Text: Reginald Heber
Tune: NICAEA, John B. Dykes
Genre: Hymn
Language: English
Scripture Reference: Revelation 4:1-11
Liturgical Uses/ Seasons: Praises/Adoration
Themes: Holiness of God
Hymnal Reference: Baptist Hymnal 56 ed. #1

The hymn was born from a desire to write and compile hymns for Trinity Sunday, the first Sunday after the Pentecost. It was the custom of the church to read Revelation chapter 4, after which “Holy, Holy, Holy” is written. To wit, Heber wrote the hymn published after his publisher’s death.

“Holy, Holy, Holy” is a lovely hymn of most congregations and denominations in Nigeria because it is mainly used. Its uniqueness is found in its direction, which is purely vertical, and directed primarily to God. It describes God and the Trinitarian body, using a particular language: merciful, mighty, love, and purity, Whom saints, Cherubim, and Seraphim worship and all His works. The hymn is used as an invocation, acknowledgment, or adoration at the beginning of the service.

Lyrics

1. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning, our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful, and mighty!
God in three persons blessed Trinity!

2. Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
Which wert and art and evermore shalt be.

3. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.

4. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Sources:
www.hymnary.org

Contributed by Emmanuel Olabisi.