When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Jonathan Anderson • July 16, 2025

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” is a hymn that brings you face to face with the weight and beauty of the crucifixion. It doesn’t rush through the moment or explain it away — it invites you to pause and look, to truly consider what the cross means and what it cost. It’s a hymn of deep humility, leading us to worship not with noise, but with awe.

The Story Behind the Hymn

Written in 1707 by Isaac Watts, this hymn is one of the earliest examples of English hymns that spoke from personal experience rather than simply paraphrasing Scripture. Watts wanted worship to be not only biblical but heartfelt, and this hymn reflects that desire.


It was originally written for communion services and has become one of the most cherished Lenten and Easter hymns around the world. The tune most often paired with it today is Hamburg, a quiet and solemn melody that allows the words to speak clearly. Over 300 years later, it still moves hearts with its quiet power.


What Makes It Powerful

The language in this hymn is simple, but the message is incredibly deep. It asks us to reflect — to survey the cross, not just glance at it. It helps us see the crucifixion not as a distant event, but as a deeply personal sacrifice made for us. Lines like “See, from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down” stir the soul to worship.


A verse that captures the heart of this hymn is Galatians 6:14 (NIV):

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

That’s exactly the tone this hymn sets — quiet, surrendered, and fully centered on the cross.


My Violin Cover

When I arranged “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” for violin, I approached it with simplicity and reverence. The melody is solemn and sacred, so I let the notes breathe, allowing space for quiet reflection between each phrase.


With Violin Hymns, I try to serve the heart of the hymn, and this one asked for stillness — not performance, but meditation. It’s a hymn that doesn’t need anything extra. It speaks clearly on its own.



Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, let yourself truly survey the cross — not from a distance, but with a heart willing to see the love and sorrow mingled there. Let the melody draw you near to the One who gave everything. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.

Lyrics


When I survey the wondrous cross

on which the Prince of glory died,

my richest gain I count but loss,

and pour contempt on all my pride.


Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast

save in the death of Christ, my God!

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them through his blood.


See, from his head, his hands, his feet,

sorrow and love flow mingled down.

Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,

or thorns compose so rich a crown?


Were the whole realm of nature mine,

that were a present far too small.

Love so amazing, so divine,

demands my soul, my life, my all.

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