How Marvelous God's Greatness
How marvelous God's greatness
The hymn emphasizes God's transcendence and immanence, revealing His character through creation while calling believers to responsive faith and obedience. It reflects Lutheran emphasis on both Law (God's majesty confronting human smallness) and Gospel (God's gracious care for His creation).
History & Background
Written by Swedish pastor Carl Boberg in 1885, this hymn was translated into English and gained international prominence through the Scandinavian Lutheran tradition. It became widely known in Lutheran hymnals throughout the 20th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 515
Translation
Carl Boberg (English adaptation)
Bulletin Note
Written by Swedish pastor Carl Boberg in 1885, this hymn (O Store Gud) became widely known through English translation as "How Great Thou Art." It exemplifies Lutheran hymnody's gift for seeing God's character revealed in nature and mercy.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the movement from Law to Gospel: confronted by God's overwhelming majesty, we recognize our smallness and need, yet discover in that very God a Father's love that lavishes grace upon us.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: human insignificance before divine majesty (stanzas 1-2) yields to amazement at Christ's substitutionary atonement (stanza 3) and eschatological hope (stanza 4)
Themes
God's majesty and power Creation and nature Divine providence Human response to God's greatness