Come, Thou Precious Ransom, Come
Come, Thou precious Ransom, come
The hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding of Christ as the precious ransom for human sin, emphasizing substitutionary atonement and redemptive grace. It reflects the penitential season's focus on Christ's suffering and the believer's yearning for reconciliation through His sacrifice.
History & Background
Philip Nicolai composed this hymn in 1599 as part of a devotional work during a time of plague in Westphalia, Germany. It became one of the most significant Lutheran chorale texts and was widely adopted in German Protestant worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 332
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 24
- Lutheran Service Book — 350
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 79
- Lutheran Worship — 34
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 55
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Philip Nicolai in 1599, this hymn is sung to the melody of 'O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden' and exemplifies the Lutheran chorale tradition's focus on Christ's substitutionary atonement and the sinner's comfort in grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Lutheran proclamation that Christ's ransom satisfies the law's demand and delivers the gospel's mercy in a single redemptive act.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
Redemption through Christ's sacrifice Messianic expectation Penitence and forgiveness Christ's humble entry and suffering