“What a Wonderful Name It Is” is a globally recognized contemporary worship song that resonates deeply within Christian communities worldwide. Written by Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood of Hillsong Worship, this anthem beautifully articulates the profound significance of the name of Jesus Christ. The lyrics not only celebrate His name but also delve into the core tenets of Christian faith, making it a powerful declaration of belief and adoration.
Verse 1: The Eternal Word and Creation
“You were the Word at the beginning, One with God the Lord Most High. Your hidden glory in creation, Now revealed in You our Christ.”
The opening verse immediately establishes Jesus’ divine nature, referencing Him as “the Word” – a clear allusion to John 1:1 (“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”). This highlights Jesus’ eternal existence and His unity with God from the very beginning. The lyrics then touch upon God’s “hidden glory in creation,” suggesting that while God’s majesty is evident in the created world, it is most fully and personally revealed through Jesus Christ. This verse sets a theological foundation, emphasizing Jesus’ pre-existence and role in creation.
Chorus 1 & 2: The Beauty and Wonder of Jesus’ Name
“What a beautiful Name it is, What a beautiful Name it is, The Name of Jesus Christ my King. What a beautiful Name it is, Nothing compares to this, What a beautiful Name it is, The Name of Jesus.”
“What a wonderful Name it is, What a wonderful Name it is, The Name of Jesus Christ my King. What a wonderful Name it is, Nothing compares to this, What a wonderful Name it is, The Name of Jesus, What a wonderful Name it is, The Name of Jesus.”
The chorus is the heart of the song, a repetitive and powerful declaration of the beauty and wonder found in the name of Jesus. The slight variation from “beautiful” to “wonderful” in the second chorus enriches the praise, highlighting different facets of His glorious name. The repetition serves to emphasize the central theme: the unparalleled nature of Jesus’ name. It’s a name that is not just pleasant but carries weight, authority, and transformative power. The phrase “Jesus Christ my King” further reinforces His sovereignty and Lordship.
Verse 2: Love and Redemption
“You didn’t want heaven without us, So Jesus You brought heaven down. My sin was great Your love was greater, What could separate us now.”
Verse 2 shifts focus to Jesus’ sacrificial love and redemptive work. The lines “You didn’t want heaven without us, So Jesus You brought heaven down” poignantly capture the essence of incarnation – God becoming human in Jesus to bridge the gap between humanity and divinity. This verse speaks to the immense love of God, who was unwilling to remain distant from humanity. The acknowledgment of sin (“My sin was great”) and the surpassing grace of God (“Your love was greater”) underscores the core Christian message of salvation and forgiveness through Jesus. The rhetorical question, “What could separate us now?” affirms the unbreakable bond established through Christ’s love.
Bridge: Triumph Over Death and Sin
“Death could not hold You, The veil tore before You, You silence the boast of sin and grave. The heavens are roaring, The praise of Your glory, For You are raised to life again.”
“You have no rival, You have no equal, Now and forever God You reign. Yours is the kingdom, Yours is the glory, Yours is the Name above all names.”
The bridge escalates the song’s intensity, celebrating Jesus’ victory over death and sin. “Death could not hold You” directly references the resurrection of Jesus, the cornerstone of Christian faith. “The veil tore before You” alludes to the tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing open access to God made possible through Christ’s sacrifice. The bridge culminates in a powerful declaration of Jesus’ unrivaled authority and eternal reign: “You have no rival, You have no equal, Now and forever God You reign.” This section is a triumphant proclamation of Jesus’ supremacy and everlasting dominion.
Chorus 3: The Powerful Name of Jesus
“What a powerful Name it is, What a powerful Name it is, The Name of Jesus Christ my King. What a powerful Name it is, Nothing can stand against, What a powerful Name it is, The Name of Jesus.”
The final chorus transitions to “powerful,” emphasizing the authority and strength inherent in the name of Jesus. This chorus underscores that the name is not merely beautiful or wonderful but also possesses power that overcomes all opposition (“Nothing can stand against”). This is a declaration of faith in the name of Jesus as a source of strength, healing, and deliverance.
Conclusion
“What a Wonderful Name It Is” is more than just a song; it’s a theological statement set to music. Through its verses and choruses, it explores the multifaceted nature of Jesus Christ – His eternal divinity, His sacrificial love, His victory over death, and the unparalleled power of His name. The lyrics invite listeners to reflect on and proclaim the beauty, wonder, and power found in the name of Jesus, making it a truly impactful and enduring worship anthem.
