Chief of Sinners Though I Be
Chief of sinners though I be
The hymn exemplifies Lutheran emphasis on justification by grace alone, contrasting human sinfulness with Christ's unmerited love and sacrifice. It reflects the certainty of forgiveness through faith in Christ's redemptive work.
History & Background
Written by Scottish minister William McComb in 1824, this hymn expresses profound penitence and confidence in Christ's redemptive work. It gained widespread use in Lutheran hymnals beginning in the 20th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 603
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 306
- Lutheran Service Book — 611
- Lutheran Worship — 285
- Trinity Hymnal — 550
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 342
Bulletin Note
Written by William McComb in 1824, this hymn anchors Lutheran theology of justification by grace alone, holding together honest acknowledgment of sin and unshakeable confidence in Christ's redemptive work and resurrection.
Preaching Connection
This hymn powerfully embodies the Law-Gospel movement: the Law exposes us as chief of sinners; the Gospel announces that Christ's blood and obedience have already paid the price and satisfied all justice on our behalf.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law-Gospel movement: human righteousness exposed as insufficient (stanzas 1-2), Christ's alien righteousness imputed and clothing the believer (stanzas 3-4), concluding in faith-alone boasting
Themes
Grace Repentance Christ's love and sacrifice Assurance in Christ Forgiveness of sins