O What Their Joy and Their Glory Must Be

“O What Their Joy and Their Glory Must Be” is a hymn attributed to Peter Abelard, a medieval French philosopher, theologian, and poet. The hymn reflects on the joy and glory of the saints in heaven and expresses the Christian hope of eternal life in the presence of God. Originally written in Latin as part of a larger poem about the heavenly city, it later became known in English through translation and adaptation for Christian worship.

The hymn describes the blessedness of those who dwell in the heavenly city. This theme reflects the vision recorded in Revelation 21:1–4, where the apostle John describes the new heaven and new earth and the holy city where God dwells with His people. In that place, sorrow, suffering, and death are removed, and believers experience perfect fellowship with God.

Another biblical connection appears in Revelation 22:1–5, which portrays the eternal kingdom of God where the servants of the Lord will see His face and reign with Him forever. Abelard’s hymn celebrates this eternal joy and the glory that awaits those who belong to Christ.

The hymn also echoes the description of the heavenly Jerusalem in Hebrews 12:22–23. This passage speaks of the gathering of believers with angels and the spirits of the righteous made perfect. The hymn reflects this sense of joyful fellowship among the redeemed in the presence of God.

In addition, the hymn relates to the promise of Jesus in John 14:2–3, where He assures His disciples that He is preparing a place for them and will return to receive them so that they may be with Him. The hymn expresses the longing of believers for that future home where Christ and His people dwell together.

“O What Their Joy and Their Glory Must Be” continues to be valued as a hymn that directs the thoughts of believers toward the hope of heaven. Through its poetic reflection on the joy of the redeemed, it encourages worshipers to look forward with faith to the eternal kingdom where the glory of God will be fully revealed.