What Is the History of the Song How Great Thou Art?

Art|Art History

The song ‘How Great Thou Art’ is a beloved Christian hymn that has been around for over 150 years. It is known for its simple lyrics and beautiful melody that have inspired countless generations of believers. The history of the song dates back to the mid-1800s, when it was first written by a Swedish pastor named Carl Boberg.

Boberg was inspired to write the song one summer day in 1885 while walking home from church in Mönsterås, Sweden. He had been enjoying a beautiful summer evening and was struck by the majesty of God’s creation. He wrote down the words of the song that night, and it quickly became popular in his local church community.

In 1886, Boberg published the hymn in a collection of his work titled ‘Sanningsvittnet’ (‘The Witness of Truth’). The song quickly spread throughout Sweden, and eventually to other parts of Europe as well. In 1907, English preacher Stuart K Hine heard the song while on a mission trip to Ukraine and translated it into English.

Over time, ‘How Great Thou Art’ has been covered by many famous singers including Elvis Presley, Alan Jackson and Carrie Underwood. It has become an international hit and remains one of the most popular Christian hymns today.

Conclusion: The history of “How Great Thou Art” can be traced back to Carl Boberg’s original Swedish version written in 1885. Since then, it has been translated into English by Stuart K Hine in 1907 and covered by numerous artists over the years. Today it remains one of the most beloved Christian hymns across cultures and generations due to its simple yet powerful message about God’s greatness and love for us all.