The King of the Ages

The King of the Ages is a gospel hymn written by Civilla D. Martin, one of the most influential American hymn writers of the early twentieth century. The text is closely grounded in the language of Scripture, especially 1 Timothy 1:17, which praises God as the eternal, immortal, and invisible King. Martin’s hymn reflects her gift for turning clear biblical truth into devotional poetry that is both accessible and theologically sound.

The central theme of the hymn is the eternal sovereignty of God. By addressing Him as the King of the ages, the text emphasizes that God’s rule is not limited by time, culture, or human authority. He reigns over all generations, unchanged by history and untouched by decay. This echoes the teaching of Psalm 145, which proclaims that the Lord’s kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and that His dominion endures throughout all generations.

The hymn also draws attention to God’s holiness and worthiness of worship. The language points beyond earthly kings and powers to the One who alone deserves glory and honor. This aligns with Revelation 15:3-4, where God is praised as King of saints and nations, righteous in all His ways. Martin’s text encourages believers to lift their hearts above temporal concerns and fix their worship on the eternal God.

A distinctive strength of The King of the Ages is its balance of reverence and simplicity. The hymn does not rely on emotional excess, but instead invites thoughtful praise rooted in truth. This makes it suitable for congregational worship, particularly in services that emphasize God’s majesty, sovereignty, and unchanging nature.

Often paired with music by Charles H. Gabriel, the hymn has been used widely in gospel hymnals and church services. Its enduring value lies in its faithful reflection of Scripture and its call to worship God as the eternal King, worthy of praise in every age.