There Is a Balm in Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead
The hymn proclaims Christ as the source of spiritual and physical healing, grounded in the Reformation emphasis on Christ's saving work. It emphasizes comfort in suffering and trust in God's mercy, consistent with Lutheran pastoral care theology.
History & Background
This spiritual emerged from African American communities in the 19th century, drawing upon the biblical imagery of Gilead as a place of healing. The hymn was first published in printed collections in the late 1800s and has become a standard in American hymnals.
This anonymous African American spiritual probably took shape Scripture References during outdoor revival meetings in the early nineteenth century. all st. = Gen. 37:25 The text draws on the image of Gilead, which in biblical times Jer. 46:11 was a source of spices and medicinal ointments. The refrain ref. = Jer. 8:22 states in positive terms what the prophet Jeremiah asks negative ly, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” “Balm” becomes a metaphor for redemption in Christ. One of its most memorable phrases, “the sin-sick soul,” was taken from hymns by Charles Wesley (267) and John Newton (462). The refrain alone was published in the Revivalist (upstate New York, 1868) and the complete spiritual in Folk Songs of the American Negro (1907), compiled by brothers Frederick J. Work and John W. Work, Jr. 663 THE PSALMS, BIBLE SONGS, AND HYMNS . Of those stanzas, the two are included that concern the Spirit’s encourage ment of discouraged Christians and the task of every Christian to be a witness to Christ’s love.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 501
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 614
- Gather 4th Edition — 791
- Glory to God — 792
- The Hymnal 1982 — 676
- Lutheran Service Book — 749
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 763
- New Century Hymnal — 553
- Psalter Hymnal — 494
- United Methodist Hymnal — 375
- Voices Together — 627
- With One Voice — 737
Liturgical Use
A hymn of comfort in times of discouragement or of encouragement for professing Christians; healing services; the refrain could be used as a chorus of invitation during evangelistic services.
Bulletin Note
An African American spiritual rooted in 19th-century faith communities, this hymn draws from Jeremiah's image of Gilead's balm to proclaim Christ as healer of body and soul—comfort for the suffering.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the experience of spiritual sickness (Law) into an encounter with Christ's medicinal grace (Gospel), making visible how the cross becomes our cure.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From proclamation of Christ's healing power, through personal experience of Spirit-renewal in weakness, to inclusive call for all believers to witness regardless of gifts
Themes
Healing and comfort Christ's redemptive work Consolation in suffering Divine compassion