The Story Behind How Great Thou Art: Exploring the Hymn's Inspiration and Meaning

Overview: The Story Behind "How Great Thou Art"

What is the story behind "How Great Thou Art"? Originating in Sweden in the late 19th century, it was inspired by a thunderstorm that moved Carl Boberg to write a poem of awe and praise. Later, British missionary Stuart K. Hine translated and enriched the hymn, adding verses that reflect Christ’s sacrifice and the promise of His return. In this blog, we’ll explore the hymn’s history and delve into the meaning behind each verse. 

A Brief History of "How Great Thou Art"

The hymn "How Great Thou Art" wasn’t written all at once. Its origins trace back to the late 19th century when Swedish poet Carl Boberg penned a poem called “O Store Gud” (O Great God). Boberg wasn’t initially setting out to write a hymn, but rather, he was inspired by a moment of pure awe. 
Carl Boberg was traveling home when he was caught in a sudden thunderstorm. He watched as the storm rolled through—violent, awe-inspiring, and powerful—only to be followed by calm skies and the gentle beauty of the countryside. Overwhelmed by the grandeur of God’s creation, he wrote his poem. This moment reminds me of Job 37:5-6, where it says, “God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'” Little did he know it would go on to inspire millions of people across generations.
The poem eventually became a hymn, and as the years passed, it was translated into German, then Russian, and finally into English. British missionary Stuart K. Hine is credited with the English version we know and love today. Hine encountered the hymn while serving as a missionary in Ukraine.
One particular incident deeply influenced Stuart Hine. In one village, he met Dmitri and his wife Lyudmila, who had become Christians after she taught herself to read using a Bible left behind by a Russian soldier. When the Hines arrived at their home, they heard Lyudmila reading the Gospel of John about Christ’s crucifixion to a house full of guests, who were repenting aloud. The villagers were calling out to God, marveling that Christ would die for their sins and praising Him for His mercy. Deeply moved, Hine stayed outside, listening to this work of the Holy Spirit. He later wrote down the phrases he heard, which became the third verse: “And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in.” This moment, along with his belief in God’s redeeming power and promises, also inspired the hymn’s fourth verse about Christ’s return.
The Hines were forced to leave Ukraine during the Holodomor, the Famine Genocide inflicted by Stalin during the winter of 1932-1933, and later left Eastern Europe at the onset of World War II in 1939, returning to London. After the war, they wondered why their ministry to Eastern Europeans had been cut short, but were amazed to discover that millions of displaced people from Eastern Europe were now arriving in England. Their ministry had come to them. One man they met shared a powerful story: he had been separated from his Christian wife at the end of the war, and though he had since been converted, he didn’t think he would see her on earth again. Instead, he longed for the day they would reunite in heaven to share their faith together for eternity. These heartfelt words inspired Hine’s fourth verse: “When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation to take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then we shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim, My God How Great Thou Art!” 

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The Meaning Behind the Verses of "How Great Thou Art"

Verse 1: O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder / Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made

This opening verse immediately calls us to worship. It’s a reminder of how God’s creation—from the smallest flower to the vast expanse of the stars—testifies to His greatness. When I read these lines, I’m reminded of Psalm 19:1, which says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
For Boberg, it was a thunderstorm that pointed him to God. For me, it might be the golden hues of a sunrise or the way the ocean roars with power. This reminds me of Isaiah 40:26, which says, “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” Every part of nature reflects our Creator’s majesty, and this verse captures that beautifully.

Verse 2: When through the woods and forest glades I wander / And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees

This verse takes us deeper into the beauty of creation. Stuart Hine, while living in the Carpathian Mountains, was inspired by the incredible landscapes and the simple songs of birds. For me, this verse is a gentle reminder to slow down and listen to creation’s praise.

Verse 3: And when I think that God, His Son not sparing / Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in

This is where the hymn shifts from celebrating creation to marvelling at God’s redemption. This verse is rooted in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Can you imagine the depth of that kind of love? God’s greatness isn’t just seen in the mountains or the stars; it’s seen most profoundly at the cross. Romans 5:8 encapsulates this: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” When I sing this verse, I’m reminded of the weight of my sin and the incredible grace of God. It’s humbling and awe-inspiring all at once.

Verse 4: When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation / And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart

The final verse looks forward to eternity. It’s a triumphant proclamation of hope and joy. One day, Jesus will return, and every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord  (Philippians 2:10-11). When I think about this verse, I’m filled with a sense of longing and excitement. This broken world isn’t all there is. And we have this promise that the best is yet to come. 

How Can We Apply The Truths Of This Hymn To Our Lives?

1. Magnify God in Creation: Like Boberg and Hine, take time to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. Whether it’s watching a sunrise, walking in the woods, or listening to the birds sing, let the natural world remind you of His majesty. Personally, I love getting out into nature, it’s often in those moments, surrounded by God’s creation, that I feel closest to Him.
2. Reflect on God’s Sacrifice: When we remember that the Creator of the Universe loved us so much that he sent his Son to die for us, it puts into perspective the trials that we face. We serve a God who willingly suffered and when I reflect on this truth it encourages me to stop living life for myself but for Him- this is true worship.
3. Live with Eternity in Mind: The hymn’s final verse points us toward the hope of Christ’s return and eternity with Him. When life feels overwhelming, remember to fix your eyes on Jesus and this promise in Philippians 3:20, “Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Discover The 'How Great Thou Art Print' - As Part Of Our Hymn Wall Art Collection

 If you have been inspired by the words and meaning to this Hymn I have created a design that pairs the words from 'How Great Thou Art' with the famous artwork by Clement (Study Of Clouds) where, as curating this piece, I felt that this design beautifully captured the splendour and majesty of creation. Discover the 'How Great Thou Art Print' as part of our Hymn Wall Art Collection.

 

Finally, if you’ve enjoyed learning about The Story Behind How Great Thou Art, you might also enjoy reading about The Story Behind Amazing Grace.