Jesus Sinners Doth Receive

Jesus Sinners Doth Receive is a hymn text by Erdmann Neumeister (1718) in 8.7.8.7 meter. Translated by Philip Schaff. Found in elw 317, lbw 291, lsb 609, 974, lw 229.

This hymn exemplifies Lutheran theology of justification by grace through faith, emphasizing Christ's welcoming acceptance of sinners without conditions. It reflects the Lutheran emphasis on the bondage of human will and God's unconditional grace as the sole means of salvation.

History & Background

Written by Neumeister, a German Lutheran poet and pastor, around 1718, this hymn was included in his collection of devotional poetry. The hymn was translated into English by Philip Schaff in the 19th century and has since become a standard in Lutheran hymnals.

Hymnal Appearances

• Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 317
• Lutheran Book of Worship — 291
• Lutheran Service Book — 609, 974
• Lutheran Worship — 229
• The Lutheran Hymnal — 324
• Voices Together — DP5

Translation

Philip Schaff

Bulletin Note

Written by Lutheran pastor Erdmann Neumeister in 1718, this hymn anchors itself in Christ's radical hospitality to sinners—a cornerstone of Reformation theology and Lutheran confession of justifying grace.

Preaching Connection

This hymn crystallizes the Gospel's joy: where the Law reveals our sin and need, Christ's unrestricted welcome and acceptance declare God's unconditional mercy toward all sinners through faith alone.

Background Research

Erdmann Neumeister (1671–1756) published 'Jesus nimmt die Sünder an' in 1718 (in his Evangelischer Nachklang, per the index). From memory, not checked: Neumeister was a court preacher at Weissenfels and Sorau, then from 1715 pastor of St Jacobi, Hamburg, for 40 years. His 1700 cantata texts created the 'madrigalian' church cantata Bach used (BWV 18, 24, 28, 59, 61 are Neumeister texts). He was a fierce opponent of Pietism. The text builds on Luke 15:2 ('This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them', the grumbling of the Pharisees that sets up the lost sheep, coin and son). Every stanza ends 'Jesus sinners doth receive', so a slur becomes the Gospel's refrain. Through Emma Bevan's 'Sinners Jesus will receive' (1858, from memory) it reached English evangelicals; the Evangelical Quarterly (1983) studied its British reception. In Catholic use too (Gotteslob 2001 no. 278).

Sources: Christian Study Library (EQ 1983 abstract); hymnary.org; CCEL TLH 324.

In the Church Year

Hymn of the Day (Lutheran Service Book) for: Proper 19

Suggested in the one-year series

• Ash Wednesday (3×)
• Trinity 11 (3×)
• Trinity 3 (3×)
• Trinity 19 (2×)
• Conversion of St. Paul (1×)
• St. Mary Magdalene (1×)
• St. Matthew (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

• Proper 19 (3×)
• Lent 3 (2×)
• Proper 26 (2×)
• Ash Wednesday (1×)
• Conversion of St. Paul (1×)
• Lent 4 (1×)
• St. Matthew (1×)

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

Overview

Erdmann Neumeister, orthodox Lutheran pastor at St. Jacobi in Hamburg, opponent of Pietism and originator of the cantata texts Bach set, wrote this on Luke 15:2, the Pharisees' complaint that became the Gospel's best news: 'This man receives sinners.' Every stanza ends with that line. The hymn proclaims it to all who wander (st. 1); contrasts our desert with his grace (st. 2); pictures the Shepherd seeking strays (st. 3); invites all sinners (st. 4); turns to personal confession (st. 5); applies Isaiah 1:18, scarlet made white (st. 6); declares acquittal from the Law (st. 7); and ends with assurance in death (st. 8). It is one of the clearest hymns of justification ever written.

Central theme: 'Jesus receives sinners' — the whole Gospel in one sentence, from invitation to acquittal to death

Structure

Eight six-line stanzas (7.8.7.8.7.7), each ending 'Jesus sinners doth receive.' Proclamation (1-4: wanderers, the deserving, the stray, all) — personal confession and faith (5-8: penitence, cleansing, acquittal, death). St. 8 begins and ends with the refrain.

Law & Gospel Shape

Law: 'We deserve but grief and shame' (2), 'scarlet' transgression (6), 'From the Law' (7). Gospel: pardon, peace, life, healing, the Shepherd, free salvation, white as snow, acquittal, release, open heaven.

Confessional Connections

Justification as forensic acquittal: 'From the Law I stand acquitted' (st. 7; Rom 8:1; AC IV; FC III). Universal invitation: 'one and all' (FC XI). Personal faith: 'I, a sinner, come' — faith applies the general promise to me (Ap IV). Peace of conscience as the fruit (Ap IV.79).

Liturgical Use (Study Notes)

Lent; Confession; Third Sunday after Trinity (Luke 15); evangelistic services; funerals (st. 8).

Historical Notes

Neumeister (1671-1756), Hamburg pastor; his cantata cycles (1700ff) created the form used by Bach. Published 1718 in Evangelischer Nachklang.

About the Tune

MEINEN JESUM LASS ICH NICHT (Darmstadt, 1699).

Scripture References

Luke 15:1-7 Luke 19:10 1 Tim 1:15 Rom 6:23 Isa 53:5 Luke 15:4-6 Isa 40:11 Isa 55:1 Matt 11:28 Luke 18:13 Isa 1:18 Rom 8:1 Rom 3:24 Col 2:14 John 14:2-3 Phil 1:21

Stanza by Stanza

Themes

Forgiveness of sins Grace and mercy Justification by faith Repentance God's love for sinners

Look Further

• Search Hymnary.org for "Jesus Sinners Doth Receive" ↗