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Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun

Isaac Watts 1719 Tune: Duke Street (L.M. (8.8.8.8))

Watts's missionary anthem of Christ's reign extending to every nation.

Quick Answer

Watts's missionary anthem of Christ's reign extending to every nation. Written by Isaac Watts (1719), set to the tune "Duke Street" by John Hatton.

Suggested pairing scripture

Psalm 72:8

"He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth."

Read Psalm 72:8 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing as an opening processional, on Christ the King Sunday, and in services that magnify the reign of Christ.

Lyrics

Stanza 1

Jesus shall reign where'er the sun Does his successive journeys run; His kingdom stretch from shore to shore, Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

Stanza 2

For Him shall endless prayer be made, And praises throng to crown His head; His name like sweet perfume shall rise With every morning sacrifice.

Stanza 3

People and realms of every tongue Dwell on His love with sweetest song, And infant voices shall proclaim Their early blessings on His name.

Stanza 4

Blessings abound where'er He reigns: The prisoner leaps to lose his chains, The weary find eternal rest, And all the sons of want are blest.

Stanza 5

Let every creature rise and bring Peculiar honors to our King; Angels descend with songs again, And earth repeat the loud Amen.

History & Background

From Watts's 'The Psalms of David Imitated' (1719), a Christian rendering of Psalm 72. Often called the first true missionary hymn in English. The tune 'Duke Street' was composed by John Hatton around 1793 and is named for the street in Lancashire where he lived.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

Psalm 72:8

"He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth."

Read in context

Psalm 72:17

"His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this called the first missionary hymn?

Watts paraphrased Psalm 72 to declare Christ's reign over every nation, decades before the modern Protestant missionary movement — making it a foundational text for global missions.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun.

All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name

Edward Perronet · 1779

kingship of christ

Crown Him With Many Crowns

Matthew Bridges & Godfrey Thring · 1851

kingship of christ

Joy to the World

Isaac Watts · 1719

kingship of christ

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Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun

Isaac Watts • 1719

Crown Him With Many Crowns

Matthew Bridges & Godfrey Thring • 1851

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Where to go next

Enjoyed "Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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