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.

560. We Know Not the Hour

1 We know not the hour of the Master’s appearing,
Yet signs all foretell that the moment is nearing
When He shall return—’tis a promise most cheering—
But we know not the hour.

Refrain:
He will come, let us watch and be ready;
He will come, hallelujah! hallelujah!
He will come in the clouds of His Father’s bright glory—
But we know not the hour.

2 There’s light for the wise who are seeking salvation,
There’s truth in the Book of divine revelation—
Each prophecy points to the great consummation—
But we know not the hour. [Refrain]

3 We’ll watch and we’ll pray, with our lamps trimmed and burning,
We’ll work and we’ll wait till the Master’s returning,
We’ll sing and rejoice, every omen discerning—
But we know not the hour. [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: We know not the hour of the Master's appearing
Title: We Know Not the Hour
Author: F. E. B. (1886)
Refrain First Line: He will come, let us watch and be ready
Meter: 12.12.12.6.10.10.12.6
Scripture:
Topic: Watchfulness
Source: Timeless Truths (http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/We_Know_Not_the_Hour); The Gospel Trumpet Company, Hymnal of the Church of God, 1953 (77); Review and Herald Publishing Association, The Gospel in Song, 1926 (200)
Tune Information
Name: [We know not the hour of the Master's appearing]
Composer: Franklin E. Belden (1886)
Meter: 12.12.12.6.10.10.12.6
Key: C Major
Source: Timeless Truths (http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/We_Know_Not_the_Hour); The Gospel Trumpet Company, Hymnal of the Church of God, 1953 (77); Review and Herald Publishing Association, The Gospel in Song, 1926 (200)



Media
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

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.