Carl Gustav Boberg

Carl Gustav Boberg was a Swedish poet, editor, and politician best known for writing the original Swedish hymn text that later became known internationally as How Great Thou Art. Born in Monsteras Sweden, he was raised within the Lutheran tradition of the Church of Sweden. Boberg worked as a journalist and later served in public office, including a term in the Swedish parliament. His most famous hymn began as a poem titled O Store Gud written in 1885 after he reportedly reflected on the majesty of nature following a summer storm. The text expressed awe at the power and beauty of God revealed in creation. Through a series of translations and adaptations the hymn eventually reached English speaking churches. Scholars generally recognize Boberg as the author of the original text, though later translators shaped the form widely sung today.