How Great Is Our God Lyrics: Meaning & Story Behind The Song

Let's dive into the powerful lyrics of "How Great Is Our God," a contemporary worship song that has resonated with millions around the world. This song, penned by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, and Ed Cash, is more than just a catchy tune; it's a profound declaration of God's majesty, power, and love. We'll explore the lyrics line by line, uncovering the rich theological truths embedded within this modern hymn. We'll also touch on the impact this song has had on worship services globally and why it continues to be a favorite among believers. So, grab your metaphorical hymnal, and let's get started!

Unpacking the Opening Verse: Majesty and Mystery

"The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty, Let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice. He wraps Himself in light, and darkness tries to hide, And trembles at His voice, trembles at His voice."

These opening lines immediately set a tone of awe and reverence. The phrase "splendor of a King, clothed in majesty" paints a vivid picture of God's supreme authority and glory. It's not just any king; it's the King, the King of Kings. The word "majesty" itself speaks of unmatched greatness and sovereign power. It's a reminder that God isn't just powerful, but He is the ultimate authority, the ruler of all creation. When we sing these words, we are acknowledging His rightful place as the supreme sovereign over our lives and the entire universe. Think about it, guys, the image of a king clothed in majesty is one of grandeur and absolute power. It evokes a sense of reverence and respect, setting the stage for the entire song. The phrase "Let all the earth rejoice" is a call to universal praise. It's not just for a select few, but for everyone and everything to celebrate God's greatness. It speaks to the all-encompassing nature of His reign. The repetition emphasizes the importance and urgency of this call to worship. The earth, with all its inhabitants and natural wonders, is invited to participate in this grand celebration of God's glory. The imagery shifts to God wrapping Himself in light. This is a beautiful metaphor for His holiness and purity. Light is often associated with goodness, truth, and divine presence. It suggests that God's very essence is radiant and pure, illuminating the world around Him. In contrast, darkness tries to hide and trembles at His voice. This highlights the immense power of God. Darkness, often associated with evil, fear, and the unknown, is no match for His light. Even the forces of darkness recognize His authority and tremble in His presence. This isn't just about physical darkness; it's about the spiritual darkness that opposes God. The fact that darkness trembles at His voice speaks volumes about His power and sovereignty. It's a reminder that no force in the universe can stand against Him.

Chorus: How Great Is Our God – A Declaration of His Greatness

"How great is our God, sing with me, How great is our God, and all will see How great, how great is our God."

The chorus is the heart of the song, a powerful declaration of God's greatness. It's a simple yet profound statement that encapsulates the entire message of the song. The repetition of "How great is our God" reinforces this central theme, driving it deep into our hearts and minds. It's an invitation to join in a universal chorus of praise, acknowledging the immensity of God's power and love. Guys, this isn't just a rhetorical question; it's an exclamation of awe and wonder. It's a recognition that God's greatness surpasses our understanding, yet we can still experience it and proclaim it. The invitation to "sing with me" creates a sense of unity and shared worship. It's a call to come together, regardless of background or location, and celebrate God's greatness as one body. This communal aspect of worship is essential, as it reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves. The phrase "and all will see" speaks to the transformative power of witnessing God's greatness. When we declare His greatness, we are not just making a statement of faith; we are inviting others to experience His power and love for themselves. It's a confident proclamation that God's glory is evident and will be recognized by all. The repetition of "How great, how great is our God" at the end of the chorus is a powerful emphasis. It's like an echo that reverberates in our hearts, reminding us of the magnitude of God's being. It's a fitting conclusion to the chorus, leaving us with a sense of awe and reverence.

Verse 2: Time, Eternity, and the Godhead

"Age to age He stands, and time is in His hands, Beginning and the End, Beginning and the End. The Godhead, three in one: Father, Spirit, Son, The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb."

Verse 2 delves deeper into the eternal nature of God and the mystery of the Trinity. "Age to age He stands" emphasizes God's timelessness. He exists outside of time, having been present from eternity past and continuing into eternity future. This is a concept that's difficult for our finite minds to grasp, but it underscores the immense scope of God's being. He's not bound by the limitations of time; He is the eternal God. The phrase "and time is in His hands" further reinforces God's sovereignty over all creation. Time, the very fabric of our existence, is under His control. He orchestrates the events of history, guiding all things according to His perfect plan. This gives us a sense of security and peace, knowing that even in the midst of chaos, God is in control. He is the "Beginning and the End", a title often used to describe God in Scripture. This highlights His all-encompassing nature. He is the source of all things and the ultimate destination of all things. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. Guys, this speaks to the completeness of God's plan and purpose. The phrase "The Godhead, three in one: Father, Spirit, Son" introduces the complex doctrine of the Trinity. This is a core belief in Christianity, affirming that God is one being existing in three distinct persons. The Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit are all fully God, yet they are one God. This is a mystery that we cannot fully comprehend, but it is a fundamental truth of our faith. The final line, "The Lion and the Lamb", presents a powerful contrast of images representing Jesus Christ. The Lion symbolizes His strength, majesty, and kingly authority. It speaks to His power and sovereignty. The Lamb, on the other hand, symbolizes His sacrifice, humility, and gentleness. It refers to Jesus' role as the sacrificial Lamb who died for our sins. This juxtaposition of the Lion and the Lamb captures the multifaceted nature of Jesus Christ – both powerful and compassionate, both kingly and sacrificial. It's a reminder of the fullness of His character and His role in our salvation.

Bridge: Name Above All Names – A Proclamation of Jesus' Supremacy

"Name above all names, You're worthy of our praise, And my heart will sing how great is our God."

The bridge serves as a powerful crescendo, building upon the themes of the verses and chorus. "Name above all names" is a clear reference to Jesus Christ, affirming His supreme authority and dignity. This phrase echoes Philippians 2:9, which states that God has highly exalted Jesus and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name. It's a declaration that Jesus' name carries unmatched power and significance. Guys, when we sing this, we are acknowledging Jesus' unique position as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. The line "You're worthy of our praise" is a direct response to Jesus' greatness. It's an acknowledgment that He deserves our worship and adoration. His sacrifice, His love, and His power compel us to offer Him our heartfelt praise. This isn't just empty flattery; it's a genuine expression of gratitude and reverence. The final line, "And my heart will sing how great is our God", is a personal commitment to continue praising God. It's a statement of devotion, indicating that our worship is not just a one-time event but an ongoing expression of our love and gratitude. The heart, often considered the center of our emotions and affections, is engaged in this act of worship. This suggests that our praise should be heartfelt and genuine, flowing from a place of deep love for God. The bridge effectively connects the previous sections of the song, leading us back to the chorus with renewed passion and understanding. It reinforces the central theme of God's greatness and invites us to express our adoration in song.

Impact and Legacy

"How Great Is Our God" has become a staple in worship services around the world. Its powerful lyrics and memorable melody have made it a favorite among congregations of all sizes. The song's message of God's majesty and love resonates deeply with believers, inspiring them to worship with passion and sincerity. The song's success can be attributed to several factors. First, the lyrics are theologically rich, drawing from biblical themes and imagery. They speak of God's sovereignty, His eternal nature, and His love for humanity. Second, the melody is both accessible and uplifting, making it easy for congregations to sing along. Finally, the song's structure is well-crafted, building to a powerful chorus and bridge that leave a lasting impact. Beyond its use in corporate worship, "How Great Is Our God" has also had a significant impact on individual believers. The song's message of God's greatness can be a source of comfort and strength in times of difficulty. It reminds us that we serve a God who is all-powerful and all-loving, a God who is worthy of our trust and devotion. The song has been covered by numerous artists and translated into many languages, further expanding its reach and influence. It continues to be a relevant and powerful expression of worship in the 21st century, inspiring countless individuals to declare the greatness of God.

Conclusion: A Timeless Anthem of Praise

"How Great Is Our God" is more than just a song; it's a timeless anthem of praise that speaks to the heart of Christian faith. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of God's majesty, power, and love, inviting us to join in a universal chorus of worship. From the opening verse to the powerful bridge, the song is a journey of adoration, leading us to a deeper understanding of God's greatness. Guys, whether you're singing it in a crowded church or in the quiet of your own heart, "How Great Is Our God" is a reminder of the awesome God we serve. It's a song that will continue to resonate with believers for generations to come, a testament to the enduring power of worship and the unchanging greatness of God.