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Strong Son of God, Immortal Love

By Alfred Tennyson

Lyrics

1. Strong Son of God, immortal Love,
Whom we, that have not seen Thy face,
By faith, and faith alone, embrace,
Believing where we cannot prove;
2. Thou wilt not leave us in the dust;
Thou madest man, he knows not why,
He thinks he was not made to die:
And Thou hast made him: Thou art just.
3. Thou seemest human and divine,
The highest, holiest manhood, Thou;
Our wills are ours, we know not how;
Ours wills are ours, to make them Thine.
4. Our little systems have their day;
They have their day and cease to be;
They are but broken lights of Thee,
And Thou, O Lord, art more than they.
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Romans 5:8, John 15:13, 1 John 4:10

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Hymn scripture: Romans 5:8, John 15:13, 1 John 4:10

About This Hymn

“Strong Son of God, Immortal Love” is a hymn penned by Alfred Tennyson in 1889, reflecting his literary mastery and deep Christian faith. Tennyson, best known as the Poet Laureate of Great Britain, infused his hymns with rich poetic imagery, theological depth, and reverent admiration for Christ’s sacrificial love.

This hymn emphasizes the eternal strength, selfless love, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,” capturing the essence of the hymn’s theme. The lyrics focus on the incarnation, the crucifixion, and the enduring presence of Christ’s love in the believer’s life, highlighting the magnitude of His sacrifice and devotion.

John 15:13 underscores the supreme example of love: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Tennyson’s hymn portrays Christ as the ultimate exemplar of courage, commitment, and eternal care, inspiring worshippers to reflect on His unyielding dedication to humanity. Similarly, 1 John 4:10 emphasizes the purpose of divine love: “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

Musically, the hymn has often been set to solemn and majestic tunes, suitable for choral performance and congregational worship. Its elevated language and reflective tone encourage deep meditation on the mystery of Christ’s love, inspiring both awe and gratitude in those who sing or read it.

“Strong Son of God, Immortal Love” continues to be appreciated for its poetic richness, theological clarity, and devotional depth. It invites believers to worship Christ with reverence, to contemplate the immensity of His sacrifice, and to respond with lives marked by faith, love, and obedience. The hymn stands as a timeless tribute to the strength, immortality, and selfless devotion of Jesus Christ.

From the Dictionary of Hymnology

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Henry Kirke White's poem Athanatos, adapted into a hymn by James Martineau in 1840.

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Away, dark thoughts, awake, my joy History

John Mason's 1683 nativity hymn from Songs of Praise.

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Christian Henry Bateman History

Scottish and English minister and editor known for creating widely popular children's hymnals and writing Come, children, join to sing.

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Hymn Information

image of Strong Son of God, Immortal Love of Alfred Tennyson
  • Category: Hymn
  • Subjects: Faith Jesus Christ
  • Written by: Alfred Tennyson (1849)
  • Added: 10 months, 1 week ago
  • Last Updated: 10 months, 1 week ago
  • Views: 1150

To view the author's biography, click their name above.

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