Come O Precious Ransom Come
Come, O precious Ransom, come
Come O Precious Ransom Come is a hymn text by Christian Friedrich Gellert (1757) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by John Casper Mattes. Found in ELH 88, lbw 24, lsb 350, lw 34.
The hymn emphasizes the redemptive work of Christ as the precious ransom for human sin, reflecting core Lutheran soteriology centered on justification through Christ alone. It expresses the paradox of Christ's condescension and exaltation, themes central to Lutheran Christology and the doctrine of the two natures.
History & Background
Originally composed in German as part of Gellert's Geistliche Oden und Lieder (1757), a major collection of Lutheran devotional hymns. Translated into English by John Casper Mattes in the early 20th century for inclusion in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 88
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 24
- Lutheran Service Book — 350
- Lutheran Worship — 34
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 55
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by German poet Christian Friedrich Gellert in 1757, this hymn articulates the Lutheran conviction that Christ alone is our ransom—redemption accomplished through his suffering love, received by faith apart from our works.
Preaching Connection
This hymn powerfully embodies the Law-Gospel proclamation: it names human sinfulness frankly, then pivots entirely to Christ's redemptive work, showing how the cross is not merely payment but the victory of grace over judgment.
In the Church Year
Suggested in the one-year series
- Advent 1 (6×)
- Advent 3 (1×)
- St. Barnabas (1×)
Suggested in the three-year series
- Advent 1 (1×)
- Advent 2 (1×)
- Advent 4 (1×)
From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.
Themes
Redemption through Christ Incarnation Salvation Coming of Christ Sinfulness and grace