He published the first edition ever of a Swedish book of hymns in 1694, and was the father of scientist and mystic Emanuel Swedenborg.

Jesper Swedberg was born as the son of a bergsman (owner of a farm privileged with mining rights) and his wife, daughter of a pastor, in Falun Municipality.

His outspokenness and honesty impressed the Swedish King Charles XI, who made him court chaplain.

In 1686 Swedberg was entrusted with the task of creating a Book of Hymns, and in 1692 he was trusted as the person in charge of a new Swedish Bible translation as well.

As it happens, very shortly after the publication, some influential people decided the book was heretical, claiming it focused too much on good deeds and not enough on faith.

As a bishop, Swedberg took a special interest in the lost souls over in Delaware, and appointed several priests to go and live there, and he wrote letters and sermons to them.

Swedberg advocated that the orthodox Swedish grammar was to be preserved as much as possible, and was patriotic concerning the language which he believed had an ancient history.

[citation needed] These calamities had a negative impact on his health, especially as he was getting old, but he nevertheless wrote his memoirs, which were filled with gratitude towards the Lord, to whom Swedberg attributed all good things in his life.