Holy God We Praise Thy Name is a timeless Christian hymn that exalts God’s holiness, sovereignty, and eternal reign. Rooted in biblical truth, it proclaims worship to the Triune God, echoing the praise of angels and believers in heaven and on earth.
VERSE 1
Holy God, we praise thy name!
Lord of all, we bow before thee!
All on Earth thy scepter claim,
All in Heaven above adore thee;
Infinite thy vast domain,
Everlasting is thy reign.
VERSE 2
Hark! the loud celestial hymn
Angel choirs above are raising!
Cherubim and seraphim,
In unceasing chorus praising,
Fill the heavens with sweet accord;
Holy, holy, holy, Lord!
VERSE 3
Holy Father, holy Son,
Holy Spirit, Three we name thee,
Though in essence only one,
Undivided God we claim thee;
And adoring bend the knee,
While we sing our praise to thee
Story Behind the Song
In 1771, German Catholic priest Ignaz Franz composed “Großer Gott, wir loben dich,” a paraphrase of the ancient Latin hymn “Te Deum Laudamus.” This hymn, dating back to the 4th century, has been a cornerstone of Christian liturgy, offering praise to the Holy Trinity. [1]
Franz’s rendition was first published in 1774 and quickly became integral to German-speaking congregations. Its profound theological depth and melodic appeal led to widespread adoption in various Christian denominations. [2]
The hymn crossed linguistic boundaries when Clarence A. Walworth translated it into English in 1858, titling it “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name.” This version preserved the original’s essence, allowing English-speaking worshippers to partake in its rich tradition. [3]
Today, “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name” remains a beloved hymn, uniting diverse Christian communities in a shared expression of reverence and adoration for the divine.
Declaring God’s Holiness and Sovereignty
“Holy God, we praise thy name” declares the central theme of the song—exalting God’s holiness and sovereignty. Scripture repeatedly affirms God’s holiness, as seen in Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8, where angels ceaselessly proclaim, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.” Worship in heaven mirrors what believers are called to do on earth, giving glory to God’s name.
Recognizing His reign, “All on Earth thy scepter claim” reflects Psalm 103:19, which declares that “the Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.” Every creature is subject to His authority, and those who acknowledge His lordship live in obedience to His will.
“Hark! the loud celestial hymn” points to the eternal worship of God in heaven, where angels lift their voices in unceasing praise. Revelation 5:11-12 describes myriads of angels surrounding the throne, singing, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.”
This unending worship reminds believers that true adoration is not confined to earthly gatherings but is part of a greater heavenly chorus. “Cherubim and seraphim” further emphasize this imagery, reflecting Isaiah 6:2, where these angelic beings stand in awe of God’s presence. Their worship sets a model for reverence, acknowledging God’s majesty with deep humility.
“Holy Father, holy Son, holy Spirit, Three we name thee” expresses the doctrine of the Trinity, affirming the unity and distinction within the Godhead. Matthew 28:19 commands believers to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” showing their equal divinity.
While human understanding cannot fully grasp the mystery of the Trinity, Scripture consistently reveals God as one in essence yet three in persons (Deuteronomy 6:4, 2 Corinthians 13:14). “Undivided God we claim thee” upholds this truth, rejecting any notion that separates or diminishes the divine nature of the Father, Son, or Spirit.
Worship is more than singing—it is a response to who God is. A holy and sovereign King deserves nothing less than full-hearted adoration. Those who recognize His authority and holiness join the unending praise that fills both heaven and earth. True worship aligns with the Word of God, exalting Him in spirit and truth, just as Jesus commanded in John 4:24.
How to download free PowerPoint worship songs?
Register or Login now to download the free PowerPoint files and access all available free resources! Holy God We Praise Thy Name is available in the FREE DOWNLOAD BOX below—simply click the ellipsis icon (three dots) next to the PowerPoint file or hover over it to download. FREE users have a limited number of downloads each day, so consider purchasing the Amen Vault Lifetime Download Access and Updates plan to remove restrictions.
✅ About Amen Vault
✅ Amen Vault Premium Access
✅ Add to Cart Amen Vault
Bible Readings for Worship
- Bible Verses on Pursuing Our Dreams
- Jesus Our Living Hope
- Like a Tree Planted by Streams of Water (Psalm 1:1-6)
More Free Downloads
- We Cry Holy (Paul Wilbur)
- Back To Life (Planetshakers) planetboom
- Give Us Clean Hands (Charlie Hall)
- I Say Yes (Kim Walker-Smith)
- Clean Heart (Bryan & Katie Torwalt)
Related themes you might want to include Holy God We Praise Thy Name in your list of songs for worship that centered around God The Father, Faithfulness of God, Glory of God, Grace of God
Holy God We Praise Thy Name lyrics and music by Ignace Franz, (1771) Public Domain
Any thoughts or concerns about the lyrics of Holy God We Praise Thy Name? Feel free to share your comments below!
