Great Hymn to the Aten in modern English

The Great Hymn to the Aten is a hymn written in ancient Egyptian during the reign of pharaoh Akhenaten, who ruled from 1353 to 1336 BCE.

The hymn is a poetic tribute to the sun disk, which Akhenaten believed was the one true god.

The hymn praises the Aten's power and glory, its role in creation, and its role in sustaining life on Earth.

It is a remarkable expression of devotion to a single deity, a radical departure from the polytheistic religion of Egypt's past.

Akhenaten was a pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt.

He was born Amenhotep IV, but he changed his name to Akhenaten, meaning "Effective for the Aten," when he introduced the worship of the sun disk as the sole god of Egypt.

Akhenaten is a controversial figure in Egyptian history because of his religious reforms and his decision to move the capital of Egypt to a new city he founded called Akhetaten.

Some historians see him as a visionary who tried to create a new religion and society, while others see him as a heretic who nearly destroyed Egypt's religion and culture.

The Great Hymn to the Aten was discovered in the ruins of Akhetaten in the early 20th century.

It was inscribed on the walls of the temple dedicated to the Aten and was one of the few surviving texts from Akhenaten's reign.

The hymn was a significant discovery for Egyptologists because it offered a unique perspective on Akhenaten's religious beliefs and his attempts to create a new religion.

We have created a new interpretation of the Great Hymn to the Aten which focuses on an easier to read text, with the natural poetry of a hymn.

It aims to express the same philosophical and theological themes, as well as trying to retain the imagery used to convey the power and glory of the Aten

We would love to hear your thoughts on our attempts.

Oh, brilliant Aten, appearing on high, Bringer of life, adorning the sky;  

Every dawn, you shine so bright, Filling every corner with your light. 

Great and gracious, shining with might, your rays stretch forth, encompassing the sight;  

Reaching every end of Your domain, And subduing all for Your beloved son's gain. 

Though distant from us, your rays still reach, Beyond our grasp, your movements teach;  

As you set, darkness covers the land, And creatures slumber, in stillness stand. 

Asleep in their beds, serene and still, Each face hidden, no longer a thrill. 

Your rays can't pierce, through their deep sleep, for darkness reigns, and secrets you keep. 

But at Your rising, darkness does flee, your rays bring light, and set all beings free; 

Two Lands in joy, with open arms, Praising Your glory, and chanting Your charms. 

All creatures stir, at Your wondrous sight, Beasts in the fields, in pastures delight;  

Trees and plants, all flourish and grow, Birds take flight, in Your warm glow. 

Ships sail north and south, in Your wake, all paths are clear, as they make their break; 

Fish dart beneath the green sea, your rays shine bright, for all to see. 

You who bring forth life, in mother's womb, creating each child, a miracle to assume; 

In the mother's belly, where he grows, you do sustain him, with all he knows. 

Oh, how wondrous are Your creations, Hidden from man's sight in all nations; 

The only god, unmatched in power and might, you shaped the world with Your own insight. 

Alone, you created men and beasts of every kind, On the ground and in the sky, with a masterful mind; 

From Syria to Nubia and Egypt's lands, you have set each person's place with your hands. 

Their tongues, natures, and skin tone, you crafted and distinguished on Your throne; 

You made a Nile in the underworld to flow, and one in heaven, so foreign lands can grow. 

Cities, towns, fields, roads, and rivers, all bask in Your radiant light that shivers; 

In my heart, you are enshrined, No one knows You like Your son refined, 

Akhenaten, your son and heir, Well-versed in Your plans and strength to bear. 

By Your hand, the world came to be, According to Your will and decree; 

When You rise, life awakens, And when You set, all is taken.  

You are the essence of life and breath, Through You alone, we escape death; 

For You did create the earth and sky, and raised them up for Your son on high  

From Your body, the King of Egypt emerged, Akhenaten, whose power surged. 

And by his side, the Chief Wife so fair, Nefertiti, youthful and beyond compare; 

Forever and ever, they reign supreme, In the land of Egypt, a timeless dream. 

We have created a video version of this as well:

The new translation of the Great Hymn to the Aten is designed to be a helpful resource for students and teachers of ancient history and religion.

Teachers can use the hymn as a primary source to teach students about ancient Egyptian religion, language, and culture.

While, students can analyze the hymn's themes, language, and imagery to gain a deeper understanding of Akhenaten's religious beliefs and the role of the Aten in ancient Egyptian society. 

If you found this interpretation useful, we would love to hear how you're using it in your classrooms.