Ye Sons of Men Oh Hearken
Ye sons of men, oh hearken
This hymn embodies Lutheran emphasis on repentance and the transformative work of the Gospel, drawing on the Advent theme of preparation through John the Baptist's preaching. It reflects the Reformation's call to genuine amendment of life as the proper response to God's grace.
History & Background
Originally composed in German by Erasmus Alberus during the Reformation period around 1540. The hymn was adapted into English through various translations, appearing in Lutheran hymnals including The Lutheran Hymnal and Lutheran Service Book.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 354
- Lutheran Worship — 25
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 75
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Erasmus Alberus in 1540, this Lutheran hymn channels John the Baptist's wilderness preaching and calls believers to genuine repentance as preparation for Christ. A Reformation classic on grace-empowered transformation.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Reformation's insistence that true repentance—amendment of life—flows not from fear of judgment alone, but from the liberating grace of the Gospel, making it a powerful echo of Law and Gospel preaching.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
repentance and amendment grace and forgiveness preparation for Christ transformation of life