When I survey The Wondrous Cross Lyrics
Tune Name: HAMBURG
Composer: Lowell Mason
Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
Hymnbook Source: American hymnals

When I survey the wond'rous Cross
On which the Prince of Glory dy'd,
My richest Gain I count but Loss,
And pour Contempt on all my Pride.

2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the Death of Christ my God:
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his Blood.

3. See from his Head, his Hands, his Feet,
Sorrow and Love flow mingled down!
Did ever such Love and Sorrow meet?
Or Thorns compose so rich a Crown?

4. His dying Crimson, like a Robe,
Spreads o'er his Body on the Tree;
Then am I dead to all the Globe,
And all the Globe is dead to me.

5. Were the whole Realm of Nature mine,
That were a Present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my Soul, my Life, my All.

Hymn Information

Category	Details
Title	When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Author / Lyricist	Isaac Watts (1674–1748)
Composer / Tune	Lowell Mason (1792–1872) / traditional adaptation
Date Written / Published	1707
Historical Context	Written in England; meditative reflection on Christ’s crucifixion.
Theme / Message	Christ’s sacrifice; personal devotion and gratitude.
Notable Features	Solemn, reflective language; suitable for Good Friday and devotional use.
Cultural / Religious Impact	Widely sung in Protestant churches; included in hymnals emphasizing devotion to the cross.
Source / Scholarship	Isaac Watts: His Life and Writings – John Brown

History of the Hymn – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” was written in 1707 by Isaac Watts, the Father of English Hymnody. Inspired by Galatians 6:14, it was originally composed for Communion and became one of the first English hymns to express personal devotion rather than strict Psalm recitation. In 1829, Lowell Mason introduced the solemn tune “Hamburg,” giving the hymn its lasting musical form. It transformed worship by focusing on Christ’s sacrifice and heartfelt reflection. Charles Wesley stated he would give up all his hymns to have written it. Its final line—“demands my soul, my life, my all”—is a timeless call to surrender.

More On The Theme of Crucifixion found in this hymn

Word Study: Crucifixion

1. Key Greek Word

**σταυρόω (stauroō)**

Meaning: To crucify, fasten to a cross.
Pronunciation: stah-oo-ROH-oh
Root: σταυρός (stauros) – a stake, pole, or cross.

Greek Form	Word	Meaning
Verb	σταυρόω	to crucify
Noun	σταυρός	cross, execution pole
Adjective	ἀνασταύρωσις	crucifixion again (Heb. 6:6)

2. Scriptural Usage

Scripture	Word	Meaning
Matthew 27:22	σταυρωθήτω	“Let Him be crucified!”
Mark 15:25	ἐσταύρωσαν	“They crucified Him”
Galatians 2:20	συνεσταύρωμαι	“I am crucified with Christ” (spiritual union)
Romans 6:6	συνεσταυρώθη	“Our old man is crucified”
Hebrews 6:6	ἀνασταυροῦσιν	“Crucify afresh” (rejection of Christ)

3. Meaning in Ancient Culture

Aspect	Explanation
Roman practice	Public, painful, shameful death reserved for criminals
Symbol of humiliation	Stripped naked, exposed, mocked
No Roman citizen could be crucified	Considered too degrading
Symbol of rebellion	Used for slaves and political threats

4. Spiritual Significance in Scripture

Concept	Text	Meaning
Substitution	2 Cor. 5:21	He died in our place
Redemption	Gal. 3:13	Christ bore the curse
Union with Christ	Gal. 2:20	We die with Him
Self-denial	Luke 9:23	“Take up your cross”
Victory over sin	Rom. 6:6	Sin's power is broken

5. The Cross vs. Crucifixion

Term	Meaning
σταυρός (stauros)	The instrument (cross)
σταυρόω (stauroō)	The action (to crucify)
ἀνασταυρόω (anastauroō)	To re-crucify, reject Christ