O Jesus King of Glory
O Jesus, King of glory
O Jesus King of Glory is a hymn text by Martin Behm (1610) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in CW93 94, lw 79, tlh 130.
This hymn celebrates Christ as the rightful King worthy of worship, drawing on the Epiphany account of the Magi's recognition of Christ's kingship and divine nature. It expresses the Lutheran conviction that all nations and peoples should acknowledge Christ's sovereignty and submit to his rule in faith.
History & Background
Martin Behm's German hymn 'O Jesu König aller Ehren' was published in his hymnal around 1610 and became widely used in German Protestant worship. Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in her Chorale Book for England (1863), making it accessible to English-speaking Lutheran congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Christian Worship — 94
- Lutheran Worship — 79
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 130
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Martin Behm in 1610, this Lutheran hymn reflects the Epiphany tradition of recognizing Christ's sovereignty. Its sturdy L.M. meter and German tune ZEUCH MICH anchor the proclamation of Christ's rightful dominion over all peoples.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's demand for allegiance into Gospel praise by celebrating Christ's eternal kingship as the ground of our willing, grateful submission rather than fearful obligation.
Overview
An Epiphany hymn by Martin Behm (compare TLH 541). It hails Jesus as King of glory, David's Lord and Son, praying that his saving reign may spread to every darkened soul (st. 1). The Magi witness to his kingdom, guided by star and prophetic Word (st. 2). Yet he is a strange king — no proud steed, jeweled crown or castle, but scoff and frown (st. 3) — though truly glorious and mighty to protect (st. 4). The singer asks to be admitted to his kingdom and kept from sin, death and Satan (st. 5), and that his Word may shine within like the fairest star, keeping away sin and false doctrine, so that he may be confessed with all Christendom here and hereafter (st. 6).
Central theme: Christ the King, revealed to the nations by star and Word, who reigns in lowliness and saves by his Word
Structure
Six eight-line stanzas (7.6.7.6 D). King and mission (1) — Magi (2) — lowly king (3) — glorious protector (4) — personal prayer (5) — the Word as star (6).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel: salvation spread to the 'benighted'; protection from sin, death and Satan (1, 5). Law: false doctrine and sin to be kept far (6).
Confessional Connections
'David's Lord and Son' (Matt 22:41-45) — true God and true man (AC III). Christ's kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36): he rules by his Word (AC XXVIII; Ap XVI two kingdoms). The Magi led by star and 'prophetic Word' — the Word, not the star, brings them to Christ (Matt 2:5-6). St. 6: the Word as inner light and guard against 'false doctrine' — SC First Petition. 'With Thy Christendom… own Thee King' — confession together with the whole Church (AC VII; Matt 10:32).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Epiphany; Epiphany season; missions.
Historical Notes
Behm (1557-1622), pastor at Lauban, published this in 1606.
About the Tune
VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN (Melchior Teschner, 1613).
Scripture References
Matt 2:1-12 Ps 24:7-10 Matt 22:41-45 Luke 1:32-33 Isa 60:1-3 Ps 72:8-11 Num 24:17 Mic 5:2 John 18:36 Zech 9:9 Matt 8:20 Isa 53:3 Ps 45:2-4 Luke 18:13 Col 1:13 2 Pet 1:19 Ps 119:105 Rom 16:17 Matt 10:32
Stanza by Stanza
Jesus, King of glory, both David's Lord and Son! Your kingdom lasts forever; your throne is fixed in heaven. Help your reign to spread salvation to every darkened soul throughout the earth from pole to pole.
'The King of glory' (Ps 24:7-10). 'David's Lord and Son' — Jesus' riddle (Matt 22:41-45): only the God-man is both. Eternal kingdom (Luke 1:32-33). Epiphany mission: 'nations shall come to your light' (Isa 60:3).
- Scripture
- Ps 24:7-10, Matt 22:41-45, Luke 1:32-33, Isa 60:1-3, Ps 72:8
- Imagery & language
- King of glory; David's Lord and Son.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — saving reign.
- Connection to previous
- King of Glory.
The Eastern wise men, bringing their gifts, bear witness to your kingdom and humbly kneel. The star and the prophetic Word point to you; so we joyfully greet you as our Savior and Lord!
Matt 2:1-12 (TLH's text). The star (Num 24:17) and the 'prophetic Word' (Mic 5:2, quoted in Matt 2:5-6) — the star brought them to Jerusalem; the Scripture brought them to Bethlehem. Their kneeling is worship (Ps 72:10-11).
- Scripture
- Matt 2:1-12, Num 24:17, Mic 5:2, Ps 72:10-11
- Imagery & language
- Magi; tribute; star; Word.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the nations come.
- Connection to previous
- The Magi.
You are a mighty King, as your Word says, yet you care little for earthly goods or gold. You ride no proud horse and wear no jeweled crown, nor live in a lordly castle, but endure scorn and frowns.
'My kingdom is not of this world' (John 18:36). The humble king (Zech 9:9); 'the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head' (Matt 8:20); 'despised and rejected' (Isa 53:3). The theology of the cross: glory hidden in lowliness.
- Scripture
- John 18:36, Zech 9:9, Matt 8:20, Isa 53:3, Phil 2:7
- Imagery & language
- No steed, crown or castle; scoff and frown.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the lowly King.
- Connection to previous
- Lowly King.
Yet you are adorned with beauty and rays of glorious light; your works proclaim your goodness and all your ways are right. Shield your people with your almighty arm so that they may live safely from those who intend them harm.
'You are the most handsome of the sons of men' (Ps 45:2). Hidden glory — revealed in his works (John 2:11). Protection by his arm (Isa 40:10-11).
- Scripture
- Ps 45:2-4, John 2:11, Deut 32:4, Isa 40:10-11
- Imagery & language
- Beauty; light; almighty arm.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the King protects.
- Connection to previous
- Glory and protection.
Look on me with pity, though I am weak and poor; admit me to your kingdom to live there blessed and secure. I pray, guide and keep me safe from my bitter enemies — sin, death and Satan — and free me from all my sorrows.
'God, be merciful to me, a sinner' (Luke 18:13). Admission to the kingdom is grace (Col 1:13). The three enemies — sin, death and Satan — Christ's conquest (SC Second Article: 'from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil').
- Scripture
- Luke 18:13, Col 1:13, 1 Cor 15:55-57, Heb 2:14-15
- Imagery & language
- Weak and poor; bitter foes.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — rescue from sin, death, Satan.
- Connection to previous
- Pity me.
Let your Word shine within me like the fairest star; keep sin and all false doctrine far from me forever. Help me confess you truly and, together with your whole Church, acknowledge you as King and Savior here and in the world to come.
The Word as the true Epiphany star: 'a lamp shining in a dark place, until… the morning star rises in your hearts' (2 Pet 1:19). 'Keep… false doctrine… far' (Rom 16:17; SC First Petition). Confession with 'Thy Christendom' (Matt 10:32; AC VII).
- Scripture
- 2 Pet 1:19, Ps 119:105, Rom 16:17, Matt 10:32, Phil 2:11
- Imagery & language
- Word as star; false doctrine; Christendom.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the Word's light; confession.
- Connection to previous
- Word as star.
Themes
Christ's kingship and majesty Adoration of the Magi Faith in Christ's divinity Worship and devotion Light of the nations