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Holy, Holy, Holy

Reginald Heber 1826 Tune: Nicaea (11.12.12.10)

A Trinitarian hymn of adoration drawn from Revelation 4.

Quick Answer

A Trinitarian hymn of adoration drawn from Revelation 4. Written by Reginald Heber (1826), set to the tune "Nicaea" by John B. Dykes.

Suggested pairing scripture

Revelation 4:8

"Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."

Read Revelation 4:8 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Holy, Holy, Holy." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing at outdoor services, harvest festivals, and gatherings that lift up the Creator's handiwork.

Lyrics

Stanza 1

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!

Stanza 2

Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

Stanza 3

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.

Stanza 4

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!

History & Background

Bishop Reginald Heber wrote this hymn for Trinity Sunday while serving in Calcutta. John B. Dykes composed the now-inseparable tune 'Nicaea' in 1861 in honor of the Council of Nicaea.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

Revelation 4:8

"Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."

Read in context

Isaiah 6:3

"Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

What Bible passage inspired Holy, Holy, Holy?

Heber drew directly from Revelation 4:8-11 and Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim and the four living creatures cry 'Holy, holy, holy' before the throne of God.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Holy, Holy, Holy.

All Creatures of Our God and King

Francis of Assisi (1225); William H. Draper (1919) · 1225

Joy to the World

Isaac Watts · 1719

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

Joachim Neander · 1680

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

Holy, Holy, Holy

Reginald Heber • 1826

All Creatures of Our God and King

Francis of Assisi (1225); William H. Draper (1919) • 1225

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Where to go next

Enjoyed "Holy, Holy, Holy"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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