You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

347. I'd Rather Have Jesus

1 I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin's dread sway;
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

2 I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause,
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,
I'd rather be true to His holy name. [Refrain]

3 He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom,
He's sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He's all that my hungering spirit needs,
I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead. [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold
Title: I'd Rather Have Jesus
Author: Rhea F. Miller
Refrain First Line: Than to be the king of a vast domain
Language: English
Publication Date: 1982
Topic: Dedication and Devotion
Copyright: © 1922. Renewal 1950, assigned to Chancel Music, Inc.
Notes: Now Public Domain
Tune Information
Name: [I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold]
Composer: George Beverly Shea
Key: D♭ Major
Copyright: © 1939. Renewal 1966, assigned to Chancel Music, Inc.



Media
More media are available on the text authority page.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.