Oh, How Blest Are They
Oh, how blest are they who hear the Word
This hymn expresses Lutheran confidence in salvation through God's Word and the inheritance promised to the faithful, reflecting the Reformation emphasis on Scripture and grace. It affirms the eschatological hope central to Lutheran eschatology—the blessed assurance of eternal life for those who trust in Christ.
History & Background
Originally written in Danish by Nicolai Grundtvig in 1837, this hymn reflects his emphasis on the living Word of God and Christian joy. The English translation by Gracia Grindal was published in 1985 for Lutheran worship, capturing the Danish original's meditative quality.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 751
- Lutheran Service Book — 679
- Lutheran Worship — 268
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 589
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Danish pastor Nicolai Grundtvig in 1837, this hymn embodies the Reformation's core conviction that God's Word, not human works, secures our salvation and eternal inheritance. A hymn of pure Gospel comfort.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Gospel's answer to human anxiety about salvation: blessedness flows from receiving God's Word by faith, not from personal achievement, making it an ideal companion to sermons on justification by grace alone or the sufficiency of Scripture.
Themes
Blessedness of faith God's Word Eternal life Christian assurance Beatitudes