Behold the Savior of Mankind
Behold the Savior of mankind
The hymn emphasizes Christ's substitutionary atonement and sacrificial death as the means of human salvation, central to Lutheran soteriology. It invites believers into contemplative meditation on the sufficiency of Christ's Passion for redemption and transformation.
History & Background
This medieval Latin hymn exists in various textual traditions and English translations. The TLH version represents a standard English rendering used in Lutheran hymnody for Lenten and Passion devotion.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 79
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 176
Translation
composite English translation from various sources
Bulletin Note
A Latin hymn of uncertain medieval authorship, this text crystallizes the church's centuries-old meditation on Christ's sacrificial death—a cornerstone of Lutheran understanding that salvation rests entirely on His cross, not our works.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel dynamic: it names our desperate need for a Savior while celebrating the victory already won at Calvary, making it a perfect liturgical response to proclamation of substitutionary atonement.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
Christ's Passion Redemption through the cross Sacrifice and atonement Meditation on Christ's suffering