Oh Love How Deep How Broad How High
Oh love how deep how broad how high
This hymn celebrates the unfathomable love of God demonstrated in the Incarnation and Atonement, expressing the paradox of infinite Love entering into finite human existence. It reflects Lutheran emphasis on God's free grace toward sinners and the centrality of Christ's redemptive work.
History & Background
Originally composed in Latin as part of Thomas à Kempis's devotional writings in the 15th century, this text became widely known through German adaptations by Benjamin Schmolck and others. The English translation by Benjamin Webb and others brought the hymn into Anglican and eventually Lutheran hymnals in the 19th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 210
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 638
- Glory to God — 618
- The Hymnal 1982 — 448
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 88
- Lutheran Service Book — 544
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 173
- Lutheran Worship — 275
- New Century Hymnal — 207
- Trinity Hymnal — 169
- Voices Together — 255
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Thomas à Kempis (1430), author of The Imitation of Christ. This medieval contemplative masterpiece celebrates the paradox of infinite Love entering finite human existence—the Incarnation as supreme act of grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel dialectic perfectly: it awakens us to our unworthiness before infinite Love, then overwhelms that conviction with the gospel's proclamation that Christ has already answered what we cannot.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Gratitude for God's past and present blessings → Petition for God's sustaining grace and protection through life's trials
Themes
Love of Christ Incarnation God's grace Redemption Mystery of salvation