Carl Gustav Boberg (1859–1940) was a Swedish poet, preacher, and politician, best known for writing the lyrics to the hymn “O Store Gud” (O Great God), which is widely known in English as “How Great Thou Art.” Boberg was born on August 16, 1859, in Mönsterås, Småland, Sweden, and he had a multifaceted career that included roles as a journalist, editor, member of parliament, and a leader in various Christian organizations.
Boberg wrote the original nine verses of “O Store Gud” in 1885 after being inspired by the beauty of nature, particularly a thunderstorm over the Mönsterås Bay. The hymn was later set to music in the early 20th century by Swedish composer Stuart K. Hine. The English version of the hymn, “How Great Thou Art,” became well-known globally and has been translated into numerous languages.
Apart from his work in the field of hymnody, Boberg was involved in various social and political activities. He served as a member of the Swedish Parliament (1901–1914) and was actively engaged in issues related to temperance and social justice.
Carl Gustav Boberg passed away on January 7, 1940, in Kalmar, Sweden. Despite his diverse contributions, he is most prominently remembered for penning the lyrics to “How Great Thou Art,” a hymn that has become a cherished part of Christian worship around the world.
