You’re standing in a room, the air is thick with music, and suddenly the chorus swells. "Who is like the Lord?" Everyone knows the line. It’s powerful. It’s ancient. But honestly, if you search for who is like the lord lyrics right now, you aren't just getting one song. You’re getting a massive, multi-generational catalog of music that stretches from the literal Bronze Age to a modern recording studio in Nashville or Sydney.
It's kind of wild how one phrase has dominated the charts for, well, a few thousand years.
Whether you’re a worship leader trying to find the right bridge or just someone who had the song stuck in your head after service, you've probably realized there are about five different famous versions. You have the upbeat gospel anthems, the moody contemporary Christian music (CCM) ballads, and the traditional hymns. They all pull from the same source material—Exodus 15:11—but they feel totally different.
The Scriptural Root: Why These Lyrics Stick
Before we get into the Spotify stats or the chord charts, we have to look at where this started. The phrase "Who is like the Lord?" isn't just a catchy hook. It's technically one of the oldest recorded pieces of poetry in human history.
In the Bible, specifically Exodus 15, Moses and Miriam lead a song after crossing the Red Sea. The specific Hebrew phrase is Mi Chamocha. Scholars like Dr. Peter Enns have pointed out that this wasn't just a "thank you" note to God; it was a "taunt" song against other ancient deities. When the lyrics ask "Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods?" it’s a direct challenge. It’s bold.
That’s why the lyrics feel so weighty. They aren't just fluff. They carry the weight of a survival story.
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir Version: A Gospel Giant
For many people, when they think of who is like the lord lyrics, they immediately hear the soulful, high-energy arrangement by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Written by Israel Houghton, this version is a masterclass in gospel song structure.
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The lyrics here focus heavily on the "strong and mighty" nature of God. It’s repetitive in the best way possible.
- "Who is like the Lord? There is no one."
- "Who is like the Lord? He is strong and mighty."
Houghton, a multi-Grammy winner, has a knack for taking complex theological concepts and making them feel like a celebration. If you’re looking at these lyrics for a choir arrangement, you’re looking for syncopation. You’re looking for that "call and response" feel that makes the song move.
The Hillsong and Passion Influence
Then there’s the more atmospheric side of things. If you grew up in the 2000s or 2010s, your version of these lyrics probably involves more electric guitar and a lot of reverb.
Groups like Hillsong Worship or the Passion movement (think Chris Tomlin or Matt Redman) often weave the "Who is like the Lord" theme into larger medleys. For instance, the song "Who Is Like Our God" or similar titles by artists like Free Chapel or even the Maranatha! Singers focus on the "attributes" of God.
The lyrics usually follow a specific pattern:
- The Question: Who is like You? (The Humble Opening)
- The Answer: No one in the heavens or earth. (The Proclamation)
- The Response: We lift our voices/hands/hearts. (The Call to Action)
It’s a functional lyric style. It’s designed to get a crowd of 5,000 people on the same page.
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Why Do We Keep Rewriting These Same Lyrics?
You might wonder why songwriters don’t just move on. I mean, we’ve said it. He’s great. No one is like Him. Move to the next topic, right?
Actually, no.
Musicians like Sandra McCracken or the writers at Integrity Music often talk about "re-tuning" the faith. Life changes. The way we feel grief or joy in 2026 is different from how it felt in 1996. We need the same truth, but we need it in a different "font."
Sometimes the who is like the lord lyrics are set to a minor key to reflect a time of suffering. Other times, they’re a shout of victory. This versatility is exactly why the search volume for these lyrics never really drops. People are constantly looking for the version that matches their current season of life.
Common Misconceptions About the Lyrics
Let’s get technical for a second. A lot of people mix up "Who is like the Lord" with "Who is like our God" or "Who can compare."
Honestly, they’re basically interchangeable in a casual setting, but if you’re a worship leader, getting the lyrics right matters for the flow of the set.
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- The Israel Houghton version is usually titled "No One Like Jehovah" or "Who Is Like The Lord."
- The "Song of Moses" versions often use more archaic language, like "Glorious in holiness, fearful in praises."
- Modern CCM versions might lean more into the "Friend" aspect of God, mixing the "Who is like You" with "You are with us."
Another thing—sometimes people think these lyrics are just about power. They aren't. If you look at the full context of the lyrics across different artists, they almost always mention "mercy" or "lovingkindness." It’s the juxtaposition of a God who is "unmatched in power" but also "close to the brokenhearted." That contrast is the "secret sauce" of a good worship lyric.
Looking at the "Non-English" Impact
We can't talk about these lyrics without acknowledging how they sound in other languages. "Mi Chamocha" is still sung in synagogues every single week. The lyrics haven't changed in millennia.
In Spanish-speaking congregations, "Quién como el Señor" is a staple. The rhythm changes—usually picking up a bit of a salsa or ballad feel—but the core intent is identical. This global footprint is why Google Discover often pushes these lyrics to users; it’s a universal "search intent" that crosses borders.
How to Choose the Right Version for Your Event
If you’re planning a service or just making a playlist, don't just grab the first result.
- Check the Tempo: If you want people jumping, go with Israel & New Breed.
- Check the Theology: Some versions focus on the "Judgment" side of the Red Sea story, while others focus on "Deliverance." Choose what fits the sermon.
- Check the Range: Some of these lyrics are written for professional vocalists (looking at you, Brooklyn Tab). If you’re leading a group of amateurs, look for the more melodic, simplified versions.
The Role of "Who Is Like the Lord" in Modern Pop Culture
Believe it or not, these lyrics occasionally bleed into secular spaces. You’ll hear echoes of this "incomparability" theme in various soul and R&B tracks. While they might not be directly quoting Exodus, the "Who is like..." structure is a powerful rhetorical device. It forces the listener to stop and compare the subject to everything else in their life.
Actionable Steps for Musicians and Fans
If you're digging into these lyrics for more than just a quick read, here is how to actually use this information:
- For Songwriters: Try writing your own "Who is like the Lord" verse. Instead of using the same old "mountain" and "ocean" metaphors, look at your own life. Who is like the Lord in the middle of a 2026 tech layoff? Who is like the Lord in a crowded city? Adding specific, modern imagery to these ancient lyrics is how you create something that actually resonates.
- For Worship Leaders: Don't just sing the chorus. Use the "Who is like the Lord" line as a transition. It’s the perfect "bridge" between a song about our problems and a song about God’s solutions.
- For the Casual Listener: Listen to three different versions of the song today. Compare the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir version with a folk-style version from someone like The Oh Hellos or a liturgical version. You’ll see how the same 5 or 6 words can be interpreted in a thousand different emotional ways.
The beauty of who is like the lord lyrics is that they are a "living" document. They change as we change, yet they stay anchored to a story that is much older than any of us. Whether you're singing it in a cathedral or humming it in your car, you're joining a conversation that’s been happening for a very, very long time.
To get the most out of your study, look up the "Song of the Sea" in a study Bible. Compare those ancient lines to the lyrics on your screen. You’ll find that while the music changes, the awe remains exactly the same.