Oh Wondrous Type Oh Vision Fair
Oh wondrous type, oh vision fair
This hymn celebrates Christ's divine nature revealed on the Mount of Transfiguration, emphasizing the connection between the Incarnate Word and eternal glory. Lutheran usage emphasizes Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament types and the center of revelation to all believers.
History & Background
This Latin hymn dates to the medieval period and was traditionally sung for the Feast of the Transfiguration. John Mason Neale provided this English translation in 1851, which became standard in Anglican and Lutheran hymnodies.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 308
- The Hymnal 1982 — 137
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 80
- Lutheran Service Book — 413
- Lutheran Worship — 87
Translation
Bulletin Note
From twelfth-century Latin tradition, this hymn draws all believers into the apostolic vision of Christ's transfigured majesty—transforming witnesses to his eternal Word made flesh.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens proclamation of Christ's Transfiguration by showing how the Gospel's revelation of divine glory frees us from mere external observance, making us witnesses to grace rather than slaves to the law's impossible demands.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's forty-day fast as pattern for believer's Lenten struggle against sin, culminating in Easter resurrection hope
Themes
Transfiguration Christological revelation Vision of Christ's glory Manifestation of divinity Christian witnessing