He Wore a Crown of Thorns

By William M. Runyan

Lyrics

1. 'Twas God's own Son who came to earth,
Who chose to know a lowly birth;
But, tho' a King of matchless worth,
He wore a crown of thorns.

Refrain:
He wore a crown of thorns that I
might wear a crown of glory!
He laid His heav'nly splendors by
to bring me love's sweet story.
In poverty He walked life's way,
In Olive's garden bowed to pray;
He wore a crown of thorns that I
might wear a crown of glory!

2. Wonderful Counsellor was He,
Matchless His grace; how could it be
That at the last, He wore for me
That bitter crown of thorns?

3. Kind were the deeds that crowned each day,
Gracious the words His lips would say,
While He pursued the fateful way
To wear that crown of thorns.

4. Never again His brow shall know
Piercings of agony and woe
But 'twas for us that, here below,
He wore the crown of thorns.

Bible Reference

Matthew 27:29

About This Hymn

"He Wore a Crown of Thorns" is a deeply reflective hymn written by William M. Runyan, a notable American composer and Methodist minister best remembered for his hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Written in 1925, this hymn focuses on the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who willingly bore the crown of thorns as part of His suffering for the salvation of humanity. Its lyrics invite believers to meditate on Christ’s passion, emphasizing both His humility and His divine mission. The song draws its imagery from Matthew 27:29, which describes the mocking of Jesus by Roman soldiers who placed a crown of thorns upon His head.

Runyan’s hymn is structured with a simple yet stirring melody that allows worshipers to reflect on Christ’s sacrificial love with reverence. His skill as a composer shines through in the emotional weight carried by the music, complementing the solemnity of the text. The hymn serves as both a reminder of Christ’s suffering and a call for believers to respond in devotion and gratitude. In churches and personal devotions, this hymn has long been valued for its poignant portrayal of the passion narrative, encouraging Christians to meditate deeply on the cost of redemption.

William M. Runyan’s broader contributions to sacred music are notable, as he wrote and composed many hymns while serving as both a pastor and a music editor for the Hope Publishing Company. His work reflects a deep theological understanding and a gift for pairing biblical truth with musical expression. "He Wore a Crown of Thorns" stands among his meaningful compositions, combining scriptural truth with heartfelt music to inspire awe for Christ’s redemptive work.