Hark What A Sound And Too Divine
Verse 1
HARK what a sound, and too divine for hearing, Stirs on the earth and trembles in the air! Is it the thunder of the Lord’s appearing? Is it the music of His people’s prayer?
Verse 2
Surely He cometh, and a thousand voices Shout to the saints, and to the deaf are dumb; Surely He cometh, and the earth rejoices, Glad in His coming who hath sworn: I come!
Verse 3
This hath He done, and shall we not adore Him? This shall He do, and can we still despair? Come, let us quickly fling ourselves before Him, Cast at His feet the burden of our care.
Verse 4
Yea, through life, and death, through sorrow and through sinning He shall suffice me, for He hath sufficed: Christ is the end, for Christ was the beginning, Christ the beginning, for the end is Christ.
History of Hark What A Sound And Too Divine
The phrase "Hark! what a sound, and too divine a hymn" is a beautiful and memorable line, but it's important to clarify its origin. This specific line is found in the **second stanza** of a very well-known and ancient Advent hymn, which is more commonly known by its first line:
**"Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding"**
Let's break down its history for easy reading:
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History of "Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding" (containing "Hark! what a sound, and too divine a hymn")
# 1. The Ancient Root: St. Ambrose (4th Century AD) * **Author:** The hymn is traditionally attributed to **Saint Ambrose** (c. 339 – 397 AD), the Bishop of Milan. Ambrose was a pivotal figure in early Christianity and is considered one of the four original Doctors of the Church. * **Original Language:** It was written in **Latin**. * **Original Title/First Line:** The original Latin text is usually given as **"En clara vox redarguit"** (Behold, a clear voice reproaches) or sometimes **"Vox clara ecce intonat"** (Lo, a clear voice thunders forth). * **Purpose:** It was composed for use in the **Divine Office** (specifically Matins, or morning prayer) during the season of **Advent**. Its purpose was to awaken Christians to the spiritual call of preparation for Christ's coming.
# 2. The English Translation: John Mason Neale (19th Century) * **Key Translator:** The hymn became widely known in the English-speaking world through the brilliant translation by **John Mason Neale** (1818 – 1866). Neale was an Anglican priest and scholar renowned for his work in translating ancient and medieval hymns from Latin and Greek. * **Date of Translation:** Neale's translation, which we primarily use today, was published around **1852**. * **Significance:** His work was crucial in introducing many forgotten treasures of early Church hymnody to Protestant congregations, greatly enriching their hymn books.
# 3. Meaning and Themes * **Central Message:** The hymn serves as a powerful call to **spiritual wakefulness and repentance** in anticipation of Christ's Advent (his coming). It urges believers to cast off the darkness of sin and prepare their hearts for the Light of the World. * **Imagery:** * **"Thrilling voice":** Refers to the prophetic voice of John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus, or the general call of God to mankind. * **"Sleepers" / "darkest night":** Symbolize those who are spiritually unprepared or living in sin and ignorance. * **"Hark! what a sound, and too divine a hymn":** This line marvels at the heavenly message of salvation and redemption, a sound (or hymn) so profound and sacred it is "too divine" for human comprehension, yet it calls to us.
# 4. Why it Endures * **Timeless Message:** Its call to preparation, vigilance, and hope remains relevant for believers across centuries. * **Poetic Beauty:** Neale's translation is lauded for its poetic quality, retaining much of the dignity and spiritual depth of the original Latin. * **Liturgical Importance:** It remains a staple **Advent hymn** in Christian churches worldwide, effectively setting the tone for the season of watchful expectation before Christmas. --- So, while the phrase "Hark! what a sound, and too divine a hymn" is striking, it gains its full context and historical weight as part of the much older and celebrated Advent hymn "Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding."
History of "Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding" (containing "Hark! what a sound, and too divine a hymn")
# 1. The Ancient Root: St. Ambrose (4th Century AD) * **Author:** The hymn is traditionally attributed to **Saint Ambrose** (c. 339 – 397 AD), the Bishop of Milan. Ambrose was a pivotal figure in early Christianity and is considered one of the four original Doctors of the Church. * **Original Language:** It was written in **Latin**. * **Original Title/First Line:** The original Latin text is usually given as **"En clara vox redarguit"** (Behold, a clear voice reproaches) or sometimes **"Vox clara ecce intonat"** (Lo, a clear voice thunders forth). * **Purpose:** It was composed for use in the **Divine Office** (specifically Matins, or morning prayer) during the season of **Advent**. Its purpose was to awaken Christians to the spiritual call of preparation for Christ's coming.
# 2. The English Translation: John Mason Neale (19th Century) * **Key Translator:** The hymn became widely known in the English-speaking world through the brilliant translation by **John Mason Neale** (1818 – 1866). Neale was an Anglican priest and scholar renowned for his work in translating ancient and medieval hymns from Latin and Greek. * **Date of Translation:** Neale's translation, which we primarily use today, was published around **1852**. * **Significance:** His work was crucial in introducing many forgotten treasures of early Church hymnody to Protestant congregations, greatly enriching their hymn books.
# 3. Meaning and Themes * **Central Message:** The hymn serves as a powerful call to **spiritual wakefulness and repentance** in anticipation of Christ's Advent (his coming). It urges believers to cast off the darkness of sin and prepare their hearts for the Light of the World. * **Imagery:** * **"Thrilling voice":** Refers to the prophetic voice of John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus, or the general call of God to mankind. * **"Sleepers" / "darkest night":** Symbolize those who are spiritually unprepared or living in sin and ignorance. * **"Hark! what a sound, and too divine a hymn":** This line marvels at the heavenly message of salvation and redemption, a sound (or hymn) so profound and sacred it is "too divine" for human comprehension, yet it calls to us.
# 4. Why it Endures * **Timeless Message:** Its call to preparation, vigilance, and hope remains relevant for believers across centuries. * **Poetic Beauty:** Neale's translation is lauded for its poetic quality, retaining much of the dignity and spiritual depth of the original Latin. * **Liturgical Importance:** It remains a staple **Advent hymn** in Christian churches worldwide, effectively setting the tone for the season of watchful expectation before Christmas. --- So, while the phrase "Hark! what a sound, and too divine a hymn" is striking, it gains its full context and historical weight as part of the much older and celebrated Advent hymn "Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding."
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