Jesus the Very Thought of You
Jesus, the very thought of Thee
This hymn embodies Lutheran appreciation for patristic and medieval mystical theology while emphasizing experiential knowledge of Christ beyond mere intellectual assent. It reflects the Gospel's power to transform hearts and evoke genuine Christian affection rooted in Christ's redemptive work.
History & Background
Bernard of Clairvaux composed this Latin sequence in the 12th century as part of his devotional writings on Christ. Edward Caswall translated it into English in 1849, making it accessible to Protestant congregations.
The extended (forty-two stanzas) Latin poem ‘Jesu, dulcis memo- Scripture References ria” is the source of this text (see discussion at PHH 307, which all st. = Eph. 3:19 includes its traditional attribution to Bernard of Clairveaux). Although some scholars believe the poem was written by Bernard, others suggest that it originated in Britain at the end of the twelfth century. Most agree, however, that the poem’s fervor was influenced by the famous Bernard. The English text is taken from a fifty-stanza translation by Edward Caswall published in his Lyra Catholica (1849), where the opening line read ‘Jesu, the very thought of Thee.” Displaying a passionate devotion to Christ, the text provides a clear hint of its original use as a text for personal devotion. Its focus is entirely on Christ and his saving love, a love that gives hope joy, and rest to believers (st. 1, 3), a love that excels any human love (st. 2,4).
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 284
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 754
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 316
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 169
- Lutheran Worship — 328
- Psalter Hymnal — 480
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 350
- With One Voice — 656
Translation
Liturgical Use
Worship that focuses on Christ’s redemptive work; Lord’s Supper; Lent.
Bulletin Note
From Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153), Cistercian mystic and Doctor of the Church. This 12th-century meditation reflects medieval devotion to Christ's person while offering Protestants a window into patristic affection for the incarnate Word.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's claim that Christ's redemptive presence is not distant doctrine but intimate reality—the antidote to sin's isolation and the soul's deepest longing.
Themes
Christological devotion Mystical union with Christ Sweetness of Christ's name Affective spirituality Medieval piety