Text: | What Law Have You Broken |
Author: | Johann Heermann, 1585-1647 |
Translator (sts. 1-4, 6, 7): | Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878 |
Tune: | HERZLIEBSTER JESU |
Composer: | Johann Crüger, 1598-1662 |
1 O dearest Jesus, what law have you broken
that such sharp sentence should on you be spoken?
Of what great crime have you to make confession,
what dark transgression?
2 They crown your head with thorns, they smite, they scourge you;
with cruel mockings to the cross they urge you;
they give you gall to drink, they still decry you;
they crucify you.
3 Whence come these sorrows, whence this mortal anguish?
It is my sins for which you, Lord, must languish;
yes, all the wrath, the woe that you inherit,
this I do merit.
4 What punishment so strange is suffered yonder!
The Shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander;
the Master pays the debt his servants owe him,
who would not know him.
5 The sinless Son of God must die in sadness,
the sinful child of man may live in gladness;
we forfeited our lives, yet are acquitted;
God is committed.
6 I’ll think upon your mercy without ceasing,
that earth’s vain joys to me no more be pleasing;
to do your will shall be my sole endeavor
henceforth forever.
7 And when, dear Lord, before your throne in heaven
to me the crown of joy at last is given,
where sweetest hymns your saints forever raise you,
I too shall praise you.
Text Information | |
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First Line: | O dearest Jesus, what law have you broken |
Title: | What Law Have You Broken |
Author: | Johann Heermann, 1585-1647 |
Translator (sts. 1-4, 6, 7): | Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878 (alt.) |
Meter: | 11 11 11 5 |
Language: | English |
Publication Date: | 2021 |
Scripture: | ; ; ; |
Source: | Tr. st. 5 The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt. |
Copyright: | Public Domain |
Tune Information | |
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Name: | HERZLIEBSTER JESU |
Composer: | Johann Crüger, 1598-1662 |
Meter: | 11 11 11 5 |
Key: | g minor |
Source: | Setting: The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941 |
Copyright: | Public Domain |