Deep Were His Wounds
Deep were his wounds, and red
This hymn articulates the Lutheran doctrine of vicarious atonement—Christ bearing the penalty for human sin through his wounds and blood. It connects the physical reality of Christ's crucifixion to soteriological efficacy, central to Lutheran understanding of redemption.
History & Background
Written by William Cowper in 1779, this hymn appears in Olney Hymns (1779) and has been widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals. It emphasizes Christ's substitutionary atonement through vivid imagery of his wounds and suffering.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 347
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 98
- Lutheran Worship — 127
Bulletin Note
Penned by English poet William Cowper in 1779, this hymn grounds salvation in the physical reality of Christ's crucifixion, expressing the Lutheran conviction that his wounds accomplish what our works cannot.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran doctrine of vicarious atonement: Christ's wounds and blood are the satisfactory payment that turns divine justice into saving grace for sinners who believe.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (conviction of sin and Christ's sacrifice) to Gospel (amazement at grace, personal response of self-surrender)
Themes
Atonement Christ's suffering Redemption through Christ's blood Penal substitution