The Lutheran Hymnal ‎#167

167. O Darkest Woe

1 O darkest woe!
Ye tears, forth flow!
Has earth so sad a wonder?
God the Father's only Son
Now is buried yonder.

2 O sorrow dread!
God's Son is dead!
But by His expiation
Of our guilt upon the cross
Gained for us salvation.

3 O sinful man!
It was the ban
Of death on thee that brought Him
Down to suffer for thy sins
And such woe hath wrought Him.

4 Lo, stained with blood,
The Lamb of God,
The Bridegroom, lies before thee,
Pouring out His life that He
May to life restore thee.

5 O Ground of faith,
Laid low in death,
Sweet lips. now silent sleeping!
Surely all that live must mourn
Here with bitter weeping.

6 O blest shall be
Eternally
Who oft in faith will ponder
Why the glorious Prince of Life
Should be buried yonder.

7 O Jesus blest,
My Help and Rest,
With tears I now entreat Thee:
Make me love Thee to the last,
Till in heaven I greet Thee.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: O darkest woe!
• Title: O Darkest Woe
• German Title: O Traurigkeit, o Herzeleid
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1863, alt.)
• Author (sts. 2-7): Johann Rist (1641, ab.)
• Meter: 4.4.7.7.6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1941
• Scripture:
  Acts 3:15
• Topic: The Church Year: Good Friday
• Source: "Wilrzburger Gesangbuch," 1628, st. 1

Tune Information

• Name: O TRAURIGKEIT
• Meter: 4.4.7.7.6.
• Key: f minor
• Source: "Würzberger Gesangbuch," 1628