Yea as I Live Jehovah Saith
Yea, as I live, Jehovah saith
This hymn expresses the Lutheran emphasis on God's mercy and the Gospel promise that sinners need not perish but may receive forgiveness through repentance. It reflects the Reformation's recovery of the comfort found in God's gracious willingness to pardon those who turn to Him.
History & Background
Originally composed by Johann Roh as a German hymn in the early Lutheran tradition, emphasizing God's gracious willingness to pardon. Augustus Toplady translated it into English in 1774, bringing this message of divine mercy to English-speaking congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 614
- Lutheran Worship — 235
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 331
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Johann Roh in 1525, this Reformation hymn sets Ezekiel's divine promise to the Passion tune 'Herzlich tut mich verlangen,' uniting Law and Gospel in a single cry: repent and live.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's reversal of the Law's condemnation: God's oath transforms the threat of judgment into an invitation to repentance, revealing mercy as His deeper will and Christ as its fulfillment.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Psalm 23 Christological transformation: establishment of Christ's sovereign care (1-2) → confession of human waywardness and divine retrieval (3) → victory over death through Christ's passion (4) → sacramental communion and eschatological promise (5-6)
Themes
God's mercy and compassion Repentance and grace Divine willingness to forgive Call to sinners