The New Century Hymnal ‎#226

226. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

1 O sacred Head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, your only crown,
How pale you are with anguish,
with sore abuse and scorn!
How does your visage languish
which once was bright as morn!

2 What you, dear Savior, suffered
was all for sinner's gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression,
but yours the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior,
for I deserve your place;
Look on me with your favor,
O grant to me your grace.

3 What language shall I borrow
to thank you, dearest friend;
For this your dying sorrow,
your pity without end?
May I be yours forever;
and though my days be few,
O Savior, let me never
out-live my love for you!

Text Information

• First Line: O sacred Head, now wounded
• Title: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
• Author (attributed to): Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091-1153
• Translator (into English): James W. Alexander (1830, alt.)
• Paraphraser (German): Paul Gerhardt (1656)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  John 19:1-3
  ;
  Isaiah 53
• Topic: Confession of Sin; Good Friday; Holy Week; Year A: Good Friday; Year A: Holy Saturday; Year B: Good Friday; Year B: Holy Saturday; Year C: Good Friday; Year C: Holy Saturday
• Source: Medieval Latin
• Notes: For another harmonization, see 179

Tune Information

• Name: PASSION CHORAL (HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN)
• Composer (attributed to): Hans Leo Hassler (1601)
• Harmonizer: J. S. Bach (1729)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D.
• Key: a minor