Hymn Desk
Hymn Texts /

Not Unto Us

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us

Not Unto Us is a hymn text by William Whittingham (1562) in C.M. meter. Found in CW21 582, CW93 392, elw 733, hs98 874. Sung to ST. FLAVIAN.

This hymn articulates the Reformation principle of Soli Deo Gloria—God alone deserves glory—and warns against the vanity of human pride and idolatry. It reflects Luther's emphasis on God's absolute sovereignty and the proper fear and reverence due to God's holy name.

History & Background

William Whittingham paraphrased Psalm 115 for inclusion in the Geneva Psalter (1562). The hymn became a classic expression of Reformed theology emphasizing God's sole glory and the futility of idols.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 582
  • Christian Worship — 392
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 733
  • Hymnal Supplement 98 — 874
  • Lutheran Service Book — 558

Bulletin Note

Written by William Whittingham in 1562, this C.M. hymn crystallizes the Reformation's core conviction: God alone deserves glory. It warns against idolatry while anchoring believers in God's sovereign faithfulness.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies soli Deo gloria and exposes the law's verdict on human pride and idolatry while anchoring faith in God's covenantal faithfulness—making it a powerful ally to proclamation of both judgment and grace.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's Lenten self-denial models our repentance; His victory over Satan empowers our spiritual triumph; His presence sustains us through suffering toward Easter joy and eternal paradise.

In the Church Year

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Reformation (2×)
  • Proper 14 (1×)
  • Proper 22 (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.

Themes

God's glory Divine sovereignty Soli Deo Gloria Trust in God's name Idolatry rejected

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