About “English” by Trey Knowles
Trey Knowles’ “English” is a thought-provoking, symbolic Christian song that challenges listeners to examine the difference between claiming the name of Christ and living according to His character.
Rather than focusing on ethnicity or nationality, the song uses the “English” character as a literary symbol for a false image of Jesus Christ—an image exposed not merely by what it says, but by what it does. Scripture teaches that a person and a spiritual message are recognized by their fruit. “English” therefore invites listeners to test religious claims by examining the behavior, values, and consequences produced by those claims.
Recognizing the Character by Its Fruit
The central message asks a difficult but necessary question: if someone claims to represent Christ, yet their works produce theft, destruction, oppression, and deception, can that person truly represent Him? The song contrasts the character of the thief with the character of the true Messiah.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
By placing these opposing characters side by side, Trey Knowles encourages listeners to evaluate every claim about God according to righteousness, justice, mercy, truth, and life—not according to tradition, cultural power, religious titles, or outward appearance.
“Lord, Lord, Did We Not Prophesy?”
“English” also reflects on one of the most sobering warnings in the Gospel of Matthew. Some people confidently call Yeshua “Lord” and point to prophecy, miracles, and public religious works as evidence that they belong to Him. Yet Yeshua warns that impressive works and spiritual language do not replace obedience or righteous character.
“Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?” Matthew 7:22
The answer—“I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness”—reveals that speaking the Lord’s name is not enough. Genuine faith is demonstrated through obedience to God, love of truth, repentance, humility, and a life that reflects His righteousness. A profession of faith without the character of Christ is empty.
A Call to Spiritual Discernment
Through biblical symbolism, “English” explores the danger of following a version of Christ that bears little resemblance to the One revealed in Scripture. The song asks whether people have accepted an image built by human tradition instead of the Messiah who taught justice, mercy, repentance, truth, and complete obedience to the Father.
Ultimately, “English” is a call to spiritual discernment. It reminds believers that Christ is recognized not merely by words, but by His works—and His followers are known in the same way. The song encourages every listener to test doctrines, teachers, institutions, and religious claims against Scripture.
By ending with the haunting question, “What would happen if the English say, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?’” Trey Knowles leaves the audience with a personal challenge: examine your faith, examine your understanding of Christ, and ask whether you truly know Him—or merely know about Him.
