Jerusalem Thou City Fair and High
Jerusalem thou city fair and high
The hymn expresses the Lutheran hope for the consummation of all things in the heavenly Jerusalem while grounding faith in Christ's glorified presence revealed at the Transfiguration. It reflects Lutheran eschatological conviction that the kingdom of God transcends earthly temporality while remaining the destiny of the redeemed.
History & Background
Laurentius Laurenti wrote this Swedish hymn in the early 18th century, reflecting the mystical theology of the Scandinavian baroque period. Charles P. Krauth translated it into English in 1873, and it became established in Lutheran hymnals through the Common Service tradition.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 666
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 348
- Lutheran Service Book — 674
- Lutheran Worship — 306
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 619
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Swedish Lutheran Laurentius Laurenti in 1700, this hymn expresses the Reformed hope for heavenly Jerusalem while grounding assurance in Christ's glorified presence revealed at the Transfiguration.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens eschatological hope by rooting it in the Transfiguration's revelation of Christ's glory—transforming the Law's demand for perfection into the Gospel's promise of our participation in his glorified kingdom.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (human darkness and sin) → Gospel (Christ's redemptive light) → Doxology (Trinitarian glory)
Themes
Heavenly Jerusalem Glory of Christ Eschatology Transfiguration Vision of God