When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Instrumental Hymns and Worship 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?
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!
Words: Isaac Watts Music: Appalachian Folk melody
"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" is a hymn that expresses the sentiment of humility and awe through the realization of Christ's sacrifice. The first verse begins with the imagery of the cross which stands as a symbol for Jesus' death, where the "Prince of glory died." The singer then explains that they can no longer find value in material possessions because compared to the sacrifice of Jesus, they are all worth nothing. The second verse expresses similar sentiments of humility and surrender while the third verse states that Jesus' love was so profound that it rightly deserves a life in complete devotion. The final verse concludes with the realization that nothing can compare to the overwhelming love that Jesus showed humanity.
The hymn acknowledges the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity and the debt that people owe. The lyrics remind listeners that it is important to be humble, surrender material desires and offer devotion to the Son of God. The hymn connects humanity's flaws and shortcomings to the humility and sacrifice that Jesus exemplified. This hymn aims to inspire people to appreciate the life, death, and love of Jesus Christ and to thank him for what he has given them.
Line by Line Meaning
When I survey the wondrous cross
As I contemplate and examine the remarkable cross
On which the Prince of glory died
Where the majestic Lord of lords gave His life
My richest gain I count but loss
I consider all my earthly possessions to be of no value
And pour contempt on all my pride
I hold all of my conceit and arrogance in disdain
Forbid it Lord, that I should boast
Prevent me from bragging or boasting
Save in the death of Christ, my God
Except in the death of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ
All the vain things that charm me most
All of the useless possessions that are most attractive to me
I sacrifice them to His blood
I offer them up as a tribute to His shed blood
See, from His head, His hands, His feet
Take notice of the wounds on His head, hands, and feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Sadness and affection come together in a mix
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Have love and sadness ever come together like this
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Or has such a rich crown ever been made of thorns?
Were the whole realm of nature mine
Even if I owned the entire natural world
That were a present far too small
That would be an inadequate gift
Love so amazing, so divine
The love is magnificent and godly
Demands my soul, my life, my all!
Necessitates my devotion, my existence, my everything!
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TRAD, Gerrit Gustafson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind