There Is a Green Hill Far Away

By Cecil Frances Alexander

Lyrics

1. There is a green hill far away,
outside a city wall,
where the dear Lord was crucified,
who died to save us all.

2. We may not know, we cannot tell
what pains He had to bear,
but we believe it was for us
He hung and suffered there.

3. He died that we might be forgiv'n,
He died to make us good,
that we might go at last to heav'n,
saved by His precious blood.

4. There was no other good enough
to pay the price of sin;
He only could unlock the gate
of heav'n, and let us in.

5. O dearly, dearly has He loved,
and we must love Him too,
and trust in His redeeming blood,
and try His works to do.

Bible Reference

John 19:16

About This Hymn

Author – Mrs. Cecil F. Alexander, 1818–1895
Composer – George C. Stebbins, 1846–1945
Tune Name – “Green Hill”
Meter – CM (86.86 with Chorus)
Scripture Reference – John 19:16
“Then delivered he Him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led Him away.” – John 19:16

A true mark of literary greatness is the ability to convey profound truth with simplicity. This was a gift possessed in full measure by Mrs. Cecil Frances Alexander, one of the most beloved female hymn writers in English history. Her hymns, especially written for children, have become timeless treasures, revered for their clarity, warmth, and doctrinal soundness.

Born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1818, Cecil Frances Alexander showed a deep love for writing at an early age. Before her marriage in 1850 to the Reverend William Alexander—who would later rise to the office of Archbishop and Primate of the Church of Ireland—she was already deeply involved in the early Sunday School movement across Britain. Her heart for children never faded, and she devoted much of her writing to helping them understand the core doctrines of the Christian faith through hymnody.

In 1848, she published a collection titled Hymns for Little Children, which was immediately recognized for its depth and spiritual richness. It included simple, poetic treatments of topics such as the Apostles’ Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer. Among the hymns in that volume was There Is a Green Hill Far Away, composed specifically to help her Sunday School pupils grasp the meaning of the line in the Apostles’ Creed: “suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried.” While the hymn was written with children in mind, its power has long transcended age groups. For over a century, it has resonated with congregations of all ages, admired for its tender portrayal of the atonement and the love of Christ.

After marrying Rev. Alexander, Mrs. Alexander continued her charitable and spiritual labors with quiet resolve. She was known for her selfless service, often visiting the poor and sick across her husband’s parishes. Her husband once wrote, “From one poor home to another she went. Christ was ever with her, and in her, and all felt her influence.” Those who knew her best said that her character was even more beautiful than her poetry. Though she was modest and uncomfortable with praise, she once openly rejoiced when told that one of her hymns had brought a man to repentance and faith. “Thank God,” she exclaimed, “I do like to hear that!”

In addition to There Is a Green Hill Far Away, Mrs. Alexander is also the author of other enduring hymns, such as Jesus Calls Us and All Things Bright and Beautiful, each one a gentle yet faithful presentation of biblical truth.

The tune most associated with There Is a Green Hill Far Away was composed by George Coles Stebbins in 1878. Born in Orleans County, New York, in 1846, Stebbins was an influential figure in American gospel music. He began his career in Chicago with the Lyon and Healy Music Company before moving to Boston, where he became music director at Clarendon Street Baptist Church. There he met evangelist D. L. Moody and gospel singer Ira D. Sankey, forming a lifelong partnership with both.

Following the death of Philip P. Bliss, Stebbins—along with James McGranahan—worked closely with Sankey to compile subsequent editions of the popular Gospel Hymns collections. Stebbins composed the tune Green Hill to match Mrs. Alexander’s text, and the hymn first appeared in Gospel Hymns No. 3 later that same year. It quickly gained popularity and became a staple in revival meetings and church services across the English-speaking world.

Stebbins’s musical legacy includes many other gospel favorites, such as Have Thine Own Way, Lord!, Saved by Grace, and Ye Must Be Born Again. His ability to create singable and emotionally compelling melodies made his work particularly suited for evangelistic outreach.

Together, Mrs. Alexander’s sincere and childlike faith, expressed through her poetry, and Stebbins’s heartfelt musical setting have given the Church a hymn of enduring tenderness and theological depth. There Is a Green Hill Far Away continues to lead hearts to the foot of the cross, reminding all believers—young and old—of the Savior’s love, sacrifice, and the hope of redemption through His blood.