Take the World but Give Me Jesus

Jonathan Anderson • September 22, 2025

“Take the World but Give Me Jesus” is a hymn of deep surrender. It draws a clear line between what the world offers and what Christ gives — and makes the choice without hesitation. This hymn doesn’t reject joy or beauty, but it sees them as incomplete without Jesus. It’s about setting our hearts on something that lasts forever.

The Story Behind the Hymn

This hymn was written by Fanny J. Crosby, one of the most prolific hymn writers in Christian history. Born blind, she saw more clearly than many with sight — especially when it came to what truly mattered. Her desire to know Christ more deeply is felt in every word of this hymn.


The tune was written by Sweney W. Howard, and the music has a steady, heartfelt flow that gently carries Crosby’s words. It became a favorite among believers who sought to fix their eyes on eternity, especially in times of temptation or hardship.


What Makes It Powerful

What gives this hymn its strength is the contrast. It’s not just about choosing Jesus — it’s about choosing Him over everything else. It speaks to the soul that realizes the world can’t satisfy, and that nothing compares to the love of Christ.


A verse that reflects the heart of this hymn is Philippians 3:8 (NIV):

I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…

This hymn helps us remember that in every gain or loss, Jesus is enough.


My Violin Cover

When I arranged “Take the World but Give Me Jesus” for violin, I wanted to highlight the hymn’s gentle resolve. It’s not a boastful song — it’s a quiet declaration of where true treasure is found. I kept the phrasing calm and sincere, with just enough emotion to match the surrender behind the lyrics.


With Violin Hymns, my goal is to let the melody support the message — and this one speaks clearly through humble devotion.



Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, let the words of this hymn settle in your heart. Think about what you’re holding on to — and whether Jesus truly has your full affection. Take the world, but give me Jesus — in His cross my trust shall be.

Lyrics


Take the world but give me Jesus,

He who died, He lov’d me so;

Gladly now I yield earth’s treasures,

Jesus only would I know.


Take the world but give me Jesus,

That dear Friend who loves me so;

All the world I leave, to follow

Jesus thro’ this vale below.


Now I hail my gracious Savior,

Living Head and glorious King;

And for His redemptive favor,

All my gifts and pow’rs I bring. 


Take the world but give me Jesus,

And my heart shall be His throne;

King of kings, and Lord forever,

He shall rule, and He alone.

Youtube Channels

Sponsored by VIOLINHYMNS.COM


Jonathan Violin Hymns
Jonathan Violin
Beautiful Piano Hymns
Hymn Karaoke

More Blogs

By Jonathan Anderson September 29, 2025
“Fairest Lord Jesus” is a hymn that praises Christ not just for what He’s done, but for who He is. It compares His beauty, purity, and glory to everything else we might admire — nature, kings, even angels — and finds Him greater still. It’s a simple, poetic song that lifts the soul in gentle adoration.
By Jonathan Anderson September 29, 2025
“Draw Me Close to You” is a modern worship song that speaks directly from the heart — a prayer to be near to God again. It’s not complicated or theological; it’s honest and vulnerable , expressing a deep longing to be in the presence of Jesus, where nothing else satisfies.
By Jonathan Anderson September 29, 2025
“I Love You, Lord” is one of the simplest worship songs ever written — and one of the most powerful. Just a few short lines, but they carry the full weight of devotion: I love You. I lift my voice. Take joy in what You hear. It’s not a performance — it’s a prayer. This song doesn’t just speak about God — it speaks to Him.
By Jonathan Anderson September 29, 2025
“Take My Hand, Precious Lord” is a hymn of surrender and comfort. It’s a cry from a weary soul, asking God for guidance and peace in the middle of suffering or loss. With simple words and an aching melody, this hymn has walked with countless people through some of their hardest moments — reminding them that Jesus is near, even in the darkest hours.
By Jonathan Anderson September 29, 2025
“Lead Me to Calvary” is a hymn of remembrance and surrender. It’s not just about recalling what Jesus did — it’s about letting the reality of the cross change us. This hymn is a prayer that our hearts never grow numb to the cost of our salvation, and that we live each day in the shadow of Calvary.
By Jonathan Anderson September 29, 2025
“Shall We Gather at the River” is a hymn of anticipation. It looks beyond the present to the promise of eternity — a time when God’s people will be united in His presence by the river of life. The melody is calm and steady, and the lyrics are full of peaceful longing, grounded in the hope that we will one day gather together in heaven.
By Jonathan Anderson September 29, 2025
“Above All” is a worship song that lifts our eyes to the greatness of Christ and the depth of His love . It speaks of a Savior who is exalted above creation, kings, and wisdom — yet chose to suffer and die for us. It’s a song of awe and humility, reminding us that Jesus placed our salvation above all else , even His own life.
By Jonathan Anderson September 29, 2025
“We Gather Together” is a hymn that brings people into a spirit of unity and thanksgiving. Often sung around harvest time and Thanksgiving, it’s more than a seasonal song — it’s a reminder that God is with His people , guiding and protecting through every trial. Its roots go back centuries, making it one of the oldest hymns still sung in churches today.
By Jonathan Anderson September 29, 2025
“Day by Day” is a hymn of quiet surrender. It doesn’t look far ahead or worry about tomorrow — it focuses on trusting God for today. There’s something deeply comforting in its simplicity: not trying to figure out the whole journey, just leaning on God moment by moment.
By Jonathan Anderson September 29, 2025
“His Eye Is on the Sparrow” is a hymn of quiet trust and peace. It speaks to the soul in times of fear, loneliness, or sorrow — reminding us that the God who watches over the smallest sparrow also watches over each of us. It’s a deeply personal song, filled with comfort for anyone walking through uncertainty.
Show More