My Savior First of All
By Fanny Crosby
Lyrics
When the bright and glorious morning I shall see;
I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side,
And His smile will be the first to welcome me.
I shall know Him, (I shall know Him,) I shall know Him,
And redeemed by His side I shall stand;
I shall know Him, (I shall know Him,) I shall know Him
By the print of the nails in His hand.
And the luster of His kindly beaming eye;
How my full heart will praise Him for the mercy, love and grace
That prepared for me a mansion in the sky.
And our parting at the river I recall;
To the sweet vales of Eden they will sing my welcome home,
But I long to meet my Savior first of all.
He will lead me where no tears will ever fall;
In the glad song of ages I shall mingle with delight,
But I long to meet my Savior first of all.
Bible Reference
1 John 3:2
About This Hymn
"My Savior First of All" is one of the most beloved hymns penned by Fanny J. Crosby, the blind hymn writer whose spiritual insight touched millions. This particular hymn reflects her deep longing to meet Christ face to face. Though physically blind from infancy, Fanny possessed a vivid inner vision of her future meeting with the Savior. The hymn expresses the hope and joy of heaven, not primarily because of its splendor or reunion with loved ones, but because Christ Himself will be there. The central image in the song is the moment of seeing Jesus and recognizing Him by the print of the nails in His hands.
Crosby's deep personal faith shines through in lines such as, "I shall know Him, I shall know Him, by the print of the nails in His hand." The hymn was composed in collaboration with John R. Sweney, who matched her tender, expectant words with a soaring melody that has resonated with Christians for generations. It captures the Christian's anticipation of eternity and the surpassing joy of finally seeing Jesus. The hymn emphasizes the personal nature of salvation and the believer's future glorification.
"My Savior First of All" has comforted countless people who mourn or anticipate the passing of loved ones in Christ. It assures them that beyond death lies a glorious reunion, not only with other believers but most importantly with the Lord Himself. Fanny J. Crosby, though deprived of physical sight, looked forward to the day when her eyes would be opened in glory and Jesus would be the first face she would ever see. This hymn remains a powerful expression of eternal hope and Christian devotion.
From the Dictionary of Hymnology
Related terms and concepts automatically matched to this hymn.
A beautiful land by faith I see Hymn
A popular nineteenth-century Sunday School hymn about Heaven, first published anonymously in 1862 and later attributed to J. Hall.
Read moreJohn Quincy, Adam History
Biographical entry for John Quincy Adams (1767–1848), sixth President of the United States, diplomat, Unitarian, and writer of hymns and psalm versions.
Read moreAddiscott, Henry History
Biographical entry for Henry Addiscott (1806–1860), English Congregational minister and author of the hymn "And is there, Lord, a cross for me."
Read more
📬 Subscribe to Our Devotional Updates
Receive weekly hymns, devotionals, and website features directly in your inbox.
⭐ Recommend This Hymn
Share this beautiful hymn with others
This hymn is found in these hymnals
Open the hymnal that contains this hymn:
Hymns with the same subject
More hymns about Endtime, Glory of God, Jesus Christ, Redeemer, Redemption
- My Savior First of All (I Shall Know Him) — Fanny Crosby
- What A Day That Will Be — Jim Hill
- Blessed Assurance — Fanny Crosby
- He Hideth My Soul — Fanny Crosby
- Be Thou Exalted — Fanny J. Crosby
- Christ Is the World's Light — Fred Pratt Green
- Servant of God, well done! — Charles Wesley
- What Rich Eternal Bursts Of Praise — G.W. Frazer
More hymn subjects
Latest Updated Hymnals
-
Open
The People's HymnalUpdated 6 days, 13 hours ago · 1961 -
Open
Book of Common Praise (BoCP1915)Updated 3 weeks ago · 1915 -
Open
Our Great Redeemer's PraiseUpdated 2 months, 2 weeks ago · 2022 -
Open
The Parish Hymnal (1873)Updated 2 months, 3 weeks ago · 1873 -
Open
Book of Common Praise (BCP1998)Updated 3 months ago · 1998
Hymn Information
To view the author's biography, click their name above.
MIDI File
Popular Hymns
Recent Blog Posts
Popular Blog Posts
-
Easter vs Passover: How a Biblical Feast Bec…4 months ago -
Lessons from the Book of Haggai: Putting God…2 months ago -
The Full Story of the Birth of Jesus Christ:…7 months, 3 weeks ago -
The 30 Most Famous Christmas Hymns and Carols11 months ago -
50 Most Sung Hymns Today: the Most Beloved S…8 months, 1 week ago
Visit Us on Social Media
Latest from X (Twitter)
Tweets by HymnalLibraryLatest from Facebook
Latest on YouTube
Daily Bible Verse
Disclaimer
The hymns, sheet music, MIDI files, and related content on this website are provided for educational and research purposes only.
- Public Domain: Many of the hymns featured here are in the public domain and may be freely used.
- Copyrighted Works: Some hymns may still be under copyright protection. Where applicable, permission has either been requested from the copyright owner, or the content is shared under the principles of fair use for educational purposes.
⚠️ Important Notice: If you wish to reproduce, distribute, or use any copyrighted hymn beyond personal study or educational use, you must obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. This website does not grant any rights for commercial use yet.
If there is any other question please address it to us in our Contact Page, for further assistance. Thank you for using the site. May God Bless You.