Hymn Desk
Hymn Texts /

Jesus in Thy Dying Woes

Jesus in Thy dying woes

This hymn embodies Lutheran theology by connecting Christ's vicarious suffering to the forgiveness of sins, emphasizing both divine justice and mercy. It reflects the centrality of the cross in Lutheran soteriology and the believer's participation in Christ's redemptive work through faith.

History & Background

Johann Heermann composed this hymn in German as part of his passion meditation poetry during the Thirty Years' War. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1869, and it has been a standard Holy Week hymn in Lutheran hymnals since the nineteenth century.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 352
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 113
  • Lutheran Service Book — 447
  • Lutheran Worship — 112
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 180

Translation

Catherine Winkworth

Bulletin Note

Composed in 1630 by Johann Heermann, a Lutheran pastor who survived the Thirty Years' War. This hymn anchors the believer's confidence not in personal piety but in Christ's finished work and present intercession before the Father.

Preaching Connection

This hymn crystallizes the Lutheran understanding of vicarious atonement: Christ's dying woes become the Word that silences the law's accusation and declares us forgiven—a proclamation the sermon must echo and the hearer must receive by faith.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological meditation moving from Christ's suffering, to personal appropriation of redemption, to grateful response, to covenantal commitment

Themes

Christ's passion and suffering Substitutionary atonement Penitence and forgiveness Seven Words from the Cross Intercessory prayer

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