Robert Grant
1779–1838 · Scotland · Classical
Robert Grant (1779-1838) was a Scottish poet, hymn writer, and Member of Parliament renowned for his metrical paraphrases of the Psalms, which became central to Presbyterian worship in Scotland and beyond. His most celebrated hymn, "O Worship the King, All Glorious Above" (a paraphrase of Psalm 104), exemplifies his gift for combining theological depth with poetic elegance and singability. Grant's work represented the 19th-century Scottish tradition of psalm paraphrasing, offering congregational alternatives to strict Psalm translations while maintaining doctrinal soundness. Beyond his hymnic contributions, Grant served as a government official and Member of Parliament, reflecting the integration of faith and public service in his life. His hymns achieved enduring popularity and remain widely sung in churches of various Protestant denominations to the present day.