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Jesus, Once with Sinners Numbered

Jesus, once with sinners numbered

Jesus, Once with Sinners Numbered is a hymn text by Nicolai Leonhard Zinzendorf (1737) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in CWS 710, elw 317, lsb 404, lw 334. Sung to HERZLICH TUT MICH.

This hymn articulates Lutheran soteriology by emphasizing Christ's voluntary solidarity with sinners as the basis for salvation and His continuing intercession. It grounds comfort in the objective work of Christ rather than subjective feeling or human merit.

History & Background

Written by Count Zinzendorf, founder of the Moravian Brethren, this hymn expresses the consoling truth that Christ identified with sinners. Catherine Winkworth's English translation from the German original became standard in Lutheran hymnals during the 19th century.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Supplement — 710
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 317
  • Lutheran Service Book — 404
  • Lutheran Worship — 334
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 395

Translation

Catherine Winkworth

Bulletin Note

Written by Zinzendorf in 1737, this hymn expresses Moravian piety and Lutheran theology: Christ's voluntary numbering with sinners becomes the ground of our justification and the source of His eternal intercession for believers.

Preaching Connection

This hymn deepens proclamation of Christ's substitutionary atonement by emphasizing not only His sacrifice but His continuing priestly work, transforming Law's condemnation into the Gospel's unshakeable assurance.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from the demand to love God completely (St. 1) through confession of sin and need for Christ's redemption (St. 2), to the Holy Spirit's sustaining comfort (St. 3), culminating in trinitarian confidence and eschatological hope (St. 4)

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Baptism of Our Lord (3×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Baptism of Our Lord (3×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

Christ's identification with sinners Atonement Justification Grace Intercession

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