Some tunes stick with you–they live in your head and invade your quiet moments. The classic melody for “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” does just that. I’ve always loved this hymn and cannot understand why some modern hymnals have left it out (I’m looking at you, Rejoice Hymns!).

Recently, I discovered a new recording of this old hymn that has me playing it on repeat (just ask my family). I’ve put a link to this amazing version below.

But before you skip to the recording, let’s take a moment to reflect on the lyrics. This stirring melody is a vehicle for timeless truths from God’s Word. Poet Samuel Francis weaves many quotes and allusions from Scripture passages throughout this hymn.

1. Surrounded by the Love of Jesus

Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free.
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me.
Underneath me, all around me is the current of His love.
Leading onward, leading homeward to His glorious rest above.

This verse masterfully draws on imagery from multiples passages in the Old and New Testaments. Francis captures the spatial language of Ephesians 3:17–19 which speaks of believers “being rooted and grounded in love” and comprehending “with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge.” The picture of being immersed in a sea of Jesus’ love beautifully reflects this truth.

Additionally, Psalm 103:11 describes the greatness of God’s love for His people, comparing it to the height of the heavens above the earth. His love truly is “vast, unmeasured, boundless, free.” The love of Christ surrounding a believer in complete security– both now and into the “glorious rest above”–echoes the promise of Romans 8:39 that “nothing . . . shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus.”

2. Spreading the Love of Jesus

Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from His throne.

Verse 2 alludes to prophecies like Habakkuk 2:14 and Isaiah 11:9. These passages compare the knowledge of the Lord extending around the world to the oceans that cover the earth. News of His love must spread, especially relating to His sacrifice on the cross, the ultimate proof of His love (John 15:13). That love never changes (Hebrews 13:8) and never ends (John 13:1; Romans 8:39). The poet points not only to the cross in the past but to Jesus’ work in the present interceding for believers (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). Jesus is currently on the throne in heaven at the right hand of God, watching over his people (Acts 7:56; Hebrews 1:3). His love continues to reach to every nation and to extend throughout all time. 1

3. Supremacy of the Love of Jesus

Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of ev’ry love the best.
’Tis an ocean vast of blessing; ’tis a haven sweet of rest.
Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heav’n of heav’ns to me;
And it lifts me up to glory, lifts me up eternally.

Verse 3 proclaims that no love compares to Jesus’ love. It surpasses human understanding (Ephesians 3:19). His love is better than any other love because it reaches those who do not love in return (1 John 4:8–10) and extends to the undeserving (Romans 5:8). Jesus’ love pours out unlimited blessings (Ephesians 1:3; John 1:16), offers rest to the weary (Matthew 11:28), and provides certain hope of heaven (Colossians 1:5). Jesus’ love is the guarantee of future glory (Romans 8:39).

Conclusion: Secure in the Love of Jesus

Every verse of this hymn emphasizes the theme of security in Jesus’ love. I could not help but hear echoes of the end of Romans 8 in every stanza. “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” exalts Jesus Christ because of who He is: He is love, and He demonstrates that love in all He does. Because of this supreme, all-encompassing love, those who believe in Him are eternally secure. The beautiful melody simply serves as a vehicle for this profound truth.

Ok, now you can listen to the recording. Thanks to Daniel Craig for recording it and uploading it to YouTube for us all to enjoy.

Photo credit: Dawn Casey on unsplash

  1. The account of Raymond Lull in the 13th century highlights the importance of love in extending the gospel to those who are furthest from it. Read more in Daring Dependence, Day 20. ↩︎

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