What is the meaning of “How Great Thou Art” as an LDS hymn? As a beloved LDS hymn, “How Great Thou Art” is a profound expression of awe and gratitude for the divine creation, God’s glory, and the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Its lyrics articulate a powerful testimony of Christ, reflecting deep spiritual insight into the majesty of our Heavenly Father and His Son.
The hymn “How Great Thou Art” holds a special place within the Latter-day Saint tradition, resonating deeply with members for its powerful message of divine creation and God’s glory. While originally a Swedish folk song, its journey to becoming a cherished LDS hymn is a testament to its universal appeal and its ability to convey profound spiritual truths. This beloved spiritual song is more than just sacred music; it’s a vessel for personal reflection, a declaration of faith, and a cornerstone of praise and worship for many.
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The Journey of a Spiritual Song: From Sweden to Latter-day Saints
The origins of “How Great Thou Art” are a fascinating confluence of culture and faith. Initially, a Swedish poem titled “O Store Gud” was penned by Carl B. Smith in 1885. However, it was Stuart K. Hine, a British missionary serving in Russia in the early 20th century, who is primarily credited with translating and adapting the poem into the English version we know today. Hine’s translation was deeply influenced by his personal experiences and a powerful vision he received amidst political turmoil and hardship. He felt inspired to imbue the lyrics with a more explicit Christian message, focusing on the redemption offered through Christ.
This powerful hymn’s lyrical content, which speaks of nature’s grandeur and the personal salvation found in Jesus Christ, resonated immediately with Christians across denominations. Its adoption into the hymnary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints solidified its status as a vital piece of sacred music within the faith.
Stuart K. Hine’s Inspiration
Stuart K. Hine’s experience provided the bedrock for the English lyrics. While serving in Russia, he witnessed firsthand the upheaval of the Revolution. He and his wife were forced to flee, and during this challenging period, he encountered a Russian peasant singing a melody and reciting what he believed to be a poem. Hine was deeply moved by the words, which spoke of God’s greatness, and felt a spiritual prompting to translate and adapt them. He spent years refining the lyrics, incorporating his own profound testimony of Christ, and adding a distinctly Christian perspective that was crucial for its enduring appeal as a Christian hymn.
Fathoming the Lyrics: A Verse-by-Verse Exploration
The power of “How Great Thou Art” lies in its evocative imagery and its direct address to the divine. Each verse builds upon the last, painting a comprehensive picture of God’s majesty, from the grandeur of the natural world to the intimate, personal gift of salvation.
Verse 1: Nature’s Testimony
The opening verse immediately establishes the hymn’s theme: the overwhelming evidence of God’s greatness found in the natural world.
- “O, Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,”
- This line sets a tone of profound reverence. The phrase “awesome wonder” captures a feeling of awe that is both humbling and exhilarating. It acknowledges the vastness of creation, often referred to as “the worlds Thy hands have made,” which in LDS theology includes not only our earth but also countless other celestial bodies and even other worlds with their inhabitants.
- “I see the stars, I see the lighthing gleam, Thy powerful controlling hand displayed.”
- The imagery here is striking. Stars, distant and numerous, represent the immense scale of the cosmos. Lightning, a powerful and often frightening natural phenomenon, is seen not as a random event but as a demonstration of God’s “powerful controlling hand.” This verse encourages us to look at the heavens and recognize the divine artistry and power at work.
- “Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, and Thee.”
- This is the pivotal declaration of faith. The singer’s soul is moved to sing, not just out of wonder, but out of a deep personal connection to the Creator. The designation “Savior, God” directly points to Jesus Christ and His divine role. This line is a powerful expression of praise and worship.
Verse 2: The Earth’s Splendor
This verse continues to explore the earthly manifestations of God’s greatness, focusing on the more tangible aspects of His creation.
- “When through the woods and forests grand I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,”
- The shift to the terrestrial world emphasizes the intimate beauty of nature. Wandering through forests and hearing birdsong evokes a sense of peace and tranquility, yet these simple elements are presented as profound expressions of divine care.
- “When I behold Thy clouds majestically drifting, And all Thy works of wondrous loveliness,”
- Clouds, often seen as passive elements, are described as “majestic” and “drifting,” suggesting a grand, unhurried procession orchestrated by God. The phrase “all Thy works of wondrous loveliness” encapsulates the beauty and intricate design found throughout the natural world.
- “Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, and Thee.”
- The refrain reinforces the personal nature of this spiritual experience. The beauty of the earth leads the soul to Christ, recognizing Him as the source of all that is good and lovely.
Verse 3: The Power of the Savior
This verse pivots from the grandeur of creation to the personal and redemptive power of Jesus Christ, a key element of LDS doctrine.
- “When I consider Jesus’ love for me, His sacrifice upon the cross so grim,”
- Here, the focus shifts to the ultimate act of love and atonement. The lyrics directly address Christ’s personal sacrifice, acknowledging the “grim” nature of the crucifixion but emphasizing the love behind it. This is a core tenet of Christian faith, including the LDS faith.
- “His blood that cleanses from all sin and shame, His precious blood, I’m saved by Him.”
- The power of Christ’s blood to cleanse from sin is a fundamental doctrine. This imagery speaks of spiritual purification and redemption, offering hope and assurance of forgiveness. The repetition of “His precious blood” highlights its immense value and the profound impact of His sacrifice.
- “Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, and Thee.”
- The refrain now carries an even deeper significance, connecting the saving power of Christ directly to the singer’s soul and their worship of God. This verse truly embodies a powerful testimony of Christ.
Verse 4: The Promise of the Resurrection and Eternal Life
The final verse expands the scope to include the future hope offered through Christ’s resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
- “When Christ shall come in glory and in might, To take me home to live with Him on high,”
- This verse speaks of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, a central doctrine in LDS belief. The anticipation of being “taken home to live with Him on high” reflects the hope of eternal life and reunion with the divine.
- “Then shall my heart be filled with endless praise, And I shall stand at Thy right hand and cry,”
- The prospect of dwelling with God and Christ in glory leads to a vision of eternal praise. Standing at God’s “right hand” signifies acceptance and favor. The overwhelming joy will lead to an eternal song of gratitude.
- “Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, and Thee.”
- The final refrain brings together all the themes: the wonder of creation, the redemptive power of Christ, and the hope of eternal glory. The soul’s song of praise is continuous and eternal.
Spiritual Insight and LDS Doctrine
The lyrical content of “How Great Thou Art” aligns seamlessly with core principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The hymn’s emphasis on divine creation, the majesty of God, and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ are central to LDS theology.
Divine Creation and God’s Glory
Latter-day Saints believe that God, as the Supreme Being, is the Creator of the universe. The vastness of the cosmos, the beauty of the earth, and the intricacies of life are all seen as manifestations of His power, intelligence, and love.
- The Plan of Salvation: The hymn’s exploration of creation can be seen as the first step in God’s grand plan for His children. The earth and all that is upon it are prepared for us to learn, grow, and experience joy.
- Stewardship: The appreciation for nature in the hymn also underscores the LDS principle of stewardship—the responsibility given to humanity to care for the earth and all its resources.
- Eternal Perspective: The hymn encourages an eternal perspective, reminding individuals that this earthly life is but a prelude to a greater existence, where God’s glory is fully revealed.
Testimony of Christ and Atonement
The hymn’s powerful declaration of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior is a cornerstone of LDS belief.
- Jesus Christ as Creator and Redeemer: Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ, under the direction of the Father, was the Jehovah of the Old Testament and the Creator of the world. His subsequent atonement is the central event in the plan of salvation, making possible resurrection and eternal life for all.
- The Atonement’s Power: The lyrics “His blood that cleanses from all sin and shame” directly reference the purifying power of Christ’s atoning sacrifice, a doctrine deeply cherished by members of the Church. Through faith in Christ, repentance, and obedience, individuals can be cleansed from sin and reconciled to God.
- Personal Relationship with Christ: The repeated “Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, and Thee” highlights the personal and intimate nature of salvation. It’s not just a theological concept but a deeply felt, individual experience of connection with the divine.
Sacred Music and Praise and Worship
As a prominent LDS hymn, “How Great Thou Art” plays a significant role in congregational singing and personal devotion.
- Enhancing Worship: The majestic melody and profound lyrics elevate praise and worship. Singing this hymn can evoke feelings of reverence, gratitude, and a strengthened testimony of God and Jesus Christ.
- Unity in Testimony: When sung by a congregation, it unifies members in a shared expression of faith, creating a powerful collective testimony.
- Personal Spiritual Growth: The hymn serves as a tool for personal spiritual growth, encouraging reflection on God’s attributes and the principles of the gospel.
How Great Thou Art in the LDS Hymnbook
The inclusion of “How Great Thou Art” in the official hymnbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (hymn number 86) signifies its deep importance to the Church. It is frequently sung in sacrament meetings, other worship services, and by families during personal and family worship. The hymn’s ability to convey such profound theological truths in a simple yet powerful manner makes it a timeless piece of sacred music.
Comparing “How Great Thou Art” with Other LDS Hymns
While many LDS hymns focus on Christ’s atonement or the blessings of the gospel, “How Great Thou Art” uniquely bridges the gap between the observable grandeur of the natural world and the personal experience of divine love and salvation. Hymns like “I Stand All Amazed” share a similar theme of personal gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice, while hymns like “The Heavens Are Telling” echo the awe inspired by creation. However, “How Great Thou Art” masterfully weaves these elements together.
Frequently Asked Questions about “How Great Thou Art”
Q1: Who originally wrote the English lyrics for “How Great Thou Art”?
A1: While the original poem was Swedish, the English lyrics most commonly sung today are largely attributed to Stuart K. Hine, who translated and adapted it.
Q2: What is the main message of the LDS hymn “How Great Thou Art”?
A2: The main message is one of awe and gratitude for God’s greatness, as demonstrated through His divine creation and the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Q3: How does the hymn relate to LDS doctrine?
A3: The hymn beautifully reflects core LDS beliefs about God as the Creator, the majesty of His creations, the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the hope of eternal life.
Q4: Is “How Great Thou Art” only sung by Latter-day Saints?
A4: No, “How Great Thou Art” is a cherished Christian hymn sung by many denominations worldwide due to its universal message of faith and devotion.
Q5: What does the phrase “Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, and Thee” mean in the context of the hymn?
A5: This phrase signifies a deeply personal and spiritual response to the magnificence of God and the redemptive love of Jesus Christ. It expresses the soul’s heartfelt praise and adoration.
Q6: Where can I find the LDS version of “How Great Thou Art”?
A6: It is hymn number 86 in the official hymnbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Q7: What is the significance of the hymn’s focus on nature?
A7: The hymn uses the beauty and order of the natural world as evidence of God’s power and design, leading the singer to a greater appreciation of Him and His Son.
“How Great Thou Art” remains a powerful testament to faith, a reminder of our divine heritage, and a celebration of the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Its enduring popularity within the LDS community speaks to its ability to touch hearts and inspire souls, truly embodying the essence of praise and worship through sacred music.