“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win.
His erring child He reconciled,
and pardoned from his sin.
Oh love of God, how rich and pure;
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure,
The saints’ and angels’ song.
When years of time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall;
When men who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call;
God’s love, so sure, will still endure,
All measureless and strong,
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race,
The saints’ and angels’ song.
Oh love of God, how rich and pure;
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure,
The saints’ and angels’ song.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And everyone a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Oh love of God, how rich and pure;
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure,
The saints’ and angels’ song.
“The Love of God”
Words by Frederick M. Lehman, 1917
and Meir ben Isaac Nehoral, c. 1050
Tune: LOVE OF GOD (8.8.8.8.8.6.8.6. with refrain)
Music by Frederick M. Lehman, 1917
Words and Music ©Public Domain
Download an arrangement (PDF) of the hymn tune LOVE OF GOD for classical guitar.
Download sheet music for this hymn including a hymn score with guitar chords from Grace Music. “The Love of God” (#247 is included in the hymnal Sing the Wonders (2018) published by Grace Music.