How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds proclaims the comforting power of Jesus’ name, bringing healing, peace, and rest to believers. The lyrics reflect biblical truths about Jesus as Shepherd, Guardian, and King, emphasizing His redemptive work and presence in every season of life. This hymn beautifully expresses the deep assurance and hope found in Christ alone.
VERSE 1
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
in a believer’s ear!
It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds,
and drives away our fear.
VERSE 2
It makes the wounded spirit whole
and calms the troubled breast;
’tis manna to the hungry soul,
and to the weary, rest.
VERSE 3
O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend,
my Prophet, Priest, and King,
my Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
accept the praise I bring.
VERSE 4
How weak the effort of my heart,
how cold my warmest thought;
but when I see you as you are,
I’ll praise you as I ought.
VERSE 5
Till then I would your love proclaim
with every fleeting breath;
and may the music of your name
refresh my soul in death.
Story Behind the Hymn
John Newton, once a slave trader, experienced a profound transformation after embracing Christianity, leading him to become an Anglican cleric and hymn writer. In 1779, he published “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” in the Olney Hymns, a collection he co-authored with poet William Cowper.
This hymn reflects Newton’s deep appreciation for the comforting and healing power of Jesus’ name, a sentiment rooted in his personal journey from sin to redemption. [1]
The hymn draws inspiration from Song of Solomon 1:3, which speaks of the fragrance of the beloved’s name, symbolizing the sweetness and efficacy of Jesus’ name to believers. [2]
Over time, it has been paired with various melodies, notably the tune “St. Peter” composed by Alexander Reinagle around 1836. [3]
Newton’s collaboration with Cowper in the Olney Hymns aimed to provide meaningful worship materials for their rural parishioners in Olney, England. Their hymns captured the spirit of the Evangelical revival of the 18th century, resonating deeply with congregations in England and America. [4]
“How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” remains a testament to Newton’s enduring legacy and his message of the transformative power of Jesus’ name.
Finding Rest and Peace in Jesus
“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear!” expresses the deep comfort and joy found in Jesus. Acts 4:12 affirms that salvation is in no other name but Jesus, making His name precious to believers. Philippians 2:9-11 declares that God exalted Jesus, giving Him the name above all names.
“It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds, and drives away our fear” reflects Christ’s power to bring peace and healing. Psalm 147:3 states that God heals the brokenhearted, and John 14:27 highlights the peace Jesus gives, which the world cannot offer.
“It makes the wounded spirit whole and calms the troubled breast” aligns with Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him. “’Tis manna to the hungry soul, and to the weary, rest” echoes John 6:35, where Jesus calls Himself the Bread of Life, satisfying the deepest hunger.
“O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend” acknowledges Christ’s roles. John 10:11 calls Him the Good Shepherd, and John 15:15 affirms His friendship. “My Prophet, Priest, and King” reflects Christ’s threefold office, seen in Hebrews 1:1-3, where He is the final Prophet, the eternal High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), and the reigning King (Revelation 19:16).
The song is theologically rich, centered on Jesus’ name, His comforting presence, and His redemptive work. No unbiblical concepts appear; every line aligns with Scripture, making it a sound hymn of worship.
Relevant Bible Verses about How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds Hymn
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 NASB
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NASB
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 NASB
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:11 NASB
“Therefore God also highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NASB
“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 NASB
How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds lyrics and music by John Newton, (1779) Public Domain