Thine is Glory - Hymn with Lyrics

 

1. Thine be the glory, risen, conqu'ring Son;
endless is the vict'ry Thou o’er death hast won.
Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,
kept the folded grave-clothes where Thy body lay.

Refrain:
Thine be the glory, risen, conqu'ring Son;
endless is the vict'ry Thou o’er death hast won.

2. Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb.
Lovingly He greets us, scatters fear and gloom;
let His church with gladness hymns of triumph sing,
for the Lord now liveth; death hath lost its sting. [Refrain]

3. No more we doubt Thee, glorious Prince of life!!
Life is nought without Thee; aid us in our strife;
make us more than conqu'rors, through Thy deathless love;
bring us safe through Jordan to Thy home above. [Refrain]

Scripture; Joshua 3:9-17; Matthew 28:1-10; 

Isaiah 28:8

; John 20:1-31

The hymn "Thine Be the Glory" has a fascinating history rooted in the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, particularly during Easter. Its origins trace back to the 18th century and are associated with both the sacred and the secular.

The Story Behind the Hymn:

1. Original Composition: The hymn was originally written in French by Edmond Budry, a Swiss pastor, in 1884. The French title of the hymn was "A Toi la Gloire", which translates to "Thine be the Glory." Budry wrote the hymn to commemorate the glory of the resurrection of Christ, emphasizing the victory over death and sin.

   Budry was deeply inspired by the biblical story of the resurrection and wanted to craft a hymn that was triumphant and celebratory, focusing on Christ's victory over the grave. His French version, with its joyful and stirring message, quickly gained popularity in French-speaking Christian communities.

2. The Tune: The melody most commonly associated with "Thine Be the Glory" is Judas Maccabaeus, a stirring, triumphant tune composed by George Frideric Handel in 1747. The tune was originally written as part of Handel's oratorio "Judas Maccabaeus", which commemorates the victory of the Jewish hero Judas Maccabeus over the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. The music, which was originally intended to reflect military victory, fit perfectly with the triumphant theme of Christ’s resurrection.

   This strong and uplifting melody has become the hymn's standard tune, which further enhances its celebratory nature.

3. English Translation: The hymn was translated into English in 1923 by Richard B. Hoyle, a British clergyman, who adapted Budry’s French text. Hoyle’s translation maintained the joyful and reverent tone of the original, capturing the essence of Christ's victory over death and sin. The hymn was introduced into English-speaking Protestant and Anglican congregations, where it quickly became associated with Easter and the Resurrection.

4. Theological Themes: "Thine Be the Glory" emphasizes several key theological themes:

   • Victory Over Death: The central theme of the hymn is Christ's resurrection, and the triumph of life over death. The first line, "Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son!", encapsulates this victorious message.
   • Praise and Glory to Christ: The hymn focuses on giving glory to Jesus, recognizing His divine nature and His role in securing salvation for humanity.
   • Resurrection Hope: The hymn also reflects the Christian hope of eternal life, symbolized by the resurrection, as believers join in the victory won by Christ.

5. Significance in Worship: The hymn became a prominent part of Easter celebrations in many Christian denominations due to its joyful tone and powerful proclamation of the resurrection. The combination of the stirring music by Handel and the triumphant lyrics made it a favorite in church services, particularly during Easter morning services, when Christians celebrate the risen Christ.

6. Impact and Legacy: "Thine Be the Glory" is now one of the most popular Easter hymns worldwide, sung in churches and at various Christian events. It has been recorded by numerous choirs and musicians and remains beloved for its ability to convey the joy and hope that comes with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In sum, "Thine Be the Glory" is a hymn that celebrates the central Christian doctrine of the resurrection. It was written by Edmond Budry in 1884, set to music by Handel, and translated into English in 1923. Its themes of victory, praise, and resurrection have made it an enduring and powerful hymn in Christian worship, especially during the Easter season.