atonement

cross

salvation

Rock of Ages

Augustus M. Toplady 1776 Tune: Toplady (7.7.7.7.7.7)

A hymn of refuge in Christ's atoning blood.

Quick Answer

A hymn of refuge in Christ's atoning blood. Written by Augustus M. Toplady (1776), set to the tune "Toplady" by Thomas Hastings.

Suggested pairing scripture

Exodus 33:22

"I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by."

Read Exodus 33:22 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Rock of Ages." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing on Good Friday, during Holy Week reflections, and at the Lord's Supper as the congregation contemplates the cross.

Lyrics

Stanza 1

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy wounded side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Save from wrath and make me pure.

Stanza 2

Not the labor of my hands Can fulfill Thy law's demands; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow, All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Stanza 3

Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless, look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Saviour, or I die.

Stanza 4

While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyes shall close in death, When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee.

History & Background

Augustus Toplady, an Anglican curate, published these verses in 1776. Tradition (probably legendary) says he wrote the first stanza while sheltering from a storm in a cleft of rock at Burrington Combe.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

Exodus 33:22

"I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by."

Read in context

1 Corinthians 10:4

"And that Rock was Christ."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the 'Rock of Ages'?

Toplady identifies the Rock as Jesus Christ Himself, drawing on 1 Corinthians 10:4 and the cleft rock of Exodus 33:22.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Rock of Ages.

The Old Rugged Cross

George Bennard · 1913

Nothing But the Blood of Jesus

Robert Lowry · 1876

Jesus Paid It All

Elvina M. Hall · 1865

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

Rock of Ages

Augustus M. Toplady • 1776

The Old Rugged Cross

George Bennard • 1913

Isaiah 53:4-5 Commentary

In-depth study • Salvation

The Crucifixion of Jesus

Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19 • Atonement and Sacrifice

Spiritual Warfare

The Blood of the Lamb

Revelation 12:11 — the saints overcome the accuser by the blood of the Lamb. Chr

2 Corinthians 5:21 Commentary

In-depth study • Salvation & Gospel

Where to go next

Enjoyed "Rock of Ages"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

← Browse the full Hymnal Library