King of Glory King of Peace
King of glory, King of peace
The hymn exemplifies the Lutheran celebration of Christ's eschatological victory while maintaining emphasis on the paradoxical peace found in submission to divine rule. It reflects the tension between Christ's absolute power and his merciful gentleness, central to Lutheran Christology.
History & Background
Written by English Anglican priest and poet George Herbert, this text first appeared in his 1633 collection The Temple. It has been widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals since the 19th century and remains one of the most enduring Easter hymns.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 103
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 412
- Glory to God — 288
- The Hymnal 1982 — 382
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 414
- Lutheran Service Book — 548
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 551
- Lutheran Worship — 155
- New Century Hymnal — 304
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 196
- United Methodist Hymnal — 672
- Voices Together — 100
- With One Voice — 776
Bulletin Note
Written by George Herbert in 1633, this metaphysical poet's hymn unites Christ's eschatological victory with the intimate, personal peace of divine forgiveness—a distinctly Lutheran synthesis of majesty and mercy.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the paradox of Law and Gospel: Christ's kingly power humbles us, while his peace-giving mercy restores and liberates us through the cross.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological anticipation (St. 1-2) → Incarnational paradox (St. 3) → Pneumatological reign (St. 4)
Themes
Christ's Victory Praise and Adoration Thanksgiving Cross and Resurrection Majesty of Christ