More About Jesus

“More About Jesus” is a beloved devotional hymn written by Eliza Edmunds Hewitt, a dedicated Sunday school teacher and hymnwriter from Philadelphia. Composed in 1887, this hymn is a passionate expression of a believer’s longing to grow deeper in their knowledge, love, and service of Christ. With its repetitive yet increasingly earnest refrain, it serves both as a personal prayer and a communal song of sanctification, inviting every Christian to seek more of Christ’s presence and truth each day.

Eliza E. Hewitt, the hymn’s author, was a woman of deep personal faith and spiritual insight. Despite suffering from a spinal injury that confined her to bed for a time, she used her recovery period to write hymns that would uplift and instruct others in the faith. Her collaboration with gospel composer John R. Sweney produced several memorable hymns, with “More About Jesus” becoming one of the most enduring.

The lyrics of this hymn reflect a spiritual hunger to know Jesus beyond initial salvation. In the opening stanza, the singer yearns to “know more of His grace,” “more of His saving fullness see,” and “more of His love who died for me.” These lines echo the Apostle Paul’s desire in Philippians 3:10: “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection.” Each stanza builds upon this theme, drawing the worshipper into deeper levels of discipleship.

The second stanza centers on learning from the Lord directly—through His Word and voice. The plea for divine instruction recalls Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” In the third stanza, the hymn shifts to emphasize the victory and guidance Jesus gives, highlighting His triumph over sin and Satan, and His kingly authority in the believer’s life.

Finally, the fourth stanza ties the hymn together with a desire for communion and growth: “More of His kingdom’s sure increase; more of His coming, Prince of Peace.” This reflects an eschatological hope as well as a present submission to the Lordship of Christ. The recurring refrain, “More, more about Jesus,” reinforces the central message of the hymn—our walk with Christ is one of ever-deepening relationship and understanding.

Musically, John R. Sweney’s tune complements the text with a strong, singable melody that allows congregations to lift their voices in unity. The upward movement of the melody mirrors the upward spiritual yearning of the text, and the steady rhythm makes it ideal for both personal devotion and corporate worship.

“More About Jesus” remains a powerful hymn for teaching and spiritual encouragement. It’s especially meaningful in contexts where spiritual growth, discipleship, and Bible study are emphasized. It challenges believers not to settle for surface-level faith but to dive deeper into the riches of God’s Word and the person of Christ. In a world full of distractions and shallow pursuits, this hymn refocuses the heart on the one thing that truly matters—Jesus Himself.