Crown Him Lord of All: The Enduring Power of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”

Season 3, Episode 8 | The Bright Forever Podcast
By Andy Peavyhouse

In the world of Christian hymns, few have stood the test of time like All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name. Often called “The National Anthem of Christendom,” this hymn has united believers across generations, denominations, and nations in joyful declaration.

✍️ Written in Revival

Penned by Edward Perronet in 1779 during the height of the Methodist revival in England, the hymn was

 born out of deep conviction and theological clarity. The son of a French Huguenot pastor and close friend of John and Charles Wesley, Perronet’s life was shaped by gospel boldness—even if he wasn’t always the loudest voice in the room.

What shines through is his unshakable confidence in Christ’s supremacy. Each stanza builds on that foundation, tracing a movement from heaven’s worship to the redeemed on earth, and finally to the nations gathered before the throne.

🌍 A Ripple of Praise

The hymn’s structure feels like a ripple effect:

• It begins in heaven with angelic worship

• Moves through Israel’s faithful

• Embraces all the redeemed

• Ends with a picture of the global, eternal church gathered in praise

At the center of every stanza is the refrain:

“Crown Him Lord of all.”

More than just a lyric, it’s a summons—an invitation to recognize what’s already true: Jesus is Lord, and He is worthy of every crown.

🎼 Two Tunes, One Truth

The hymn is most commonly sung in two different musical settings:

• Coronation, by Oliver Holden, is formal and majestic—perfect for a royal procession.

• Diadem, by James Ellor, is celebratory, layering the “Crown Him” phrase to evoke heaven’s chorus.

Whether reverent or exultant, both melodies lift our eyes to the same glorious truth: Christ is King.

🕊 Real-Life Impact

This isn’t just a historical treasure—it’s a hymn that has echoed through cathedrals, villages, prisons, hospital rooms, and homes around the world. It has been sung in defiance of persecution, in quiet acts of faith, and in loud gatherings of worshipers.

It reminds us:

• We are not our own kings

• The throne is not empty

• Jesus wears the crown

In a culture obsessed with self-made identity and personal sovereignty, this hymn offers a radically freeing message: Surrendering to Christ brings joy—not bondage.

👑 A Glimpse of Forever

The final verse gives us a glimpse of eternity:

“Let every kindred, every tribe on this terrestrial ball, to Him all majesty ascribe, and crown Him Lord of all.”

When we sing it now, we’re joining the voices of those who’ve gone before—and echoing a song we’ll sing forever.

📣 Listen & Reflect

If this hymn has impacted you—or you’re just curious why it continues to resonate centuries later—listen to this episode of The Bright Forever. We dive into the story behind the hymn, explore its theological weight, and consider what it means for us to lay down our crowns in a world that tells us to hold tight to them.

📬 We’d Love to Hear From You

Has this hymn shaped your life? Is God asking you to surrender something today?
Share your story with us at 📧 podcast@thebrightforever.com