I Know That My Redeemer Liveth

By Jessie Brown Pounds

Lyrics

1. I know that my Redeemer liveth,
And on the earth again shall stand;
I know eternal life He giveth,
That grace and power are in His hand.

Chorus:
I know, I know that Jesus liveth,
And on the earth again shall stand;
I know, I know that life He giveth,
That grace and power are in His hand.

2. I know His promise never faileth,
The word He speaks, it cannot die;
Tho' cruel death my flesh assaileth,
Yet I shall see Him by and by.

3. I know my mansion He prepareth,
That where He is there I may be;
Oh, wondrous thought, for me He careth,
And He at last will come for me.

Bible Reference

Job 19:25

About This Hymn

"I Know That My Redeemer Liveth" is a testimony hymn written by Jessie Brown Pounds, an American hymn writer and poet active in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Published in 1887, the hymn takes its title and main declaration directly from Job 19:25, one of the most triumphant statements of faith in Scripture. Pounds uses this powerful biblical affirmation as the basis for a hymn of hope, assurance, and joyful anticipation of eternal life.

The text affirms the believer’s confidence in the living Christ as Redeemer and points to the resurrection as the ultimate proof of victory over sin and death. The lyrics celebrate not only the historical fact of Christ’s resurrection but also the personal relationship between the believer and the risen Lord. This personal assurance makes the hymn deeply encouraging, especially for those facing trials or loss.

Musically, the hymn is often sung to a strong and steady gospel tune that reinforces its confident and uplifting message. The chorus typically repeats the central line "I know that my Redeemer liveth," allowing the congregation to proclaim this truth together with emphasis. This repetition mirrors the conviction in Job’s words, transforming the statement into a joyful song of praise.

Jessie B. Pounds was known for her ability to take Scripture and express it in accessible, heartfelt poetry. In this hymn, she captures the certainty of the Christian hope, pointing to Christ’s living presence as the foundation of peace and assurance. Over the years, "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth" has been especially popular during Easter celebrations and memorial services, where the themes of resurrection and eternal life bring comfort and strength.

In summary, the hymn stands as a clear and confident proclamation of the believer’s hope in Christ, rooted in the unchanging truth of God’s Word. It calls the church to lift its voice in praise of the risen Savior and to hold fast to the promise of life everlasting.