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Believers Hymn Book · No. 269 · Words: Thomas Kelly · Tune: St. Magnus
The Head that once was crowned with thorns
Create PowerPoint slides from this hymn →A triumphant Easter hymn by Thomas Kelly (1820) celebrating Christ's exaltation after his suffering — the crown of thorns exchanged for a crown of glory. It draws on Hebrews 2 to contrast Christ's earthly humiliation with his heavenly reign.
Verse 1
The Head that once was crowned with thorns
Is crowned with glory now!
A royal diadem adorns
The mighty Victor's brow.
Verse 2
Delight of all who dwell above,
The joy of saints below;
To us still manifest Thy love
That we its depths may know.
Verse 3
To us Thy Cross, with all its shame,
With all its grace be given!
Though earth disowns Thy lowly Name,
All worship it in heaven.
Verse 4
Who suffer with Thee, Lord, below,
Shall reign with Thee above;
Then let it be our joy to know
Thy way of peace and love.
Verse 5
To us Thy Cross is life and health,
Though shame and death to Thee;
Our present glory, joy and wealth,
Our everlasting stay.
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