Come Thou Almighty King Lyrics
Tune Name: ITALIAN HYMN
Composer: Felice de Giardini
Meter: 6.6.4.6.6.6.4
Hymnbook Source: 18th-century English hymnals
Verse 1
Help us Thy Name to sing, Help us to praise!
Father all glorious, O’er all victorious,
Come and reign over us, Ancient of Days!
Verse 2
Jesus, our Lord, arise,
Scatter our enemies, And make them fall;
Let Thine almighty aid our sure defense be made,
Souls on Thee be stayed; Lord, hear our call.
Verse 3
Come, Thou Incarnate Word,
Gird on Thy mighty sword, our prayer attend!
Come, and Thy people bless, and give Thy Word success,
Spirit of holiness, On us descend!
Verse 4
Come, Holy Comforter,
Thy sacred witness bear in this glad hour.
Thou Who almighty art, now rule in every heart,
And ne’er from us depart, Spirit of Power!
Verse 5
To Thee, great One in Three,
Eternal praises be, hence, evermore.
Thy sovereign majesty may we in glory see,
And to eternity love and adore!
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Come Thou Almighty King |
| Author / Lyricist | Anonymous / possibly 18th century England |
| Composer / Tune | Traditional / adapted from various 18th-century hymn tunes |
| Date Written / Published | Mid-18th century |
| Historical Context | Written in post-Reformation England; emphasizes praise and adoration of the triune God. |
| Theme / Message | Invocation of the Trinity; worship and glorification of God. |
| Notable Features | Declarative, exultant language; strong doxological structure suitable for congregational singing. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Included in most English-language hymnals; often sung in worship services and special occasions. |
| Source / Scholarship | A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian highlights the hymn as a doxology, emphasizing God’s power and majesty. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley frequently praised the triune God in his hymns, which this hymn exemplifies. |
| Reginald Heber, Anglican Bishop & Hymn Writer, 1783–1826 | Heber stresses the sovereignty of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, reflected in this hymn. |
| John Mason Neale, Hymn Translator, 1818–1866 | Neale comments on its enduring liturgical use and doctrinal clarity. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees praises the hymn’s rhythmic strength and congregational appeal in worship. |
Come Thou Almighty King (Felice de Giardini)
"Come, Thou Almighty King" is a Christian hymn, often referred to as the "Italian Hymn," with lyrics attributed to an unknown author and music composed by Felice de Giardini in the 18th century. The hymn is a prayer to the Trinity, calling on God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to be present and worshiped.
See if you can play the hymn below on our keyboard (It Plays!)
