How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
This hymn expresses the Lutheran emphasis on the centrality of Christ as the source of comfort, joy, and salvation through the gratuitous gift of grace. The text reflects the experiential faith characteristic of pietistic hymnody while maintaining sound Reformation theology concerning the sufficiency of Christ and His work.
History & Background
Written by John Newton in 1779 and published in the Olney Hymns collection that same year. The hymn became one of Newton's most beloved compositions and has remained a standard in Christian hymnody for nearly two and a half centuries.
With the heading “The Name ofJesus,” this text by John Newton was published in the Olney Hymns (1779), where it was part of a group of hymns inspired by scriptural passages. The text is a fine example of Newton’s evangelical piety and his skill at incorporating biblical phrases or allusions into his hymn texts. Of his original seven stanzas, 1, 2, and 5-7 are included. Newton said that Song of Songs 1:3 (“your name is like perfume poured out”) was the inspiration for this text: stanzas 1 and 2 compare perfume, with its sweet fragrance and healing properties, to the name ofJesus, which “soothes” and “heals.” With its many biblical names for the Savior, stanza 3 evokes a variety of images about the person and ministry of Christ. The final stanzas confess that though our worship of Christ may 655 THE PSALMS, BIBLE SONGS, AND HYMNS be weak and imperfect, we will use our resources to praise him and testify to his love. Scripture References st. 1 = Acts 4:12 Jer. 30:17 Rom. 10:13 Joel 2:32 1 John 4:18 Ps. 147:3 st. 2 =John 16:20 John 6:31-33 Matt. 11:28 st. 3= John 10:11 John 15:13-14 John 4:19 John 14:6 Heb. 4:14 Rev. 17:14
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 206
- Chalice Hymnal — 108
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 619
- Glory to God — 620
- The Hymnal 1982 — 644
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 345
- Lutheran Service Book — 524
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 171
- Lutheran Worship — 279
- New Century Hymnal — 257
- Psalter Hymnal — 487
- Trinity Hymnal — 647
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 364
- United Methodist Hymnal — 508
- Voices Together — 582
Liturgical Use
Many occasions of worship, probably after the sermon as a hymn of testimony and encouragement.
Bulletin Note
John Newton (1725–1807), converted from slave trading, wrote this hymn in 1779. It embodies the pietistic devotion of his era while anchoring believers in Christ alone—the Reformation's central proclamation.
Preaching Connection
This hymn exemplifies the Law-Gospel movement: from the comfort of grace (Gospel) flowing from Jesus's name, to the soul's grateful longing and obedience as the Spirit's work within us.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological foundation (stanzas 1-2) moving to eschatological hope (stanzas 3-4): Christ as Creator-Redeemer in present experience, Christ as Judge and Glorifier in future consummation
Themes
The name of Jesus Comfort and consolation Love of Christ Faith and devotion Assurance of grace