There Is a Green Hill Far Away Hymn Lyrics
Hymn writer: Cecil Frances Alexander
There is a green hill far away,
outside a city wall,
where our dear Lord was crucified
who died to save us all.
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
He died that we might be forgiven,
he died to make us good,
that we might go at last to heaven,
saved by his precious blood.
There was no other good enough
to pay the price of sin,
he only could unlock the gate
of heaven and let us in.
O dearly, dearly has he loved!
And we must love him too,
and trust in his redeeming blood,
and try his works to do.
Who Wrote There Is a Green Hill Far Away Hymn?
Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-95) is the composer of this extremely popular hymn, There Is a Green Hill Far Away.
It draws its inspiration from the Apostles Creed especially the line that goes, ‘Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried.’
It is believed to have been written at the bedside of a sick young person. The writer gives substance and answer to those who inquire why Jesus died. She talks about God’s forgiveness.
She speaks of how man can reclaim his original close relationship with God and suggests the only possible response is the total giving of loving self. The event was for us.
Cecil Frances Alexander, besides being a hymn writer, was also a poet and was born in Dublin to Major John Humphreys and his wife Elizabeth (nee Reed).
Below are more posts on hymns’ history and lyrics:
Marvelous Grace/Grace Greater than Our Sins Hymn Story and Lyrics
O Worship the Lord in The Beauty of His Holiness Hymn and Lyrics
There is a Green Hill Far Away Hymn YouTube Video
Below is also a video showing King’s College singing this beautiful hymn, there is a green hill far away.
