I Know of a Sleep in Jesus' Name
I know of a sleep in Jesus' name
This hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding of death as a peaceful rest for believers through Christ's redemptive work, not as the final end but as sleep preceding resurrection. It reflects the comfort of the Gospel's promise that death has lost its power through Christ's victory.
History & Background
Written by Gottlob Benjamin Sized, a German pietist hymn writer, and first published in 1781. Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in her 1858 collection, becoming the standard English version in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 311
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 342
- Lutheran Worship — 281
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 592
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written in 1781 by Gottlob Benjamin Sized, this German chorale expresses the Lutheran comfort that death, through Christ, becomes rest and resurrection hope—not punishment, but sleep in the Savior's arms.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's victory over death by reframing mortality as sleep—a sermon on the Resurrection might use this image to show how Christ's rising guarantees our own, turning Law's condemnation into grace's consolation.
Themes
Death and resurrection Rest in Christ Comfort in bereavement Hope in eternity Jesus as Savior