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How Great Thou Art

"How Great Thou Art" is a Christian hymn based on the 1885 Swedish poem "O Store Gud" by Carl Boberg.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

How Great Thou Art is a Christian hymn based on the 1885 Swedish poem "O Store Gud" by Carl Boberg. The English version was adapted by Stuart K. Hine in 1949 and became widely known through gospel singers and Billy Graham crusades. It is one of the best-known hymns in English-language Christian worship, and is well known in Canadian Christian worship and hymn singing.

Origins

The song began as a Swedish poem, "O Store Gud," written by Carl Boberg in 1885. It was inspired by Boberg's experience of awe at nature, especially after a thunderstorm.

English adaptation

Stuart K. Hine created the English version in 1949. His adaptation became the standard English-text form and introduced the title "How Great Thou Art."

Popularity and performance history

The hymn became especially well known through gospel performances and Billy Graham crusades. George Beverly Shea's performances helped establish it as a major hymn in English-language Christian music.

Melody and translation history

The melody is derived from a Swedish folk tune. Before the English version, the hymn circulated in other languages, including German and Russian, before being adapted for English use.

Key facts

  • The hymn originated as a Swedish poem titled "O Store Gud" written by Carl Boberg in 1885.
  • Stuart K. Hine produced the English version commonly sung as "How Great Thou Art" in 1949.
  • The hymn was widely popularised in the English-speaking world through Billy Graham crusades.
  • George Beverly Shea and Cliff Barrows were closely associated with its promotion.
  • The tune is based on a Swedish folk melody.
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Canadian context

The hymn is well known in Canadian Christian worship and hymn singing, especially in evangelical and mainline church traditions.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote "How Great Thou Art"?
The original poem "O Store Gud" was written by Swedish poet and minister Carl Boberg in 1885.
Who wrote the English version?
Stuart K. Hine adapted the hymn into the English version commonly known as "How Great Thou Art" in 1949.
What language was it originally written in?
It was originally written in Swedish.
Is the melody original to the hymn?
No. The tune is based on a Swedish folk melody.
How did it become widely known?
It was popularised in the English-speaking world through gospel singing, especially by George Beverly Shea and Billy Graham crusades.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Great_Thou_Art
    Supports: Original Swedish poem by Carl Boberg, English adaptation by Stuart K. Hine, and popularity through Billy Graham crusades.
  2. Pender UMC — https://penderumc.org/pender-blog/hymn-history-how-great-thou-art/
    Supports: Carl Boberg's Swedish poem, the Swedish folk melody, and Stuart K. Hine's English version.
  3. The Southern Cross — https://www.scross.co.za/2014/08/how-great-thou-art/
    Supports: Origin in Sweden and use of an old Swedish folk tune.