Lyrics Page
King's Ransom
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Oct 6, 2026 updated
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Verified editorial review
Song Meaning
Petra cites Matthew 20:28 directly as the song's basis before building the whole lyric around one paradox: "why a King would leave His throne to save humanity." Jesus's own description of his mission — "the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" — gets expanded into a full narrative across the verses.
"The carpenter had a nail right through His hand... The Master of the earth became a servant of no worth" reaches for Isaiah 53:5's prophecy of the suffering servant, wounded for others' transgressions centuries before the event itself. "The shame that He bore for the rich and for the poor changed His crown of thorns into glory" closes the song by naming the reversal directly — humiliation becoming the exact thing that produces honor.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
[Based on Matthew 20:28]
It's such a paradox - it's such a mystery
Why a King would leave His throne to save humanity
They could not have known when they mocked Him in disgrace
They could not have known when they spit upon His face
The Rose of Sharon wore a crown of thorns that day
The carpenter had a nail right through His hand
The Master of the earth became a servant of no worth
And paid a King's ransom for my soul
He paid a King's ransom for my soul
Creator of the earth - Name above all names
Some just stood in unbelief when listening to His claims
They could not have known when they hit Him with their fists
They could not have known when they nailed his feet and wrists
The ransom that He paid was the sacrifice he made
The life of a King in place of me
The shame that He bore for the rich and for the poor
Changed His crown of thorns into glory