Glorious Things Of Thee Are Spoken

By John Newton

Lyrics

1. Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God.
He whose Word cannot be broken
formed thee for His own abode.
On the Rock of Ages founded,
what can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded,
thou may'st smile at all thy foes.

2. See, the streams of living waters,
springing from eternal love,
well supply thy sons and daughters
and all fear of want remove.
Who can faint while such a river
ever flows their thirst to assuage?
Grace, which like the Lord, the Giver,
never fails from age to age.

3. 'Round each habitation hov'ring,
see the cloud and fire appear
for a glory and a cov'ring,
showing that the Lord is near.
Thus deriving from their banner
light by night and shade by day,
safe they feed upon the manna
which He gives them on their way.

4. Savior, since of Zion's city
I through grace a member am,
let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in Thy name.
Fading is the worldling's pleasures,
all his boasted pomp and show;
solid joys and lasting treasures
none but Zion's children know.

Bible Reference

Psalm 87:3

About This Hymn

Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken is a majestic hymn written by John Newton, the former slave trader turned preacher who is best known for Amazing Grace. Published in the 1779 Olney Hymns collection, this hymn draws inspiration from Psalm 87, which celebrates Zion, the city of God. Newton uses rich biblical imagery to describe the blessings and security of those who belong to Christ and are part of His Church. By calling the Church “Zion,” Newton reminds believers that they are part of God’s eternal city, chosen and established by Him, and protected by His promises. The hymn emphasizes the glory of God’s people, not because of their own merit, but because of His grace and covenant love.

The lyrics are full of scriptural references, portraying God as a refuge and strength for His people. Newton weaves together themes of divine protection, spiritual nourishment, and the hope of heaven. He contrasts the world’s instability with the security found in Christ, describing the Church as a city built on the Rock of Ages, a biblical reference to Christ Himself. This hymn reflects Newton’s theological depth, shaped by his dramatic conversion from a life of sin to one of devoted ministry, and it continues to be sung as a testimony of God’s redeeming grace and the glory of His kingdom.

The hymn’s enduring power is amplified by its association with Joseph Haydn’s tune Austria, which gives the text a stately and triumphant character. For centuries, congregations have sung this hymn as an expression of confidence in God’s promises and the beauty of life within His Church. Newton’s words continue to remind believers of their secure identity in Christ and the eternal glory that awaits them. Its timeless themes, grounded in Scripture, make it one of the most enduring hymns of Christian worship, celebrating God’s faithfulness and the unshakable foundation of His kingdom.