O How Great Is Thy Compassion
O how great is Thy compassion
This hymn reflects Lutheran emphasis on Christ's substitutionary atonement and the comfort of divine mercy extended to sinners. It embodies the Reformation principle that Christ's passion and compassion are the grounds of Christian assurance and gratitude.
History & Background
Johann Heermann composed this German hymn in the early 17th century during the Thirty Years' War, originally titled "Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen." Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1858, and it has remained a staple of Lutheran hymnody emphasizing Christ's vicarious suffering and compassionate redemption.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 720
- Lutheran Service Book — 559
- Lutheran Worship — 364
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 384
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Lutheran pastor Johann Heermann in 1630, this hymn crystallizes the Reformation conviction that Christ's passion and compassion are the sole grounds of Christian certainty and eternal comfort.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the hearer's recognition of guilt (Law) into an overwhelming encounter with Christ's willing substitution and comfort (Gospel), making it ideal for amplifying proclamation of atonement and assurance.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (human guilt and Christ's rejection) → Gospel (substitutionary atonement and divine intercession) → Response (adoration and petition for pardon)
Themes
Christ's compassion Divine mercy Gratitude for redemption Christological comfort Suffering and salvation