Holy, Holy, Holy!

Jonathan Anderson • July 13, 2025

“Holy, Holy, Holy!” is one of the most majestic hymns ever written. It doesn’t focus on our experience or emotions — it lifts our eyes completely to God. It’s a hymn of worship that echoes the voices of angels, reminding us that long before we ever sang, heaven was already filled with praise.

The Story Behind the Hymn

The lyrics were written in 1826 by Reginald Heber, an Anglican priest and poet. He wrote it specifically for Trinity Sunday, a day in the church calendar meant to honor the triune nature of God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Heber wanted a hymn that was doctrinally rich, yet simple enough to be sung by the entire congregation.


The tune most commonly used today, called Nicaea, was written later by John B. Dykes. The name of the tune itself is a reference to the Nicene Creed, which affirms the doctrine of the Trinity. Together, the lyrics and melody form a powerful call to worship — a reminder of God’s holiness, majesty, and glory.


What Makes It Powerful

This hymn is not focused on human need — it’s focused on God’s nature. From beginning to end, it declares what is true in every age: that God is holy, set apart, and worthy of all praise. The triple repetition of “Holy” mirrors Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8, where heavenly beings proclaim God’s holiness forever.


A verse that reflects this perfectly is Revelation 4:8 (NIV):

Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”

This hymn allows us to join that eternal chorus. It isn’t just a Sunday song — it’s a glimpse into worship that’s always happening around the throne of God.


My Violin Cover

When I arranged “Holy, Holy, Holy!” for violin, I wanted it to feel reverent and still. The melody itself is noble and steady, and I tried to let that come through with clean phrasing and a peaceful tempo. I didn’t want to rush it — I wanted to let each note honor the holiness of the One it’s written for.


With Violin Hymns, my goal is always to stay faithful to the message and tone of each hymn, and this one called for awe. Not sadness or joy, but reverence.


Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, picture the heavenly scene in Revelation — countless voices surrounding the throne, crying out, “Holy, holy, holy.” Let this hymn lift your heart beyond the moment you’re in and remind you who God truly is: eternal, powerful, and holy.

Lyrics


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.


Holy, holy, holy!

Merciful and mighty,

God in three Persons,

Blessed Trinity.


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 power,

In love and purity.


Holy, holy, holy!

Merciful and mighty,

God in three Persons,

Blessed Trinity.


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.


Holy, holy, holy!

Merciful and mighty,

God in three Persons,

Blessed Trinity.

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