1
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell.
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin.
Than tongue or pen can ever tell.
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin.
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
2
When hoary time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall;
When men who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call;
God’s love, so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall;
When men who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call;
God’s love, so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
3
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Words & Music © 1923, Ren. 1951 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188.
Delete Comment
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
Detroit, MI, United States
Speaking of Frederick M. Lehman's great hymn "The Love of God" reminds me of something I learned about it not long ago. Rumor had it that the 3rd verse lyrics were found on the walls of a [mental] institution about the time this popular hymn was written in 1917. Though this could be true, the roots of it go back to the 11th century, at least, and maybe further. According to my information, a modern-day translation of the verse was made by Rabbi Joseph Marcus from the Aramaic. A close approximation of the verse is used one day each year in the Jewish observance of Shavuot (Festival of Weeks) [or Pentecost] which begins 7 weeks after Passover.
But without Mrs. Lehman there would be no song. Like Mother's habit of placing poems and notes on the piano for me, Frederick Lehman's wife put such findings in her husband's lunch pail. Mr. Lehman was a minister, but because most of his churches were small and could pay him little, he worked at various jobs to support his family. One of these jobs was in a cheese factory, and it was there that Mr. Lehman got his inspiration for "The Love of God." His wife had come into possession of a poem which began, "Could we with ink the ocean fill ... ." She put a copy of it in Frederick's lunch pail. He was so moved by the words that he came home that night and worked on a tune to go with them. Later, he wrote 2 other verses and thus was born another great gospel hymn.
Whatever the 3rd verse's origin it is good to know that Christians and Jews share in the sentiments expressed in these great words of praise to God. - George Beverly Shea in "Songs that Lift the Heart"
Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Verse 3 brings me to tears every time. The song writer's expression of the magnitude of God's love is put in a most fitting way and beautifully described. We just can not run out of words when we describe the love of God.
Stratford, East London, United Kingdom
I love this song, the words are so deep and rich. The Love of God is far more than men can imagine or comprehend. He Loved us even while we were yet sinners. In times of happiness, sorrow, joy, when tempted, rejected, ridiculed, or even abandoned, JESUS still loves us.
Its meaning is not "on earth" but in heaven. The love of God is strong enough to be worthy of all praise for eternity! Hallelujah!
But what on earth does the last line of the chorus mean? The love of God has to endure the singing of the saints and angels?
Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria
The first time I heard this hymn, it reached out to me so powerfully it brought tears to my eyes. It has since become of of my favourite hymns.
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
Cleveland, Tennessee, United States
In 1996 on Christian radio I heard this for the first time. It has been my favorite song ever since. I didn't know it was such an old song and in the hymn book until I found it on your site. I put it in my Favorites and can hear it every time I use my computer. Thank you
. ...... The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win....
Brooklyn, New York, United States
What words of life!
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Spirit drew my attention to this song today early morning and this was the song we sang in our morning family prayer. Profound words: Oh The LOVE of God. Praise God.
Raeford, NC, United States
You can find the history on this lovely song by typing in the writer Frederick Lehman. It was written in its entirety in 1921 by him. Darrell Peebles is correct. I believe that verse was found on paper crumpled up...so do a search...interesting..I cannot find any artist or choire who has made a recording of the exact words here, in a search. I would like to share on my FB and with friends.