I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Samuel Medley, born in 1738 in Hertfordshire, England, did not begin his life as a hymn writer, but as a sailor in the Royal Navy. After receiving a good education, he left his apprenticeship and went to sea. In 1759, during a fierce battle with the French fleet, Medley was gravely wounded, and his injuries were so severe that amputation of his leg was considered. Forced to leave active service, he returned home to recover. During this difficult season, a sermon by Isaac Watts was read to him, and through it the Lord awakened his heart. That moment marked his conversion and the beginning of a new course for his life.

Medley soon joined a Baptist church in London and eventually entered pastoral ministry. In 1772, he became pastor of a Baptist congregation in Liverpool, where he faithfully served for 27 years. It was during his ministry there, in 1775, that he wrote “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” The hymn was first published that same year in George Whitefield’s Psalms and Hymns, though without Medley’s name attached. Later, it appeared in his own collection of hymns and was commonly paired with the tune “Duke Street.” Rooted in the triumphant confession of Job 19:25, the hymn boldly proclaims the living Christ and the believer’s sure hope in Him.

By the early 20th century, the hymn was widely sung in both Great Britain and America, cherished for its repeated and joyful declaration, “He lives!” Its message crossed denominational lines and was even included in early Latter-day Saint hymnals, though sometimes in altered form. What has endured through the centuries is its confident testimony. Written by a man who had faced death and suffering firsthand, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” stands as a steady confession of resurrection hope, reminding believers that their faith rests not in memory or tradition, but in a risen and reigning Savior.