Oh How Great Is Thy Compassion

Oh How Great Is Thy Compassion is a hymn text by Johann Heermann (1630) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in lsb 559, lw 364, tlh 384.

This hymn expresses the Lutheran emphasis on Christ's substitutionary atonement and the comfort found in His compassionate suffering for human sin. It reflects the Reformation's focus on the merits of Christ alone as the basis for salvation.

History & Background

Johann Heermann composed this German hymn in the 17th century as a meditation on Christ's passion and suffering. Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in her Lyra Germanica (1858) and became widely used in English Lutheran hymnals.

Hymnal Appearances

• Lutheran Service Book — 559
• Lutheran Worship — 364
• The Lutheran Hymnal — 384

Translation

Catherine Winkworth

Bulletin Note

Written by Johann Heermann in 1630, this German hymn reflects the Reformation's emphasis on Christ's substitutionary atonement and the comfort believers find in His compassionate suffering. A profound meditation on grace alone.

Preaching Connection

This hymn articulates the heart of Lutheran soteriology: the Law exposes our sin and unworthiness, while the Gospel proclaims Christ's compassionate atonement as the sole ground of our justification—making it a perfect vehicle for preaching the full counsel of God's redemptive work.

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

• Trinity 11 (7×)
• Trinity 2 (3×)
• Trinity 9 (3×)
• Epiphany 3 (1×)
• Trinity 20 (1×)
• Trinity 7 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

• Proper 10 (2×)
• Proper 17 (2×)
• Proper 6 (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Overview

Johann Olearius, court preacher at Weissenfels and editor of a large hymnal, wrote this on God's universal grace. It praises the Father's mercy to the whole fallen race (st. 1); his earnest call to all to the Supper of the Gospel (st. 2); the Spirit's work through Word and Sacraments to give faith and assurance (st. 3); the certainty of salvation resting on God's unfailing Word (st. 4); and returns to praise (st. 5, echoing st. 1). It is a hymnic version of FC XI's teaching that God's call is universal and earnest and that the Spirit works through the means of grace.

Central theme: God's universal compassion, his earnest call to all, and the Spirit's assurance through Word and Sacraments

Structure

Five six-line stanzas (8.7.7.8.7.7). Father's compassion (1) — Son's call (2) — Spirit's means (3) — assurance (4) — praise (5, framing st. 1).

Law & Gospel Shape

Gospel throughout; 'deep degradation' of the fallen race is the backdrop.

Confessional Connections

FC XI.28-29: God's call through the Word is earnest and universal ('extends an earnest call… unto all'). AC V: the Spirit works faith through Word and Sacraments. Assurance rests on the Word, not on inner experience (FC XI.12). The 'Supper' of st. 2 is the Gospel banquet of Luke 14 (and the Lord's Supper as its sacramental form).

Liturgical Use (Study Notes)

General; mission; Trinity season (Luke 14, the Great Supper, Trinity 2 in the historic lectionary).

Historical Notes

Olearius (1611-1684), court preacher at Halle and Weissenfels; published 1671. Crull translated it in 1923.

About the Tune

ACH, WAS SOLL ICH SÜNDER MACHEN (Hirtenlieder, Altdorf, 1653).

Scripture References

Rom 5:12 Eph 2:4-5 1 Tim 2:4 John 3:16 Luke 14:16-17 Matt 22:2-4 Rom 10:17 Titus 3:5 Eph 2:8 Heb 2:14-15 Lam 3:22-23 Num 23:19 2 Tim 2:13 1 John 5:13

Stanza by Stanza

Themes

Passion of Christ Divine compassion Redemption Grace Penitence

Look Further

• Search Hymnary.org for "Oh How Great Is Thy Compassion" ↗