Hymn Desk
Hymn Texts /

Glory Be to Jesus

Glory be to Jesus

This hymn articulates the Lutheran doctrine of justification by faith, emphasizing that redemption comes solely through Christ's sacrificial blood shed on the cross. It reflects the centrality of the atonement in Lutheran soteriology and calls believers to respond with grateful worship.

History & Background

Written by German poet Zachariä in 1761, this hymn celebrates redemption through Christ's precious blood. Edward Caswall's English translation (1858) became the standard version used in Lutheran hymnals throughout the English-speaking world.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 637
  • The Hymnal 1982 — 479
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 95
  • Lutheran Service Book — 433
  • Lutheran Worship — 98
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 158

Translation

Edward Caswall

Bulletin Note

Composed by Friedrich Wilhelm Zachariä in 1761, this German hymn articulates justification by faith through the image of Christ's shed blood, making the abstract doctrine of atonement tangible and worshipful.

Preaching Connection

This hymn transforms the proclamation of Christ's atoning death from doctrine into doxology, inviting hearers to move from conviction of sin to celebration of grace purchased by his blood.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological anticipation (St. 1-2) → Incarnational paradox (St. 3) → Pneumatological reign (St. 4)

Themes

Redemption through Christ's blood Suffering and atonement Worship and adoration Justification by faith

Look Further