Holy, Holy, Holy
Also known as: Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
Theological Analysis
A theologically rich hymn focused on the Trinity and God's holiness. Often called one of the greatest hymns in the English language. The Trinitarian theology is explicit and orthodox.
✓ Theological Strengths
- Explicit Trinitarian affirmation ('God in three Persons, blessed Trinity')
- Draws directly from Revelation 4 imagery
- Emphasizes God's holiness as His central attribute
- Balances God's transcendence with His attributes of mercy and love
- Appropriate for morning worship as referenced
Line-by-Line Analysis
"God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!"
Clear, orthodox statement of Trinitarian doctrine. This is perhaps the clearest Trinitarian statement in all of hymnody.
Full Lyrics
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
This hymn is in the public domain.