Come unto Me, Ye Weary
Come unto Me, ye weary
This hymn embodies the Lutheran emphasis on Christ as the sole source of comfort and salvation, addressing spiritual weariness and the burden of conscience with the Gospel promise of divine rest. It reflects Gellert's Pietistic concern for personal relationship with Christ while maintaining doctrinal soundness.
History & Background
Originally composed by Gellert in German as part of his sacred poetry collection (Geistliche Oden und Lieder) published in Leipzig, 1757. The English translation by Underwood and Tinsley appeared in the 19th century and became standard in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 546
- Lutheran Service Book — 684
- Lutheran Worship — 345
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 276
Translation
John Underwood and Charles Tinsley
Bulletin Note
Written by Christian Friedrich Gellert in 1757, this German Pietist hymn captures the deeply personal faith of its era while anchoring assurance in Christ alone—hallmarks of Lutheran devotion that endure across centuries.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Lutheran dialectic: the Law exposes our spiritual exhaustion and sin-sickness, while the Gospel announces Christ's mercy-seat as the only cure, inviting sinners to exchange their burden for His grace.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
Christ's invitation and rest Burden of sin and guilt Divine mercy and compassion Trust and faith in Christ