We Three Kings of Orient Are

By John H. Hopkins

Lyrics

1. We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.
Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.
2. Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
over us all to reign.
3. Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
worshiping God on high.
4. Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
5. Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
sounds through the earth and skies.
#Christmas Carols

Bible Reference

Matthew 2:1–12

About This Hymn

  • John Henry Hopkins, Jr. (1820–1891), born in Pittsburgh to pioneer parents from Dublin and Hamburg, was a multi-talented ecclesiologist, musician, artist, and hymn writer who became a major figure in 19th-century Episcopal hymnody.

  • He was the son of the second Episcopal Bishop of Vermont and assisted in running the Vermont Episcopal Institute before going on to study theology, write extensively, and design church ornaments, furniture, and even tombs.

  • Known for his deep devotion to parish life and love for children, he composed numerous hymns—including the famous “We Three Kings”—and left a lasting legacy in the Episcopal Church as a scholar, preacher, and creative force.

Staff Visualizer

Powered by HTML MIDI PLAYER, MIDI FILE Made by Hymnal Library.

Hymn Sheet for We Three Kings of Orient Are
Stay updated with hymns and devotionals

📬 Subscribe to Our Devotional Updates

Receive weekly hymns, devotionals, and website features directly in your inbox.

✅ Thank you! You'll start receiving our updates soon.

Hymn Information

image of We Three Kings of Orient Are of John H. Hopkins
  • Category: Hymn
  • Author/Writer: John H. Hopkins (1857)
  • Added: May 16, 2025
  • Last Updated: August 20, 2025
  • Views: 379

Sheet Music

Sheet music for We Three Kings of Orient Are by John H. Hopkins
Download Sheet Music Image View Full Size

MIDI File

Ready to load
Download MIDI

Hymns from 1857

Recent Blog Posts

View All Blog Posts

Visit Us on Social Media

Latest from X (Twitter)
Latest from Facebook

Latest on YouTube

Loading latest video...
Learn Piano Tutorials on this Channel

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.