coming


Personal worship and humility before God


7. Legacy


Today, “How Great Thou Art” is sung in countless languages and denominations. It is often ranked among the greatest hymns of all time, cherished for its rich theology, emotional depth, and majestic melody.

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