When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Benjamin Bayl Lyrics
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On which the Prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God
All the vain things that charm me most
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?
His dying crimson, like a robe
Spreads o'er His body on the tree
Then I am dead to all the globe
And all the globe is dead to me
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 lyrics of "When I survey the wondrous cross" communicate a deep sense of humility and reverence for the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. The first two lines indicate that the singer is contemplating the incredible nature of the cross, where the Prince of glory himself died. This realization causes the singer to evaluate his own worth, recognizing that no amount of wealth or pride could ever surpass the value of this sacrifice.
The next stanza continues this theme of humility, with the singer rejecting any temptation to boast or to be charmed by "vain things". Instead, the singer recognizes that the only worthy object of his devotion is Christ's death.
The third stanza paints a vivid picture of the physical suffering Jesus endured on the cross, with the mingling of "sorrow and love" flowing from His head, hands, and feet. The stanza ends with a question that reflects on the intense love and suffering that Jesus experienced in his final moments: "Did e'er such love and sorrow meet / Or thorns compose so rich a crown?"
The fourth stanza takes a more personal turn, with the singer describing the way in which Jesus' death has personally affected him. The image of Jesus' crimson robe covering his body on the tree (a reference to the crown of thorns he wore) signifies that the singer is "dead" to the world and has given over his entire being to Christ.
The final stanza reflects on the overwhelming nature of Jesus' love, which demands that the singer give his whole heart and soul over in return. The sentiment is poignant and profound, emphasizing the deep sense of gratitude and awe that the singer feels at the mercy and sacrifice of Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
When I survey the wondrous cross
As I reflect upon the remarkable cross
On which the Prince of glory died
Where the illustrious leader died
My richest gain I count but loss
What I value most, I realize it has no worth
And pour contempt on all my pride
I cast aside my arrogance
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
Don't allow me to brag
Save in the death of Christ my God
Except in the death of my God, Christ
All the vain things that charm me most
All the things that attract me but have no value
I sacrifice them to His blood
I offer them up to His blood
See from His head, His hands, His feet
Observe the wounds on His head, hands, and feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Pain and affection mix together
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Have love and sorrow ever combined so perfectly?
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Could a crown made of thorns be any more splendid?
His dying crimson, like a robe
His red death, like a garment
Spreads o'er His body on the tree
Covers His body hanging from the tree
Then I am dead to all the globe
I am indifferent to everything in the world
And all the globe is dead to me
The whole world has no significance to me
Were the whole realm of nature mine
Even if the entire world belonged to me
That were a present far too small
It would still be an inadequate gift
Love so amazing, so divine
A divine and incredible love
Demands my soul, my life, my all
Requires my whole being, spirit, and existence
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Edward Miller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind