Art Thou Weary Art Thou Troubled
Art thou weary, art thou troubled
The hymn presents Christ as the ultimate source of rest and consolation for the burdened soul, reflecting Lutheran theology of Christ's redemptive work. It emphasizes the Gospel invitation to sinners, consistent with Luther's teaching on Christ's accessibility and comfort to the penitent.
History & Background
Originating in 8th-century Byzantine hymnody, this ancient Greek hymn was translated into English by John Mason Neale in 1862 from the Greek liturgical tradition. It appeared in various Lutheran hymnals throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, becoming a beloved meditation hymn.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Hymnal 1982 — 457
- Lutheran Worship — 426
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 513
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Stephen the Sabaite (d. 750), a Palestinian monk, this hymn traveled from Eastern Orthodoxy into Western hymnody. Its simple, repetitive structure mirrors monastic prayer and invites tired souls into Christ's accessible comfort.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's diagnosis of human burden into the Gospel's proclamation of Christ as the sole source of redemptive rest, making it a powerful liturgical response to sermons addressing sin, suffering, or the invitation to repentance.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Human condition of weariness and fear (Law) → Christ as sole answer and burden-bearer (Gospel) → Exhortation to faith and perseverance → Assurance of eternal glory
Themes
Christ's invitation and rest Consolation in affliction Trust in Christ Redemption Grace