We Three Kings Of Orient Are

The Story Behind We Three Kings Of Orient Are

“We Three Kings of Orient Are” is one of the few well-known Christmas carols written entirely by one person; lyrics, melody, and all. Composed in the mid-1800s by John Henry Hopkins Jr., the popular hymn was created specifically for a Christmas pageant and has since become a beloved part of Christmas worship and tradition.

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Who Wrote "We Three Kings of Orient Are?"

When Hopkins wrote “We Three Kings,” he was serving as the pastor of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He originally wrote the song for a Christmas pageant in New York City, designing it to tell the story of the Magi in a dramatic and memorable way.

How the Hymn Was Designed

Hopkins structured the carol so that three male voices would each sing a solo verse, representing the three wise men and the gifts they brought:

• One king sings about gold,
• one about frankincense,
• and one about myrrh.

The congregation or choir would join together for the first and last verses, which act as bookends of praise, while the solos in between help narrate the journey and meaning behind each gift.

The refrain lifts the listener’s attention to the majesty of the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Magi to Christ.

Today, most people sing the carol straight through without separate solos, but the original design shows Hopkins’ thoughtful approach to storytelling through music.

Bible Inspiration for "We Three Kings"

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:1-2

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 2:11

May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts. May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.

Psalm 72:10-11

Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.  “Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.

Isaiah 60:3-6

Further Reading

• Three Wise Men - Bible Story and Meaning

• Who Were the Three Wise Men in the Bible?

• What Did the Gits of the Magi Represent?

• Where Did the Three Wise Men Visit Jesus?

• 5 Common Myths about the Three Wise Men

Collection of Popular Christmas Hymns and Carols:

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
The First Noel
Joy To The World
O Holy Night
Hark The Herald Angels Sing
Silent Night
O Come All Ye Faithful
Go Tell It On The Mountain
What Child Is This
O Little Town of Bethlehem
We Three Kings of Orient Are
Ave Maria