cross

atonement

consecration

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Isaac Watts 1707 Tune: Hamburg (L.M. (8.8.8.8))

Watts's meditation on the cross of Christ.

Quick Answer

Watts's meditation on the cross of Christ. Written by Isaac Watts (1707), set to the tune "Hamburg" by Lowell Mason (arr.).

Suggested pairing scripture

Galatians 6:14

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Read Galatians 6:14 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." 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

When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.

Stanza 2

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.

Stanza 3

See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Stanza 4

Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.

History & Background

Isaac Watts wrote this hymn for a 1707 communion service. It was paired with Lowell Mason's arrangement of a Gregorian chant ('Hamburg') in 1824. Charles Wesley reportedly said he would gladly trade all his own hymns to have written this one.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

Galatians 6:14

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Read in context

Philippians 3:7-8

"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

What scripture is When I Survey based on?

Watts wrote it as a meditation on Galatians 6:14 — boasting only in the cross of Christ.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.

Rock of Ages

Augustus M. Toplady · 1776

The Old Rugged Cross

George Bennard · 1913

Nothing But the Blood of Jesus

Robert Lowry · 1876

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Isaac Watts • 1707

Spiritual Warfare

The Blood of the Lamb

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

Rock of Ages

Augustus M. Toplady • 1776

Bible Verses About Blood Atonement

10 curated KJV verses

1 Peter 2:24 Commentary

In-depth study • Atonement

The Crucifixion of Jesus

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

Where to go next

Enjoyed "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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