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O Sons and Daughters of the King

O sons and daughters of the King

O Sons and Daughters of the King is a hymn text by Jean Tisserand (1494) in 8.8.8.8 with Alleluia meter. Translated by John Mason Neale. Found in CW21 456, CW93 165, ELH 366, ch95 209. Sung to O FILII ET FILIAE.

The hymn celebrates Christ's victory over death and the believer's share in resurrection joy through baptismal incorporation into Christ. It exemplifies Lutheran emphasis on forensic justification through Christ's victorious resurrection and the eschatological hope of the believer.

History & Background

Originally written as a Latin hymn by Parisian friar Jean Tisserand in the 15th century, likely for Easter rejoicing. English translation by John Mason Neale in 1851 became the standard version, widely adopted in both Anglican and Lutheran hymnals.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 456
  • Christian Worship — 165
  • Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 366
  • Chalice Hymnal — 209
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 362
  • Gather 4th Edition — 566
  • Glory to God — 238
  • The Hymnal 1982 — 203
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 139
  • Lutheran Service Book — 470-471
  • Lift Up Your Hearts — 195
  • Lutheran Worship — 130
  • New Century Hymnal — 244
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 208
  • Voices Together — 278

Translation

John Mason Neale

Bulletin Note

Composed by Jean Tisserand in 1494, this medieval French hymn has outlasted centuries of change. Its simple, joyful tune and refrain make it one of Christendom's most beloved Easter songs, sung worldwide in countless languages.

Preaching Connection

This hymn transforms the resurrection from a distant historical event into present baptismal reality: because Christ rose, death's reign is ended and believers inherit eternal life—a powerful declaration of Gospel victory over the Law's condemnation.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From Christ's resurrection victory over death (Law's confrontation of mortality) through apostolic witness and doubt to faith's triumph and eternal promise (Gospel proclamation)

In the Church Year

Hymn of the Day (Lutheran Service Book) for: Easter 2

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Easter 2 (7×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Easter 2 (8×)

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

Resurrection of Christ Joy and triumph Children of God Easter witness

Look Further