The story behind the hymn
Reginald Heber was an Anglican clergyman who later became Bishop of Calcutta. He wrote “Holy, Holy, Holy” for Trinity Sunday, and it was published shortly after his death in 1826.
The tune, NICAEA, was written by John Bacchus Dykes. Its name recalls the Council of Nicaea, which affirmed the doctrine of the Trinity. The hymn is used for worship of the Holy Trinity and as a doxology.
Its imagery comes from the visions of heaven in Isaiah and Revelation: the angels who cry “holy” without ceasing, and the people of God who join them.
The Scripture behind it
One called to another, and said, “Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of Armies! The whole earth is full of his glory!”
Isaiah 6:3 (World English Bible)
See also Revelation 4:8.
A short reflection
Most of our prayers ask for something. This hymn simply stands in awe. It is good to spend a few minutes just looking at who God is, before bringing a single request.
Holy God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I worship you. Fill the earth with your glory. Amen.
The full words
Read the full words of this hymn, with tunes and scores, on Hymnary.org.
Read the full hymn text →Source for author, dates and public-domain status: Hymnary.org. Scripture quoted from the World English Bible (public domain).