How Great Is Our God — Chris Tomlin (Lyrics & Chords)

How Great Is Our God — Chris Tomlin

"How Great Is Our God" is one of the most widely sung congregational worship songs in the 21st century. Written by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Jesse Reeves, it was released in 2004 on Chris Tomlin's album "Arriving." In the two decades since, it has been translated into dozens of languages and sung by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

CCLI consistently ranks it among the top 10 most sung songs in churches globally. That's a remarkable legacy for a song with such simple, direct theology.

Full Lyrics

Verse 1
The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light, and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice, and trembles at His voice

Chorus
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Verse 2
And age to age He stands, and time is in His hands
Beginning and the End, Beginning and the End
The Godhead, Three in One, Father, Spirit, Son
The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb

Bridge
Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

Guitar Chords

Key: G Major (Capo 2 for A)

Verse:
G           Em
The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty
C           D
Let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice

Chorus:
G              Em
How great is our God, sing with me
C              D
How great is our God, and all will see
G
How great, how great is our God

Bridge:
Em        C
Name above all names
G         D
Worthy of all praise
Em       C    D
My heart will sing, How great is our God

The Theology Inside the Song

Don't let the simplicity fool you. "How Great Is Our God" is packed with theological content:

• "Clothed in majesty" — Psalm 104:1 ("You are clothed with splendor and majesty")
• "He wraps himself in light" — 1 Timothy 6:16 (God lives in unapproachable light)
• "The Godhead, Three in One" — A direct affirmation of the Trinity
• "The Lion and the Lamb" — Revelation 5:5-6, the paradox of Christ's strength and sacrifice
• "Age to age He stands" — God's eternal, unchanging nature

Other Notable Versions

• Chris Tomlin (Live) — The original, with the congregation singing along creating a powerful atmosphere
• World Edition — A multilingual version featuring singers from across the globe
• Hillsong United — Their live version has a raw energy that's unforgettable
• Michael W. Smith — A more reflective, intimate arrangement

FAQ

Who wrote How Great Is Our God?

The song was written by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Jesse Reeves. It was released in 2004.

What key is How Great Is Our God in?

The original recording is in the key of A major. Many congregations play it in G major with a capo on the 2nd fret.

What album is How Great Is Our God on?

It appears on Chris Tomlin's album "Arriving" (2004), as well as several live worship albums.

What Scripture inspired How Great Is Our God?

The song draws from multiple scriptures including Psalm 104, 1 Timothy 6:16, Revelation 5, and Isaiah 6.