Hymn Desk
Hymn Texts /

On Galilee's High Mountain

On Galilee's high mountain

On Galilee's High Mountain is a hymn text by Johannes Walther (1567) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Gracia Grindal. Found in CW21 742, CW93 557, ELH 195, elw 690. Sung to GALILEE.

The hymn emphasizes Christ's universal authority and presence with His people to the end of time, central to Lutheran understanding of the ascended Christ's continued governance and grace. It connects the disciples' commissioning to the Church's ongoing evangelistic and teaching mission sustained by Christ's promised presence.

History & Background

Written by Johannes Walther, Luther's associate and composer, and published in 1567, this hymn commemorates Christ's post-resurrection commissioning of the disciples on the mountain in Galilee. Gracia Grindal provided this English translation for contemporary Lutheran worship.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 742
  • Christian Worship — 557
  • Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 195
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 690
  • Lutheran Service Book — 835
  • Lutheran Worship — 320

Translation

Gracia Grindal

Bulletin Note

Composed by Johannes Walther in 1567, this hymn reflects the Lutheran conviction that the ascended Christ governs the Church through Word and Sacrament, empowering faithful witness across generations.

Preaching Connection

This hymn transforms the Great Commission from an impossible demand into Gospel comfort: Christ's universal authority becomes the ground of His abiding presence with us, converting Law's urgent calling into the Good News of sustained grace.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: The Law reveals Christ's persistent call above worldly chaos; the Gospel empowers grateful obedience through grace, transforming disciples from self-interest to Christ-centered love in all circumstances.

In the Church Year

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Holy Trinity (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.

Themes

The Great Commission Christ's authority and presence Missionary mandate Resurrection appearance

Look Further