Now May He Who from the Dead
Now may He who from the dead
Now May He Who from the Dead is a hymn text by Nikolai Fredrik Severin Grundtvig (1844) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Peer Ørn Böcker. Found in ELH 19, tlh 51. Sung to ES IST DAS HEIL.
This hymn expresses the Reformation doctrine of justification by grace through faith, grounding Christian sanctification in Christ's resurrection power. The petitionary structure reflects Lutheran understanding that the believer's growth in grace depends upon Christ's intercessory work and the Holy Spirit's enabling.
History & Background
Written by Danish bishop Grundtvig in 1844, this hymn became central to Lutheran worship in Scandinavia. It was translated into English by Danish-American Peer Ørn Böcker in 1909 and included in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941).
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 19
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 51
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Danish hymnodist Grundtvig in 1844, this Reformation hymn anchors Christian sanctification in Christ's resurrection and heavenly intercession, reflecting the Lutheran conviction that grace alone sustains all spiritual growth.
Preaching Connection
This hymn grounds the Gospel promise of justification in Christ's ascended intercession, inviting the hearer to receive grace passively while responding actively—a kerygmatic balance between divine gift and human obedience.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law's condemnation → Gospel's grace → Christ's redemption → Faith's assurance
Overview
John Newton's metrical version of the great benediction of Hebrews 13:20-21: 'Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will.' It prays the God who raised the Shepherd to keep our souls (st. 1), to teach and perfect us in his will (st. 2), and ends with thanks to the Redeemer who sealed the covenant with his blood (st. 3).
Central theme: The God who raised Christ keeps, equips and perfects his people through the blood of the covenant
Structure
Three 7.7.7.7 quatrains following Heb 13:20-21. The risen Shepherd (1) — equipped for God's will (2) — the covenant blood (3).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel: the risen Shepherd keeps us; the covenant sealed with blood (1, 3). New obedience as God's work in us (2).
Confessional Connections
The resurrection and the covenant blood as the ground of sanctification. 'May He teach us to fulfil what is pleasing in His sight' — God works in us both to will and to do (Phil 2:13; FC II, IV). 'The covenant sealed with blood' — Christ's words in the Supper: 'This is my blood of the covenant' (Matt 26:28; AC X).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Closing hymn; benediction; Easter season (Good Shepherd Sunday); after Communion.
Historical Notes
From the Olney Hymns (1779).
About the Tune
BUCKLAND (Leighton G. Hayne, 1863).
Scripture References
Heb 13:20-21 John 10:11, 14 1 Pet 2:25 Phil 2:13 Eph 2:10 Ps 121:4-7 Matt 26:28 Luke 22:20 Heb 9:12-15
Stanza by Stanza
Now may he who brought back from the dead the Shepherd of the sheep — Jesus Christ, our King and Head — keep all our souls safe!
Heb 13:20 (TLH's text): 'the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep.' The Good Shepherd (John 10:11). 'Shepherd and Overseer of your souls' (1 Pet 2:25).
- Scripture
- Heb 13:20, John 10:11, 1 Pet 2:25
- Imagery & language
- Raised Shepherd; souls kept.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the risen Shepherd keeps us.
- Connection to previous
- The Shepherd.
May he teach us to do what is pleasing in his sight, perfect us in all his will, and keep us day and night!
Heb 13:21: 'equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight.' God works in us (Phil 2:13; Eph 2:10). Kept day and night (Ps 121:4-7).
- Scripture
- Heb 13:21, Phil 2:13, Eph 2:10, Ps 121:4-7
- Imagery & language
- Fulfilling His will; preserved.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — God works in us.
- Connection to previous
- Equipped.
To the praise of that dear Redeemer who sealed the covenant with blood, let our hearts and voices raise loud thanks to our God.
'The blood of the eternal covenant' (Heb 13:20). 'This is my blood of the covenant' (Matt 26:28; Luke 22:20). 'To whom be glory forever and ever. Amen' (Heb 13:21).
- Scripture
- Heb 13:20-21, Matt 26:28, Luke 22:20, Heb 9:12-15
- Imagery & language
- Covenant blood; thanksgiving.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the covenant sealed.
- Connection to previous
- Covenant.
Themes
Christ's resurrection Sanctification Apostolic blessing Christian living Grace