Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
815Resource Type:
Keys included:
Gm
About this Hymn
This crucifixion hymn by Thomas Kelly was first published in Dublin in 1804. The hymn, largely inspired by Isaiah 53 (it begins by quoting Isaiah 53:4), is presented as though all of us participating were observing the events of the cross. The German folk tune, with its dark minor melody, sets up lyrics including Christ's suffering, betrayal, insults, grief, and the disowning of his cause by friends. The hymn's somber tone makes it perfect for Lent, Good Friday, Communion, and times of mourning the deep suffering in our world. Nothing—but nothing—speaks to these moments more completely than the cross.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, see him dying on the tree! 'Tis the Christ by man rejected; yes, my soul, 'tis he, 'tis he! 'Tis the long-expected Prophet, David's Son, yet David's Lord; by his Son God now has spoken; 'tis the true and faithful Word.
Verse 2
Tell me, ye who hear him groaning, was there ever grief like his? Friends through fear his cause disowning, foes insulting his distress; many hands were raised to wound him, none would interpose to save; but the deepest stroke that pierced him was the stroke that Justice gave.
Verse 3
Ye who think of sin but lightly, nor suppose your evil great, here may view its nature rightly, here its guilt may estimate. Mark the Sacrifice appointed; see who bears the awful load; 'tis the Word, the Lord's Anointed, Son of Man and Son of God.
Verse 4
Here we have a firm foundation, here the refuge for the lost: Christ the Rock of our salvation, his the name of which we boast. Lamb of God, for sinners wounded, Sacrifice to cancel guilt! None shall ever be confounded who on him their hope have built.
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, see him dying on the tree! 'Tis the Christ by man rejected; yes, my soul, 'tis he, 'tis he! 'Tis the long-expected Prophet, David's Son, yet David's Lord; by his Son God now has spoken; 'tis the true and faithful Word.
Verse 2
Tell me, ye who hear him groaning, was there ever grief like his? Friends through fear his cause disowning, foes insulting his distress; many hands were raised to wound him, none would interpose to save; but the deepest stroke that pierced him was the stroke that Justice gave.
Verse 3
Ye who think of sin but lightly, nor suppose your evil great, here may view its nature rightly, here its guilt may estimate. Mark the Sacrifice appointed; see who bears the awful load; 'tis the Word, the Lord's Anointed, Son of Man and Son of God.
Verse 4
Here we have a firm foundation, here the refuge for the lost: Christ the Rock of our salvation, his the name of which we boast. Lamb of God, for sinners wounded, Sacrifice to cancel guilt! None shall ever be confounded who on him their hope have built.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: Thomas Kelly, 1804, alt.
Music: Geistliche Volkslieder, 1850
Music: Geistliche Volkslieder, 1850