About the Hymn
Lyrics: Matthew Bridges (1851), with additional verses by Godfrey Thring (1871)
Crown Him with Many Crowns is one of the best-known hymns celebrating the glory and kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ. Written by Matthew Bridges in 1851, with additional verses later contributed by Godfrey Thring, the hymn calls believers to worship Christ as the Lamb who was slain, the risen Lord who conquered death, and the eternal King who reigns forever.
Rich in biblical imagery, each verse highlights a different aspect of Christ’s glory, from His sacrificial love and resurrection victory to His coming kingdom of peace. The hymn reminds believers that Jesus alone is worthy of all honour, praise, and worship.
Hymn Lyrics
Verse 1
Crown Him with many crowns,
The Lamb upon His throne!
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns
All music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing
Of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity.
Verse 2
Crown Him the Lord of love!
Behold His hands and side,
Rich wounds, yet visible above,
In beauty glorified.
No angel in the sky
Can fully bear that sight,
But downward bends his burning eye
At mysteries so bright.
Verse 3
Crown Him the Lord of life,
Who triumphed o’er the grave,
And rose victorious in the strife
For those He came to save;
His glories now we sing,
Who died and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring,
And lives that death may die.
Verse 4
Crown Him the Lord of peace,
Whose power a sceptre sways.
From pole to pole, that wars may cease,
And all be prayer and praise!
His reign shall know no end,
And round His pierced feet,
Fair flowers of Paradise extend
Their fragrance ever sweet.
Verse-by-Verse Meaning
Verse 1 — Crowning Christ as King
The hymn begins with a call to honour and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. The One seated on the throne is also the Lamb who gave His life for sinners and has now risen and reigns as King over all.
“Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns
All music but its own.”
The word “Hark” means “Listen!” The hymn invites believers to hear the praise of heaven, where countless voices worship Christ. Compared to the worship offered to Him in heaven, every other song fades into the background.
“Awake, my soul, and sing”
The lyricist then speaks to his own soul, urging himself to worship and honour Christ as his King. Jesus Christ is the King above every king and the Lord above every lord. His reign will never end, and He will be worshipped forever.
Verse 2 — Crowning Christ for His Love
The second verse reminds believers that Jesus is worthy of worship because of His great love shown at the cross.
“Rich wounds, yet visible above,
In beauty glorified.”
The hymn points to the wounds Jesus received when He was crucified. Although He has risen and is now glorified in heaven, they remain a lasting reminder of His sacrificial love for sinners. They are no longer marks of shame, but marks of His victory and glory.
“But downward bends his burning eye
At mysteries so bright.”
Even the angels stand in awe of Christ and the wonder of His redeeming love. They marvel at God’s plan of salvation, seeing the glory of the risen Lamb who gave His life to save sinners.
Verse 3 — Crowning Christ, the Lord of Life
The verse declares that Jesus rose from the dead in victory. Through His death and resurrection, He defeated the power of sin and death and secured salvation for all who believe in Him.
“Who died eternal life to bring,
And lives that death may die.”
Jesus died so that sinners might receive eternal life. Because He lives forever, death no longer has the final victory over those who belong to Him. One day, death itself will be destroyed, and believers will live with Christ forever.
The risen Lord is the source of eternal life. His victory over the grave gives every Christian hope, assurance, and joy.
Verse 4 — Crowning Christ, the Lord of Life
This verse reminds believers to look forward with hope to the day when Christ will reign over all things, and His perfect peace will last forever.
“From pole to pole, that wars may cease,
And all be prayer and praise!”
These words look forward to the day when Christ’s reign will bring lasting peace to the world. Instead of conflict and suffering, people from every nation will worship and honour Him.
His kingdom will never end, and those who belong to Him will one day enjoy the beauty, peace, and joy of His eternal kingdom.
Key Bible Verses
Bible Translation: English Standard Version (ESV)
Revelation 5:11–13
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
1 Corinthians 15:56–57
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
John 11:25–26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Isaiah 9:6–7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Personal Reflection
- Who is Jesus Christ to you? Is He truly the King of your life?
- What does Christ’s victory over sin and death mean to you today?
- How does the promise of Christ’s eternal kingdom encourage you as you face the troubles of this world?
- How can you worship and honour Christ more intentionally this week?
