The hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns” was written
in 1851 by Matthew Bridges, an Anglican minister who later converted to the
Roman Catholic Church. Bridges was born in Essex, England in 1800 and pursued
literary interests in history and poetry. He was influenced by John Henry
Newman and the Oxford Movement, which aimed to reconnect the Anglican tradition
with ancient Christian history and liturgy. This led Bridges to convert to
Catholicism in 1848.
In 1868, Anglican priest Godfrey Thring wrote additional
verses while serving at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. Born in 1823,
Thring spent his life in dedication to the Church of England. As a Protestant
minister, he brought a different theological perspective than Bridges’ Catholic
lyrics. Thring’s new stanzas broadened the hymn’s vision by focusing on Jesus
as the “Lord of life,” “Lord of love,” and “Lord of years” – bringing out more
perspectives on Christ’s eternal nature and lordship.
As an Anglo-Catholic, Bridges was influenced by medieval
church history and liturgy, inspiring his use of Greek and Latin hymnody.
Thring served at Windsor’s St. George Chapel, immersing him in British royal
heritage and shaping the kingly metaphors in his lyrics.
Though the two men never met and came from differing
backgrounds, the joining of their lyrics after their deaths allowed Christians
from many denominations to find common ground in this rich, popular hymn
praising Christ the King with lyrics reflecting on the many crowns and diadems
of Jesus. The song appears in the hymnals of Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, and
Catholic traditions.
The first six stanzas were written by Bridges. The second
six stanzas were written by Thring.
The tune DIADEMATA was composed in 1874 by Sir George Job
Elvey, a prominent English organist who served the royal family at Chapel Royal.
His tune perfectly captures the celebratory, march-like spirit of the lyrics.
Music scholar J.R. Watson described DIADEMATA as a “magnificent
setting for the text, march-like and joyful without ever becoming mechanical or
strident.” Elvey’s contribution of the memorable tune helped cement the hymn’s
lasting prominence.
Despite their theological differences, the joint work of
Bridges, Thring, and Elvey produced a rich hymn of praise that has inspired
Christians across denominations for over 150 years.
“Crown Him with Many Crowns” stands as a masterpiece that
beautifully encapsulates the majesty and glory of Jesus Christ.
From theprofoundbrunette.com: “What a beautiful
magnification of the sovereignty of our Lord! This declaration of Christ’s
supreme authority resonates deeply and affirms His unmatched greatness . . . ‘Ineffably
sublime’ conveys that Jesus’ nature and attributes are beyond human
comprehension. The qualities of Christ leave us in awe – the grandeur of His
majesty is the focus of our worship. And worship of Him is never ending . . . In
closing, each stanza of this hymn beautiful weaves scripture into its verses,
inviting us to worship Jesus Christ as the Lamb, the Conqueror of Death, the
Lord of Peace, the Lord of Love, and the Eternal Creator of All Things. As we
sing these words, we celebrate these Biblical truths and also deepen our
understanding of the profound impact of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.”
Biblehub.com, Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible: There is the seat of the divine Majesty; there His glory is most conspicuous; there He keeps His court, that is His palace; and there are His attendants, the angels; and from thence are the administrations of His regal power and government, over the whole world.
Godsbless.ing: This highlights that God’s presence transcends any earthly building, urging us to understand His omnipresence beyond the limitations of man-made constructs. Furthermore, Stephen proclaims, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool,” illustrating God’s sovereignty and majesty over all creation. This imagery underscores the vastness of God’s power and presence, reminding us of His dominion over the entire universe.
Godsbless.ing: To stand before God’s throne symbolizes acceptance, honor, and the ultimate act of worship . . . Let us find hope and assurance in the promises of standing before God’s throne, being sheltered in His presence, and finding ultimate satisfaction in Jesus, the Good Shepherd. May we cling to the comfort and healing offered by God, knowing that He will wipe away every tear from our eyes . . . Let us embrace these promises with faith and gratitude, finding strength in the eternal hope they provide.
ExplainingtheBible.com: This signifies not only resurrection but also an ongoing relationship with God. Believers are encouraged to recognize that they live not by their own merit but through the grace of God. This part of the verse reminds us that our own lives can echo this principle. In moments of despair—which may make us feel powerless—our reliance on God’s strength allows us to endure and overcome challenges.
Studylight.org: There is a living Redeemer in heaven; a Redeemer who is able to exert all the power which He ever exerted when on earth; a Redeemer, therefore, who is able to save the soul; to raise the dead; to punish all his foes.
Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: He was raised from the dead by a divine power; by His own power as God, as well as by His Father's, and so was declared to be the Son of God with power; and He lives at the right hand of God as man and Mediator, vested with all power in heaven and in earth.
ExplainingtheBible.com: Paul introduces a profound mystery that highlights the deep connection between Christ and the Church. As believers, we often look for ways to understand our faith and our relationship with Jesus. This connection is essential to understanding why the church exists and why our lives are transformed through Christ. Throughout the New Testament, this mystery is woven through the teachings of Jesus, where He often spoke of the Kingdom of God as a relationship rather than a mere set of rules.
Studylight.org, Dr Constable’s Expository Notes: The mystery
in view is the truth previously hidden but now brought to light. The
relationship that exists between a husband and his wife is the same as the one
that exists between Christ and His church. The church has as close a tie to
Christ spiritually as a wife has to her husband spiritually. One of the
purposes of marriage is to model Jesus Christ’s relationship with the church.
He leads, loves, and serves the church. The church reverently submits and is
subject to Him.
Biblehib.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: For a thousand years in thy sight - Hebrew, "In thy eyes;" that is, It so appears to thee - or, a thousand years so seem to thee, however long they may appear to man. The utmost length to which the life of man has reached - in the case of Methuselah - was nearly a thousand years Genesis 5:27; and the idea here is, that the longest human life, even if it should be lengthened out to a thousand years, would be in the sight of God, or in comparison with his years, but as a single day.
ExplainingtheBible.com: In this verse, we see the vastness of God’s perspective on time. When the psalmist reflects on how a thousand years are like a mere day to God, it offers us a moment to contemplate our human experience against the eternal backdrop of God’s existence and authority. Time is a concept that often weighs heavily on us; we feel the pressure of deadlines, the worry of our own lifespans, and the urgency of our prayers. Seeing God as outside of time — as someone for whom a millennium might pass as if it were simply a moment — serves to remind us of His omnipotence. In this way, we can find encouragement in our daily lives, knowing that we serve a God who is not rushed, one who exists within the framework of all time . . . When considering “a thousand years,” we ponder our life span, which seems long to us. Yet, when viewed from God’s perspective, our lives are just brief moments in the continuum of time. This announcement of time creates a sense of humility and reverence for the Divine.
