The Name of Jesus Is so Sweet

The Name of Jesus Is So Sweet is a tender and devotional hymn written by William C. Martin in 1904, expressing a deep love and reverence for the name of Jesus. With gentle, heartfelt language, the hymn celebrates the sweetness, comfort, and power found in calling on Jesus’ name. It is a song of personal adoration, not simply theological reflection, and it invites believers to rest in the peace and joy that Jesus brings to the soul.

The hymn begins with a simple but profound statement: “The name of Jesus is so sweet.” This opening line sets the tone for the entire hymn, which continues to reflect on what the name of Jesus means to the heart that trusts Him. Martin emphasizes how often he speaks the name, sings about it, and feels its comforting presence. The repetition is deliberate, conveying not monotony but affection. Like someone repeating the name of a loved one, the singer finds joy just in speaking “Jesus.”

In subsequent verses, Martin describes the name of Jesus as bringing music and light into his life. The hymn acknowledges not only the beauty of the name but also its power, how it lifts burdens, brings peace, and gladdens the heart. The phrase “It makes my joys full and complete” shows that Jesus is not only a Savior in doctrine, but a present Friend in daily life. The hymn is both a confession of faith and a testimony of spiritual experience.

The refrain: “Jesus, oh, how sweet the name! / Jesus, every day the same”: reinforces the theme of unchanging comfort. In a world of uncertainty, the name of Jesus is steady and sure. Martin’s lyrics are personal and warm, marked by affection and awe. There is no attempt to explain the theological depth of the name; instead, the hymn dwells in the felt reality of its sweetness and reliability.

William C. Martin, a Baptist minister and hymn writer, collaborated often with composers such as Edmund S. Lorenz and Charles Gabriel. The tune for this hymn, composed by Edmund S. Lorenz, pairs beautifully with the text, flowing with a calm, lilting quality that matches the tenderness of the words. “The Name of Jesus Is So Sweet” remains a cherished hymn, especially in devotional settings, for its intimate portrayal of the believer’s love for Christ. It reminds the singer that the name of Jesus is not only honored in heaven, but treasured in the heart of every true follower.