Tutorial: Learning How to Sing “How Great Thou Art” in English (2023)

The History of How Great Thou Art

“How Great Thou Art” is a Christian hymn that was inspired by a Swedish poem named “O Store Gud” by Carl Boberg. The poem was originally published in 1885 in a Swedish Christian newspaper. The poem’s idea came to Carl Boberg’s mind while he was walking back to home from the church when he encountered a sudden thunderstorm. However, the storm vanished, and he saw the peacefulness of the nearby countryside and heard birds singing. He was utterly moved by the beauty of God’s creation and felt an overwhelming sense of divine inspiration that led him to write “O Store Gud.”

In 1923, Stuart K. Hine, who was an English missionary, was working in the Ukraine, where he became inspired by the Swedish poem and translated it into Russian. Later, he translated the Russian version into English, and in 1949, he published the “How Great Thou Art” version that is now famous worldwide. This English version of “How Great Thou Art” has three verses and a refrain that begins, “Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee.”

Since the song’s release, it has become one of the most beloved hymns in Christianity, and it has been translated into hundreds of different languages across the world. The hymn has moved people with its powerful melody and simple yet profound lyrics that praise God’s greatness, mercy, and grace.

Furthermore, “How Great Thou Art” has been a part of many significant events in history such as singing at President Ronald Reagan’s funeral in 2004 and singing at the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997. Also, it has been performed by various artists like Elvis Presley, Carrie Underwood, and Vince Gill, making the song a cultural phenomenon across the globe.

Overall, “How Great Thou Art” continues to inspire and bring hope to people from different walks of life with its message of faith, beauty, and love. Its rich history and long-lasting impact on the Christian community prove the hymn’s worth and how timeless it is.

Understanding the Lyrics of How Great Thou Art

How Great Thou Art is a hymn that stirs the soul with its powerful lyrics and moving melody. Originally written in Swedish in 1885 by Carl Gustav Boberg, the hymn has gone through several translations to become a beloved classic in English-speaking churches around the world. The lyrics describe the magnificence of God’s creation and the wonder of his love and grace, inspiring the listener to marvel at his greatness and give thanks for his blessings.

The First Verse

The first verse of How Great Thou Art paints a vivid picture of God’s magnificence as the creator of the universe. It starts with the line “O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,” inviting the listener to join the hymnist in a moment of awe and reverence. The next line, “Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,” reminds us of the vastness and complexity of the cosmos, a testament to God’s power and wisdom. The verse ends with the refrain “Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; how great Thou art, how great Thou art,” expressing gratitude and adoration for God’s greatness.

The Second Verse

The second verse of How Great Thou Art shifts the focus from the universe to the human experience, highlighting God’s care and compassion for his creatures. It begins with the line “When through the woods and forest glades I wander,” suggesting a peaceful and contemplative setting. The next line, “And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,” evokes a sense of harmony and beauty. The verse then turns to the theme of redemption with the line “When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur, and hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze,” reminding us of the spiritual uplift that comes from communing with nature. The refrain follows, reaffirming the singer’s faith in God’s greatness.

The Third Verse

The third verse of How Great Thou Art amplifies the theme of redemption with a specific reference to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It opens with the line “And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,” reminding us of the ultimate act of love that reconciles us to God. The next line, “Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,” expresses the awe and wonder that such a sacrifice inspires. The verse continues with the line “That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin,” emphasizing the personal significance of Jesus’ sacrifice for the singer. The refrain reinforces the message of gratitude and adoration for God’s greatness.

The Fourth Verse

The fourth and final verse of How Great Thou Art takes the hymn to its emotional climax with a vision of heaven and the triumphant return of Jesus. It begins with the line “When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,” signaling the anticipation and excitement of the believers. The next line, “And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart,” suggests the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise. The verse then ends with the triumphant climax, “Then I shall bow in humble adoration, and there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!” expressing the ultimate realization of the singer’s faith and the glory of God.

The lyrics of How Great Thou Art are more than a simple expression of faith; they form a poetic and emotional journey that connects the believer with the beauty and majesty of God’s creation, the mystery and wonder of his love and grace, and the hope and joy of his promise. Whether sung in a grand cathedral or a small chapel, the hymn has the power to move the soul and inspire the heart.

The Significance of How Great Thou Art in Christian Worship

How Great Thou Art is one of the most popular hymns in Christian worship. It is a hymn that beautifully expresses the awe and wonder that Christians feel towards their God. The lyrics depict the beauty of God’s creation and the greatness of His power. The hymn has been translated into many languages and is sung in churches all over the world. It is a song that has brought comfort and inspiration to many people in times of need.

There are several reasons why How Great Thou Art is significant to Christian worship:

Inspiration

The lyrics of the hymn are inspired by the Bible. They are a reminder of the greatness and majesty of God as described in the scriptures. The words of the hymn are a testament to the faith of the Christian community. They serve as a source of inspiration for believers, reminding them of God’s love and the power of His grace. When Christians sing How Great Thou Art, they are proclaiming their faith and expressing their gratitude to God.

Community

How Great Thou Art is a hymn that brings people together in worship. It is a song that is familiar to many Christians and is often sung in church services. The hymn serves as a means of glorifying God and collective worship. When Christians sing How Great Thou Art together, they are united in their faith and expressing their devotion to God. The hymn creates a sense of community and helps to strengthen the bonds between Christians.

Comfort

How Great Thou Art is a hymn that has brought comfort to many people over the years. The lyrics of the hymn remind us that God is a loving and merciful God who cares for His people. When Christians are going through difficult times, the hymn can be a source of comfort and hope. The hymn reminds us of the unchanging nature of God and the steadfastness of His love. It is a hymn that brings peace to troubled hearts and helps to uplift the spirit.

Overall, How Great Thou Art is a hymn that is rich in meaning and significance for Christian worship. It inspires, unites, and comforts believers, reminding us of the majesty and greatness of God. It is a hymn that has stood the test of time and continues to be sung in churches around the world.

Translations and Variations of How Great Thou Art in Different Languages

How Great Thou Art has become an international hymn that is sung in countless languages. The English version has been translated to over 100 different languages and counting. Some of these translations maintain the original meaning and sound while others offer variations that convey the same message in a culturally appropriate way. Here are a few examples of how the hymn has been translated and adapted in different parts of the world.

Russian: In Russian, the hymn is known as “Velikiy Bog” which translates to “Great God”. The translated version of How Great Thou Art in Russian maintains the original meaning and sound. In 1965, the song became famous in the Soviet Union and was performed by a choir in Moscow in the presence of Premier Kosygin.

Korean: The Korean version of How Great Thou Art is called “Dae Han Sa Rang” which translates to “Great love of Korea”. The lyrics describe the beauty of God’s creation and express love towards the country of Korea. The song’s melody is still familiar to English-speakers, but the lyrics offer a new cultural perspective on the hymn.

Swahili: “Mungu ni Pendo” is the translated version of How Great Thou Art in Swahili. The hymn is still sung to the same melody, but the lyrics express gratitude towards God for His protection and love. The phrase “mungu ni pendo tupu” which means “God is pure love” is repeated throughout the song.

German: In Germany, the hymn is known as “Wie Gross bist du” which translates to “How Great Thou Art”. The translated version maintains the original meaning and sound while expressing gratitude towards God’s love and sacrifices.

Spanish: The Spanish version of How Great Thou Art is known as “Cuan Grande Es El” which means “How Great He Is”. The song has been translated into different versions around Latin America, but the lyrics maintain the original meaning of the hymn. The song is often sung in churches during Easter and Christmas celebrations.

Vietnamese: The Vietnamese version of How Great Thou Art is called “Linh Thieng Thien Chua” which translates to “God’s holy sanctuary”. The lyrics describe the beauty of God’s creation and the blessings of His love. The song is still sung to the same melody, but the lyrics incorporate Vietnamese culture and offer a new perspective on the hymn.

Tagalog: The Filipino version of How Great Thou Art is called “O Diyos, Dakila Ka” which translates to “Oh God, You are great”. The lyrics focus on expressing gratitude towards God for His love and blessings. The song has been covered by many Filipino artists and is often sung in churches across the Philippines.

Norwegian: How Great Thou Art originated in Sweden and was translated into Norwegian by a bishop named Eivind Josef Berggrav. The Norwegian version incorporates traditional Norwegian folk music into the melody of the hymn. The lyrics describe the awe-inspiring beauty of God’s creation and his love for humanity.

These examples are just a small sample of how How Great Thou Art has been translated and adapted in different languages around the world. The hymn’s message of gratitude towards God and the beauty of His creation is universal and resonates with people from all backgrounds.

Singing How Great Thou Art with Conviction and Devotion

The hymn “How Great Thou Art” is one of the most beloved hymns sung by Christians all around the world. It’s a beautiful song that expresses the greatness of God and the love that He has for us. When singing this hymn, it’s important to sing with conviction and devotion so that we can fully experience the power of the song. Here are five ways that we can sing “How Great Thou Art” with conviction and devotion:

1. Understand the meaning of the lyrics

Before singing any song, it’s important to understand the meaning behind the lyrics. “How Great Thou Art” was originally a poem written in Swedish by Carl Gustav Boberg in 1885. The song was later translated into English by Stuart K. Hine in 1949. The lyrics of the song are about the beauty of nature and how it reminds us of the greatness of God. They also speak of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. Understanding the meaning behind the lyrics can help us sing with more conviction and devotion.

2. Focus on the melody and harmony

The melody and harmony of “How Great Thou Art” are both beautiful and powerful. The melody is simple but memorable, and the harmony adds depth and richness to the song. Focusing on the melody and harmony can help us connect with the song on a deeper level and sing with more conviction.

3. Raise your voice with passion

When singing “How Great Thou Art,” it’s important to sing with passion. The song is meant to be sung loudly and boldly, expressing our love and devotion to God. We should raise our voices with passion and let our hearts overflow with love for God as we sing this beautiful hymn.

4. Let the song lead you in worship

“How Great Thou Art” is a song of worship, and it should be treated as such. When singing this hymn, we should let the song lead us in worship. We should allow ourselves to be fully engaged in the song and let it take us to a place of worship where we can fully express our love and devotion to God.

5. Sing with a grateful heart

Finally, we should sing “How Great Thou Art” with a grateful heart. The song reminds us of all the wonderful things that God has done for us, and we should sing with gratitude for all that He has done. Singing with a grateful heart can help us connect with the song on a deeper level and express our love and devotion to God more fully.

In conclusion, singing “How Great Thou Art” with conviction and devotion is a wonderful way to express our love and devotion to God. By understanding the meaning of the lyrics, focusing on the melody and harmony, raising our voices with passion, letting the song lead us in worship, and singing with a grateful heart, we can fully experience the power of this beautiful hymn.

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