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

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most powerful and beloved worship songs of our time: "How Great Is Our God." This anthem, penned by the incredible Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, and Ed Cash, has resonated with millions across the globe, becoming a staple in churches and Christian gatherings. But what makes this song so special? It's not just the catchy melody or the soaring vocals; it's the profound lyrics that paint a vivid picture of God's majesty, power, and love. Let's break down the lyrics, explore their meaning, and understand why this song continues to move hearts and inspire worship.

Unpacking the Opening Verse: Majesty and Mystery

The song kicks off with a declaration of God's majesty: “The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty, Let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice.” These opening lines immediately set the tone, drawing us into a realm of awe and reverence. The phrase “splendor of a King” evokes images of royalty, power, and glory. But it's not just any king; this is the King of Kings, whose reign extends over all creation. The imagery of being “clothed in majesty” further emphasizes the grandeur and magnificence of God. Think about a king adorned in his finest robes, radiating authority and splendor. This is the God we are singing about – a God whose very essence is majesty.

But it doesn't stop there. The lyrics then call for a global response: “Let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice.” This isn't a polite suggestion; it's an invitation, a command even, for the entire world to celebrate and acknowledge God's greatness. It speaks to the universal nature of God's love and reign, extending to every corner of the earth and every person on it. The repetition of “all the earth rejoice” amplifies the urgency and importance of this call to worship. It's as if the song is saying, “This is too big to ignore! Everyone, everywhere, join in the celebration!”

The next lines delve into the mysterious nature of God: “He wraps Himself in light, And darkness tries to hide, And trembles at His voice, Trembles at His voice.” Here, we encounter the paradoxical nature of God – both radiant and mysterious. “He wraps Himself in light” speaks to God's purity, holiness, and illuminating presence. Light is often used in scripture to symbolize God's goodness and truth, and this line suggests that God is the ultimate source of light, both literally and figuratively.

However, the lyrics also acknowledge the presence of darkness, but not as an equal power. Instead, “darkness tries to hide, and trembles at His voice.” This is a powerful image of God's sovereignty and authority. Even the forces of darkness, which often represent evil, fear, and chaos, are powerless in the face of God's might. They try to hide, but they cannot escape His presence. The trembling at His voice further emphasizes the fear and awe that God inspires. It's a reminder that God is not just a loving and merciful God, but also a powerful and fearsome God.

Exploring the Second Verse: Timelessness and Triune God

The second verse continues to build on the theme of God's greatness, focusing on His eternal nature and His triune identity: “And ages bow to You, in worship, All the heavens roar, All the heavens roar.” This section transports us to a timeless realm where all of creation is engaged in perpetual worship. “Ages bow to You” speaks to God's enduring reign throughout history. From the beginning of time to the present day, and into eternity, God has been, is, and will be worthy of worship. This line emphasizes the timelessness of God, who exists outside of the constraints of time and space. He is not limited by our human understanding of years, centuries, or millennia. He is the eternal God.

The image of “all the heavens roar” further expands the scope of worship, encompassing the entire cosmos. It's a picture of countless celestial beings joining in a symphony of praise, declaring God's glory throughout the universe. This line reminds us that worship is not just an earthly activity; it's a cosmic reality. The heavens themselves are alive with praise, and we are invited to join in this grand chorus.

The lyrics then transition to the profound mystery of the Trinity: “I don’t know how great You are, And I will never understand, How great You are, How great You are.” These lines express a sense of humility and awe in the face of God's infinite greatness. The songwriter acknowledges the limitations of human understanding when it comes to grasping the full extent of God's being. We can only scratch the surface of His majesty, and we will never fully comprehend His ways. This is not a statement of despair, but rather a recognition of the profound mystery that surrounds God.

The repetition of “How great You are” serves as a powerful refrain, driving home the central theme of the song. It's a reminder that God's greatness is beyond our comprehension, and yet we can still experience it in our lives. We may not be able to fully understand Him, but we can still worship Him, love Him, and serve Him.

The verse concludes by hinting at the triune nature of God: “The Godhead three in one: Father, Spirit, Son, The Lion and the Lamb, The Lion and the Lamb.” This is a concise yet powerful declaration of the Trinity – the belief that God is one being existing in three distinct persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. This is a complex theological concept, and the lyrics don't attempt to explain it fully. Instead, they simply affirm this truth, acknowledging the mystery and wonder of the triune God.

The phrase “The Lion and the Lamb” is a powerful image that encapsulates the dual nature of Jesus Christ. The Lion represents His strength, power, and kingly authority, while the Lamb represents His sacrifice, humility, and redemptive love. This imagery comes from the Book of Revelation in the Bible, where Jesus is described as both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb who was slain. This combination of strength and gentleness is a hallmark of Jesus' character, and it's a key aspect of the Christian faith.

The Chorus: A Resounding Declaration of God's Greatness

The chorus of “How Great Is Our God” is the heart of the song, a resounding declaration of God's greatness that echoes throughout the verses: “How great is our God, sing with me, How great is our God, and all will see, How great, how great is our God.” This is a simple yet profound statement that encapsulates the essence of the song. It's an invitation to join in a collective act of worship, declaring God's greatness together. The phrase “How great is our God” is not just a statement of fact; it's an expression of awe, adoration, and love.

The call to “sing with me” emphasizes the communal nature of worship. We are not meant to worship in isolation; we are called to gather together and celebrate God's greatness as a community. This line invites us to lift our voices together, creating a powerful chorus of praise that resounds to the heavens.

The line “and all will see” speaks to the witness that our worship provides to the world. When we declare God's greatness, we are not just expressing our own faith; we are also inviting others to encounter God's love and power. Our worship can be a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of God in our lives. It's a reminder that our faith is not just a private matter; it's a public declaration of our allegiance to God.

The repetition of “How great, how great is our God” amplifies the message, driving home the central theme of the song. It's a reminder that God's greatness is not something to be taken lightly; it's a truth that deserves our constant and unwavering attention. The simplicity of the phrase makes it accessible to all, regardless of their background or understanding of theology. It's a message that resonates with both seasoned believers and those who are just beginning to explore their faith.

Bridge: The Name Above All Names

The bridge of the song introduces a new dimension to the declaration of God's greatness, focusing on the power and significance of His name: “Name above all names, You are worthy of all praise, My heart will sing, How great is our God.” This section highlights the unique and unparalleled nature of God's name. In many cultures, a name is more than just a label; it's a reflection of a person's character, identity, and authority. The phrase “Name above all names” suggests that God's name encompasses all that He is – His power, His love, His holiness, and His majesty. It's a name that transcends all other names, a name that commands respect and reverence.

The declaration that “You are worthy of all praise” reinforces the idea that God is deserving of our utmost adoration and worship. There is nothing we can give to God that He does not already possess, but our praise is a gift that we offer freely, expressing our gratitude and love for Him. This line is a reminder that worship is not just about singing songs; it's about offering our whole selves to God in gratitude and devotion.

The personal declaration “My heart will sing, How great is our God” adds a layer of intimacy and vulnerability to the song. It's a statement of personal commitment, a promise to continually declare God's greatness from the depths of our hearts. This line suggests that worship is not just an outward expression; it's an inward reality that transforms our hearts and minds. When we truly grasp the greatness of God, our hearts are filled with praise, and we cannot help but sing of His glory.

Conclusion: A Timeless Anthem of Worship

“How Great Is Our God” is more than just a song; it's an experience, a journey into the heart of worship. The lyrics, filled with powerful imagery and profound theological truths, invite us to encounter God's majesty, mystery, and love. From the opening declaration of God's splendor to the resounding chorus and the intimate bridge, this song captures the essence of worship in a way that is both accessible and deeply moving. It’s a timeless anthem that will continue to resonate with generations to come, reminding us of the greatness of our God and inspiring us to declare His glory to the world.

So, guys, the next time you sing "How Great Is Our God," take a moment to really think about the words. Let the lyrics sink into your heart and mind, and allow them to draw you into a deeper understanding and appreciation of the God we serve. Let the song be more than just a melody; let it be a heartfelt expression of your love and adoration for the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the One whose greatness knows no bounds.