Low in the Grave He Lay (Christ Arose!)
A solemn-then-soaring Easter hymn moving from tomb to triumph.
Download PDFA solemn-then-soaring Easter hymn moving from tomb to triumph. Written by Robert Lowry (1874), set to the tune "Christ Arose" by Robert Lowry.
Suggested pairing scripture
Luke 24:6
"He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee."
Read Luke 24:6 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Low in the Grave He Lay (Christ Arose!)." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing on Easter morning and throughout Eastertide as a triumphant proclamation of the resurrection.
Lyrics
Stanza 1
Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Saviour, Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord! Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o'er His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Stanza 2
Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Saviour; Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!
Stanza 3
Death cannot keep his prey, Jesus my Saviour; He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!
History & Background
Robert Lowry, a Baptist pastor and music editor, wrote both words and music in 1874 while reading Luke 24:6-8 during Easter season. The hushed minor verses give way to a triumphant major-key refrain — a musical depiction of the resurrection itself.
Scripture Behind the Hymn
Luke 24:6
"He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee."Read in context
Acts 2:24
"Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the music change so dramatically at the refrain?
Lowry deliberately set the verses in a slow, mournful style to picture the sealed tomb, then bursts into a major-key triumphant march at 'Up from the grave He arose' to mirror the resurrection.
Related Hymns
Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Low in the Grave He Lay (Christ Arose!).
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Low in the Grave He Lay (Christ Arose!)
Robert Lowry • 1874
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Charles Wesley • 1739
The Resurrection of Jesus
Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20 • Victory Over Death
Easter Bible Verses & Resurrection Devotional
Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with powerful KJV scriptures about th
God Promises Victory Over Sin
Bible promises that you can overcome sin through Christ's power.
God Promises Victory Over Death
Bible promises about the defeat of death through Jesus Christ.
Where to go next
Enjoyed "Low in the Grave He Lay (Christ Arose!)"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
- Browse the full hymnal libraryLyrics, authors and scripture pairings.Continue
- Plan this Sunday's serviceCall-to-worship verses and printable kits.Continue
- Sermon series with matching verse setsOutlines and printable packs.Continue
- Today's Bible verse (KJV)A fresh verse and short reflection each day.Continue