“Here Is Love, Vast as the Ocean” is a Welsh hymn written by William Rees in the 19th century, with music composed by Robert Lowry.
It is often called the “Love Song of the Welsh Revival” and became closely associated with the 1904–1905 Welsh Revival, where it was sung in many gatherings.
The hymn speaks of God’s endless love shown through Jesus Christ, highlighting themes of mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Its heartfelt lyrics and flowing melody have made it a lasting favorite in Christian worship.
About the Author
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1802 |
| Death Year | 1883 |
William Rees was born in Denbighshire, Cardiganshire, Wales. He was a respected Welsh preacher, writer, and poet, widely known by his bardic name Gwilym Hiraethog.
Rees was deeply involved in the religious and literary life of Wales and was a powerful figure in the Calvinistic Methodist movement.
Rees was known for his passionate preaching and his deep Christian faith, both of which greatly shaped his writing.
He wrote many hymns and poems, but his most well-known hymn is “Here Is Love Vast as the Ocean,” often called the “Love Song of the Welsh Revival.”
His writing is marked by its heartfelt devotion, rich language, and strong scriptural foundation. His hymns continue to be sung in churches and are cherished for their clear message of God’s love and grace.
About the Translator
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1848 |
| Death Year | 1929 |
William Edwards was born in Wales. He was a Welsh minister and translator known for his work in bringing important Welsh-language hymns and writings into English.
He was deeply committed to both faith and language, helping preserve and share Welsh religious literature with a broader audience.
William Edwards translated the Welsh hymn “Dyma gariad fel y moroedd” by William Rees into English as “Here Is Love, Vast as the Ocean.” It made the hymn more widely known outside Wales, especially during and after the Welsh Revival of 1904–1905.
Edwards had a thoughtful and poetic style that kept the meaning and beauty of the original Welsh hymn. His work helped the message of God’s love reach many more people.
Today, his translation remains the most commonly sung English version of the hymn.
Representative Text
Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Loving-kindness as the flood;
When the Prince of Life, my ransom,
Shed for me his precious blood.
Who his love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing his praise?
He shall never be forgotten,
Through Heav’n’s everlasting days
On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide,
Through the flood-gates of God’s mercy,
Flowed the vast and gracious tide;
Grace and love, like mighty rivers
Poured incessant from above,
And God’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.
Let me all your love accepting,
Love you, ever all my days;
Let me seek your kingdom only
And my life be to your praise;
You alone will be my glory,
Nothing in the world I see;
You have cleansed and sanctified me,
You have loved and set me free.
In your truth you will direct me
By your Spirit, thru’ your Word;
And your grace my need is meeting,
As I trust in you, my Lord.
All your fulness you are pouring
From your endless wells above,
Without measure, full and boundless
As I yield myself in love.
Chords of Here Is Love
