The history of the hymn “How Great Thou Art” is extensive, including various significant individuals in its transformation from a Swedish poetry to a well-known Christian hymn. Carl Boberg, a Swedish poet, politician, and preacher, wrote the original poem. Here is a thorough account of Carl Boberg’s life and the hymn’s origins:
Boberg, Carl (1859–1940)
Early Life and Background: On August 16, 1859, Carl Gustav Boberg was born in Mönsterås, Sweden.
Family: He was raised in a pious Christian home and was impacted by his faith at an early age.
Education: After completing his studies in theology, Boberg joined the Swedish Lutheran Church as a lay priest.
Ministry and Career
Writer and Preacher: Boberg was well-known for his sermons and his skill at sharing the gospel via songs and poetry.
Political Involvement: Boberg was politically involved in addition to his religious activities. He represented the conservative party in the Swedish parliament (Riksdag) from 1912 until 1931.
Boberg is credited with writing several hymns and poems, but his most well-known composition is “O Store Gud” (O Great God), which was eventually retitled “How Great Thou Art.”
The source of “How Great Thou Art”
The Poem: Boberg penned “O Store Gud” in 1885 after going home from church during a strong rainstorm. He was moved to consider the magnificence of God’s creation as the storm faded and the surrounding area became serene and lovely.
The Melody: The poetry soon gained popularity in Sweden after being coupled with a traditional Swedish song.
The English Language Path
Several important people were engaged in the hymn’s translation from Swedish to English:
1. German Translation: In 1907, Manfred von Glehn translated the song into German and called it “Wie groß bist Du.”
2. Russian Translation: Russian evangelical leader Ivan Prokhanov translated the song into Russian at the beginning of the 20th century.
3. English Translation: In the middle of the 20th century, British missionary Stuart K. Hine produced the most well-known English translation. While serving in Eastern Europe, Hine heard the song and translated it into English, adding lines that drew inspiration from his experiences as a missionary.
Hine, Stuart K. (1899–1989)
Childhood and Ministry
Stuart Wesley Keene was born. Hine was born in Great Britain on July 25, 1899.
Missionary Work: In the 1920s and 1930s, Hine and his wife, Edith, worked as missionaries in Poland and Ukraine.
Experience of the Hymn: When Hine heard Boberg’s hymn in Russian while in Ukraine, the message struck a deep chord with him.
How Great Thou Art Hymn Lyrics
Interpretation and Modification
English Lyrics: After translating the hymn into English, Hine added lines that spoke to his personal experiences, such as allusions to Christ’s atonement and the expectation of His second coming.
Popularization: After being presented to the English-speaking world in the 1940s and 1950s, Hine’s rendition of “How Great Thou Art” became well known.
Legacy
Billy Graham Crusades: Often sung by George Beverly Shea, the hymn gained international fame following Billy Graham’s evangelical crusades.
The song “How Great Thou Art” has been translated into many languages and is performed in churches all around the world today.
