De Profundis
Out of the depths I cry to thee
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran theology by presenting the human condition of spiritual helplessness before God while simultaneously anchoring faith in divine mercy and Christ's redemptive work. It reflects the Reformation emphasis on justification by grace through faith and the paradox of Law and Gospel central to Lutheran spirituality.
History & Background
Martin Luther composed this hymnic paraphrase of Psalm 130 in 1524 as part of the early Lutheran hymnody movement, originally titled 'Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir.' It was first published in the Wittenberg hymnbook of 1524 and became one of the most important Lutheran penitential hymns of the Reformation.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 295
- Lutheran Service Book — 607
- Lutheran Worship — 283
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 664
Translation
Bach Cantatas
- BWV 38: Out of deep need I cry to you (1724)
Bulletin Note
Luther's 1524 setting of Psalm 130, 'De Profundis' became a cornerstone of Lutheran hymnody. Its spare, direct language and soaring melody express both penitential depth and joyful confidence in divine forgiveness—the Reformation's central comfort.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel dialectic at the heart of Luther's theology: it unmasks human sinfulness and despair, then pivots entirely to the sufficiency of Christ's mercy, inviting the congregation to experience the existential movement from accusation to absolution.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From human despair and sinfulness (Law) through God's pardoning grace (Gospel) to confident hope in God's redemption
Themes
Penitence and repentance God's mercy and forgiveness Sin and redemption Trust in divine grace