We Give Thee But Thine Own
We give thee but thine own
The hymn articulates a Lutheran understanding of Christian stewardship grounded in God's ultimate ownership and human responsibility to use earthly goods for God's glory and neighbor's good. It reflects the Reformation emphasis on vocation and the sanctification of daily life through conscientious stewardship.
History & Background
Written by Bishop William Walsham How in 1864, this hymn originally appeared as a stewardship hymn emphasizing that all possessions belong ultimately to God. It became widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals during the twentieth century as a standard stewardship hymn.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 382
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 686
- The Hymnal 1982 — 343
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 410
- Lutheran Service Book — 781
- Lutheran Worship — 405
- New Century Hymnal — 465
- Trinity Hymnal — 428
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 441
- United Methodist Hymnal — 428
Bulletin Note
Written by English bishop William Walsham How in 1864, this stewardship hymn grounds Christian giving in God's absolute ownership, reflecting Reformation theology that sanctifies all vocations and earthly life as the arena of faithful discipleship.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's demand for generous giving into Gospel freedom by grounding stewardship not in guilt but in the joyful recognition of God's prior grace—all we return is already His, already given.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: God's Word as divine seed: planted in human hearts (1-2), assured of efficacy (3), culminating in eschatological vindication (4). Movement from present sowing through divine promise to final harvest.
Themes
Stewardship and giving Christian consecration God's ownership and sovereignty Gratitude Discipleship