What Child Is This
St. Ives Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap was sleeping
Whom angles greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping

This, this is Christ the king
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud (I don't know what this is!)

The babe the son of Mary

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and lamb are feeding
Good Christian, fear; For sinners here
The silent word is pleading

This, this is Christ the king
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring Him laud
The babe the son of Mary

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh
Come peasant, king, to own Him
The king of kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him

This, this is Christ the king
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring Him laud
The babe the son of Mary

This, this is Christ the king
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring Him laud

The babe the son of Mary
The babe the son of Mary

Overall Meaning

The first stanza of "What Child Is This" describes the scene of Jesus Christ's birth that was recorded in the Bible. The child whom Mary, the mother of Jesus, laid to rest on her lap while he slept was greeted by angels with sweet anthems. The shepherds who were keeping watch over their flock also witnessed this event. The opening lines of the song present an atmosphere of awe and wonder as the people who were present at the time of Jesus' birth looked upon him with amazement.

The second stanza raises an interesting question about why Jesus lay in a manger, where the ox and lamb were feeding. The lyrics tell the audience that the silent word is pleading for the sins of humankind. This could be interpreted as Jesus coming to earth to save people from sin and to bring peace to the world. The scene is painted in a way that evokes feelings of empathy and sympathy for both Jesus and Mary.

The final stanza of the song brings the story of Jesus' birth to a conclusion. It calls upon peasants and kings alike to bring him gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh. Christ is not only the king of kings but also the bringer of salvation to all. The song ends on this triumphant note of hope and redemption, with a call for all to come together in the love of Christ and to enthrone him within our hearts.

Line by Line Meaning

What child is this, who, laid to rest
Who is this child who is peacefully sleeping, lying down?

On Mary's lap was sleeping
Sleeping comfortably on Mary's lap

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
The angels meet this child with sweet songs

While shepherds watch are keeping
While the shepherds keep watchful eye

This, this is Christ the king
This is Jesus Christ, the ruler of all

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Whom the shepherds watch over and the angels sing for

Haste, haste to bring him laud (I don't know what this is!)
Quickly, quickly give Him your praise

The babe the son of Mary
The infant son of Mary

Why lies He in such mean estate
Why is He lying in such a lowly place?

Where ox and lamb are feeding
Where the animals are feeding

Good Christian, fear; For sinners here
Be afraid, Good Christian; the savior is here for the sinners