Your Word O Lord is Gentle Dew
Your Word, O Lord, is gentle dew
The hymn employs the metaphor of God's Word as gentle dew and rain, emphasizing the life-giving and refreshing power of Scripture in the believer's spiritual life. It reflects Lutheran emphasis on the Word as the means of grace, connecting divine revelation to personal sanctification and Christian growth.
History & Background
Originally written in German as 'Dein Wort, o Herr, ist reiner Tau' by Catharina von Schlegel in the mid-18th century. Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in her 1863 collection Lyra Germanica, becoming widely adopted in Lutheran hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 516
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 232
- Lutheran Worship — 272
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written in 1750 by German poet Catharina von Schlegel, this hymn celebrates Scripture as gentle dew—nourishing and life-giving. Set to the beloved tune Liebster Jesu, it reflects the Lutheran emphasis on Word as means of grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran conviction that God's Word is the primary means of grace—it both comforts the weary conscience with the Gospel and calls forth faithful, obedient trust in Christ's redemptive work.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from the demand of belief and baptism, through Christ's redemptive work and Spirit-empowered perseverance, to doxological assurance of eternal inheritance
Themes
Word of God Spiritual nourishment Divine comfort Grace Sanctification