On What has Now Been Sown
On what has now been sown
The hymn reflects Lutheran confidence in God's hidden but efficacious work through His Word, celebrating how the Gospel grows in hearts through means beyond human effort or understanding. It expresses the Lutheran principle that God's kingdom advances through faith and divine agency rather than human achievement.
History & Background
Grundtvig composed this hymn in Danish in 1837 as part of his extensive hymnodic output during Denmark's Golden Age. The English translation by Gracia Grindal, first published in 1978, brought this meditation on spiritual growth into Lutheran worship in America.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 550
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 261
- Lutheran Service Book — 921
- Lutheran Worship — 217
- Trinity Hymnal — 598
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 46
Translation
Bulletin Note
Grundtvig's 1837 hymn celebrates the efficacy of God's Word sown in faith. Born from Danish revival tradition, it expresses Lutheran confidence that divine agency, not human achievement, grows the kingdom.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Gospel's liberating proclamation that believers are freed from the burden of producing spiritual results, allowing the sermon to emphasize justification by faith alone and God's sole agency in salvation and sanctification.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from separation and judgment to gracious invitation, communion, and eschatological hope
Themes
Divine providence Growth of God's kingdom Trust in God's faithfulness Word of God Sanctification