HOW SWEET THE NAME OF JESUS SOUNDS
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
‘Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary, rest.
Dear name, the rock on which I build,
My shield and hiding place,
My never-failing treasury, filled
With boundless stores of grace!
Jesus! My Shepherd, Saviour, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring.
Weak is the effort of my heart,
And cold my warmest thought;
But when I see Thee as Thou art,
I’ll praise Thee as I ought.
Till then I would Thy love proclaim
With every fleeting breath;
And may the music of Thy name
Refresh my soul in death.
Song Meaning
This hymn praises the name of Jesus as comfort for sorrow, healing for wounds, and rest for the weary. It names Him Shepherd, Saviour, Friend, Prophet, Priest, and King, then admits that present praise falls short of the praise He deserves.
Biblical Message
Matthew 11:28–30 speaks to the hymn’s image of rest for the weary. Psalm 23:1–4 supports its description of Jesus as Shepherd, and Philippians 2:9–11 connects with its praise of His name.
Reflection
The hymn does not pretend that grief and fear vanish. It brings them to Jesus and ends with the hope of praising Him more fully when we see Him as He is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of “How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds”?
This hymn praises the name of Jesus as comfort for sorrow, healing for wounds, and rest for the weary. It names Him Shepherd, Saviour, Friend, Prophet, Priest, and King, then admits that present praise falls short of the praise He deserves.
Which Bible passages connect with the song?
Matthew 11:28–30 speaks to the hymn’s image of rest for the weary. Psalm 23:1–4 supports its description of Jesus as Shepherd, and Philippians 2:9–11 connects with its praise of His name.
When can this song be used in worship?
It suits prayer, pastoral care, funerals, and worship centered on the name of Jesus.