When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Lyrics
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” lyrics are the words of a hymn of salvation and redemption first published in 1707.
The lyrics reflect on the significance of the cross and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The hymn encourages believers to meditate on the profound meaning of Christ’s death on the cross and its impact on their lives.
The themes explored in the lyrics include salvation, redemption, and the awe-inspiring nature of God’s love.
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Lyrics
1. When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. 2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast save in the death of Christ, my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them through his blood. 3. See, from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown? 4. Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
The Hymn Details
| Hymn | When I Survey the Wondrous Cross |
| Year | 1707 |
| Language | English |
| Author | Isaac Watts |
| First Line | When I Survey the Wondrous Cross |
| Famous Tune | Rockingham LM |
| Tune Composer | Edward Miller |
| Meter | 8.8.8.8 (LM) |
| Copyright | Public Domain |
Who Wrote When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Lyrics?
The lyrics for “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” were written by Isaac Watts, an English Christian minister, hymn writer, and theologian.
Born on July 17, 1674, in Southampton, England, Watts hailed from a Nonconformist family—Protestant Christians who did not adhere to the practices of the Church of England.
Despite facing legal restrictions on Nonconformists, Watts received education from his father and later at the King Edward VI School.
Subsequently, he studied at the Nonconformist Dissenting Academy at Stoke Newington.
Isaac Watts is renowned for his hymns, composing many, including “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”
The hymn’s lyrics were first published in 1707 in his collection titled “Hymns and Spiritual Songs.”
Since then, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” has become a classic in Christian worship.
Widely sung and appreciated, it offers a profound reflection on the crucifixion and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
Among his other well-known hymns are “Joy to the World” and “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.”
The impact of his book, “Hymns and Spiritual Songs,” on congregational singing was substantial.
It specifically ushered in a departure from the exclusive use of psalms in worship and paved the way for more diverse hymnody.
Watts’ influence extends beyond hymnody; he made notable contributions to theology and education, authoring essays, theological treatises, and educational books.
Isaac Watts passed away on November 25, 1748, and was buried in Bunhill Fields.
However, his legacy endures through the enduring popularity of his hymns and his significant impact on the development of English hymnody.
Final Note
The lyrics of the hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” revolves around the profound reflection on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redemption achieved through his sacrificial death.
The hymn emphasizes the transformative power of Christ’s death.
It leads the singer to consider all earthly gains as insignificant compared to the divine love and sacrifice embodied in the crucifixion.
The lyrics express a deep sense of awe, humility, and gratitude for the immense love demonstrated on the cross.
The hymn emphasizes the transformative power of Christ’s death, leading the singer to consider all earthly gains as insignificant compared to the divine love and sacrifice embodied in the crucifixion.
The imagery of “sorrow and love flow mingled down” vividly captures the emotional depth of the crucifixion scene.
The hymn explores the unique intersection of divine love and human sorrow embodied in the suffering of Christ.
Ultimately, the theme centers on the overwhelming love of God, the acknowledgment of human unworthiness, and the surrender of one’s life in response to this divine love.
More Timeless Hymn Lyrics
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The Hymn Saved By Grace Lyrics.
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O God, Our Help in Ages Past Lyrics.
The Lyrics of The Hymn: He Leadeth Me.
The Hymn Alleluia Sing to Jesus Lyrics.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Lyrics.
The Lyrics of the hymn Nearer my God to Thee.
The The Lyrics Of The Mighty God While Angels Bless.
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