What is the origin of “How Great Thou Art”? The hymn “How Great Thou Art” began as a Swedish poem written by Carl Boberg in 1885, inspired by a beautiful summer day and a profound sense of awe at creation. It was later translated into English by Stuart K. Hine.
For many, the soaring melody and profound lyrics of “How Great Thou Art” evoke a deep sense of peace and wonder. This beloved hymn, a cornerstone of evangelical hymnology, has touched millions of hearts across generations. But how did this powerful expression of faith come to be? The story behind its creation is as compelling as the hymn itself, weaving together personal experience, natural beauty, and spiritual reflection.
The Genesis of a Masterpiece: Carl Boberg’s Inspiration
The heart of the hymn’s origin lies with Carl Boberg, a Swedish preacher, lyricist, and Member of Parliament. Boberg was born in 1859 in Sweden and lived a life deeply rooted in faith and service. His profound connection to God and his appreciation for the natural world were the fertile ground from which “How Great Thou Art” sprang.
The inspiration for “How Great Thou Art” is famously attributed to a specific, unforgettable experience. It was the summer of 1885, and Boberg was enjoying a particularly glorious day in the Swedish countryside. The sun shone brightly, the birds sang, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees. As he stood amidst this breathtaking scenery, Boberg was overcome with a profound sense of awe and gratitude towards his Creator. The sheer majesty of the natural world served as a powerful testament to God’s power and glory.
It was in this moment of overwhelming spiritual and emotional connection that Boberg felt compelled to capture his feelings in words. He began to compose a poem, translating the beauty he witnessed into a spiritual reflection. The initial Swedish poem, titled “O Store Gud” (O Great God), was born from this personal encounter with the divine in nature.
A Moment of Divine Revelation
Boberg’s experience was not merely an aesthetic appreciation of nature; it was a deeply spiritual one. He saw the hand of God in every element: the vast sky, the rolling hills, the singing birds, and the peaceful streams. These natural wonders became conduits for his worship, prompting him to exclaim, “O Store Gud, när jag den storhet skådar…” (O Great God, when I consider thy greatness…). This initial stanza beautifully sets the tone for the entire hymn, emphasizing the overwhelming majesty of God as revealed through creation.
The history of “How Great Thou Art” truly begins with this spontaneous outpouring of faith from Boberg. He didn’t set out to write a hymn that would echo through centuries; he simply responded to a heart overflowing with praise.
From Swedish Poem to Global Anthem: The Stuart K. Hine Translation
While Carl Boberg penned the original Swedish words, the hymn’s journey to global acclaim was significantly shaped by an English translation. This critical step in hymn authorship was undertaken by Stuart K. Hine.
Stuart K. Hine was a British missionary and translator. His encounter with Boberg’s poem occurred later, in the early 20th century, while he was working in Russia. Hine was deeply moved by the poem’s spiritual depth and its powerful message. He recognized its potential to inspire faith in a broader audience.
The Art of Translation
The translation process is often more than just converting words from one language to another. It involves capturing the spirit, emotion, and theological nuances of the original work. Stuart K. Hine undertook the Stuart K. Hine translation with great care and devotion. He aimed not just to translate the literal meaning but to convey the profound spiritual experience that Boberg had felt.
Hine’s translation, which he completed around 1933, beautifully rendered Boberg’s Swedish verses into evocative English. He managed to retain the awe-inspiring descriptions of creation and the heartfelt expressions of worship. It is his version that most of the world knows and sings today.
The “How Great Thou Art” lyrics as we know them are largely the product of Hine’s masterful translation. He meticulously chose words that would resonate with English-speaking congregations, ensuring that the hymn’s power to uplift and inspire remained intact.
The Journey of “How Great Thou Art” into Popularity
The history of “How Great Thou Art” showcases a remarkable progression from a personal poem to a globally recognized hymn. For many years, it remained a cherished but relatively lesser-known piece within Swedish churches.
Early Recognition and Spread
Boberg himself published his poem in a local church newspaper in 1886. It was later included in a hymnal in Sweden. However, its widespread international recognition didn’t happen overnight. The diligence of translators like Stuart K. Hine played a crucial role in its dissemination.
Hine’s translation began to circulate, and the hymn gradually found its way into various hymnals and songbooks. Its simple yet profound message of God’s greatness, as seen in creation and experienced through salvation, resonated deeply with people from different backgrounds.
The Elvis Presley Effect
A significant turning point in the hymn’s popularity came with its performance by Elvis Presley. While the hymn was already known and loved within Christian circles, Presley’s rendition brought it to an unprecedented mainstream audience. His powerful and emotive performance on the “Ed Sullivan Show” in 1957, and later on his gospel albums, introduced “How Great Thou Art” to millions who might not have otherwise encountered it.
Presley’s passionate delivery, combined with the song’s inherent beauty, made it an instant sensation. His recordings of the hymn were highly successful, further cementing its place in popular culture and solidifying its status as an iconic gospel song. This moment was a watershed in the history of “How Great Thou Art”, transforming it from a cherished hymn to a worldwide phenomenon.
Deconstructing the Meaning: The Heart of “How Great Thou Art”
The enduring appeal of “How Great Thou Art” lies in its rich theological and emotional content. The meaning of “How Great Thou Art” is multifaceted, encompassing adoration, awe, and personal testimony.
At its core, the hymn is a declaration of God’s absolute sovereignty and magnificence. It draws a direct connection between the created world and the Creator, arguing that the wonders of nature are a clear reflection of God’s power, wisdom, and love.
Key Themes Explored
Let’s break down some of the central themes found within the “How Great Thou Art” lyrics:
- The Glory of Creation: The opening verses paint vivid pictures of the natural world – the vast heavens, the rolling hills, the singing birds, and the flowing streams. These are not just pleasant sights; they are divine art, testifying to God’s creative power.
- “O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,
Consider all thy works thou hast made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.”
- “O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,
- The Sacrifice of Christ: As the hymn progresses, the focus shifts from general creation to the specific act of redemption through Jesus Christ. The lyrics acknowledge God’s boundless love in sending His Son to die for humanity’s sins.
- “Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great thou art! How great thou art!” - “And when I walk in woodland glade,
Or on heaven’s shore,
When Christ shall come with shouts of might,
And lead me home, or gently call me home,
Still then my soul shall sing of thee,
How great thou art!”
- “Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
- Personal Salvation and Hope: The hymn culminates in a personal expression of faith and the hope of eternal life. It speaks of the joy of salvation and the anticipation of Christ’s return. The singer’s soul is moved to praise, recognizing God’s greatness in both creation and redemption.
- Humility and Adoration: The overwhelming sense of awe leads to profound humility. The singer recognizes their own smallness in comparison to God’s infinite greatness, yet feels a deep connection and love for Him.
The meaning of “How Great Thou Art” is a testament to the interconnectedness of God’s creative and redemptive work. It’s an invitation to acknowledge God’s majesty in every aspect of existence.
The Composition and Musicality
While the lyrics are powerful, the “How Great Thou Art” composition is equally responsible for its impact. The melody, though often attributed to Stuart K. Hine, is actually an older folk tune.
The Melody’s Roots
The tune that Hine used for his translation is believed to be derived from a traditional Russian folk melody. This adds another layer of cultural richness to the hymn. The combination of a heartfelt, evocative melody with profound lyrics creates a truly stirring experience for the listener.
The “How Great Thou Art” composition is characterized by its soaring, majestic qualities. The musical arrangement often builds in intensity, mirroring the crescendo of emotion and awe expressed in the lyrics. This musical structure makes it a powerful anthem, well-suited for congregational singing and solo performances.
The hymn’s structure typically follows a verse-chorus pattern, with the chorus being the powerful declaration: “How Great Thou Art!” This repetitive, emphatic chorus serves as a focal point for the hymn’s message, reinforcing the central theme of God’s greatness.
The Authorship Question: Clarifying the Roles
It is important to clarify the roles of the key figures in the hymn authorship of “How Great Thou Art.”
- Carl Boberg: Swedish poet and lyricist who wrote the original poem “O Store Gud” in 1885. He is the originator of the concept and the initial lyrical framework.
- Stuart K. Hine: British missionary and translator who is credited with the English translation of Boberg’s poem around 1933. His translation is the one that gained international fame.
Therefore, while Boberg is the original author of the lyrics, Hine is the author of the widely sung English version. Both played crucial roles in bringing this beloved hymn to the world. The hymn origin is undeniably Swedish, but its global spread is intrinsically linked to the English translation.
“How Great Thou Art” in the Landscape of Evangelical Hymnology
“How Great Thou Art” holds a significant place within evangelical hymnology. Its emphasis on personal experience, the beauty of creation as a reflection of God, and the centrality of Christ’s salvation are all hallmarks of evangelical theology.
Enduring Relevance
The hymn’s ability to connect with listeners on an emotional and spiritual level has ensured its continued relevance. It transcends denominational boundaries, often sung in churches of various Christian traditions. Its adaptability to different musical arrangements, from simple congregational singing to grand orchestral performances, further contributes to its widespread appeal.
The hymn authorship of “How Great Thou Art” is a story of divine inspiration channeled through human experience and translation. It’s a testament to how art and faith can intersect to create something truly eternal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who wrote the original lyrics of “How Great Thou Art”?
A1: The original lyrics were written in Swedish by Carl Boberg in 1885.
Q2: Who translated “How Great Thou Art” into English?
A2: Stuart K. Hine is credited with the most popular English translation, which he completed around 1933.
Q3: What inspired Carl Boberg to write the poem?
A3: Boberg was inspired by a beautiful summer day in the Swedish countryside, which filled him with awe at God’s creation.
Q4: Is “How Great Thou Art” a religious hymn?
A4: Yes, “How Great Thou Art” is a profoundly religious hymn that expresses adoration for God and His creation, as well as the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
Q5: How did Elvis Presley influence the popularity of “How Great Thou Art”?
A5: Elvis Presley’s powerful and popular renditions of the hymn, particularly in the late 1950s and 1960s, introduced it to a massive global audience, significantly increasing its fame.
Q6: What is the main message of “How Great Thou Art”?
A6: The main message is the declaration of God’s immense greatness, evident in His creation and His love demonstrated through the salvation offered by Jesus Christ.
Q7: Was the melody of “How Great Thou Art” composed by Stuart K. Hine?
A7: No, the melody is believed to be based on a traditional Russian folk tune, which Hine adapted for his English translation.
Q8: What is the significance of “How Great Thou Art” in evangelical hymnology?
A8: It is highly significant due to its strong themes of personal faith, the beauty of creation as God’s handiwork, and the core evangelical message of salvation through Christ. Its emotional depth and congregational appeal make it a staple in evangelical worship.