Together in Song ‎#339

339. O sacred head sore wounded

1 O sacred head sore wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down;
O kingly head surrounded
with thorns your only crown;
death's shadows rise before you,
the glow of life decays;
yet hosts of heaven adore you
and tremble as they gaze.

2 What language shall I borrow
to praise you, heavenly friend,
for this your dying sorrow,
your mercy without end?
Such agony and dying!
Such love to sinners free!
O Christ, all grace supplying,
turn now your face on me.

3 In this your bitter Passion,
good Shepherd, think of me,
look on me with compassion,
unworthy though I be:
beneath your cross abiding
for ever would I rest,
in your dear love confiding,
and with your presence blessed.

4 Lord, be my consolation,
my shield when death is near;
remind me of your Passion,
be with me when I fear.
My eyes shall then behold you,
upon your cross shall dwell,
my heart by faith enfold you;
and who dies thus, dies well.

Text Information

• First Line: O sacred head sore wounded
• German Title: Salve, caput cruentatum
• Translator (from Latin): Paul Gerhardt, 1607-76
• Author: Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091-1153
• Translator: James Waddell Alexander, 1804-59
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1999
• Scripture:
  1 Corinthians 1:18-25
  ;
  Ephesians 3:18-19
  ;
  Isaiah 53:2-6
  ;
  John 19:1-7
  ;
  John 19:25-30
  ;
  Luke 6:17-23
  ;
  Luke 6:36-49
  ;
  Luke 22:61-65
  ;
  Luke 23:32-34
  ;
  Mark 15:12-24
  ;
  Matthew 27:22-31
  ;
  Romans 5:6-11
• Topic: Good Friday; Jesus Christ: Passion and Cross; Passion Sunday
• Notes: Other translators also

Tune Information

• Name: PASSION CHORALE
• Composer: Hans Leo Hassler, 1564-1612
• Arranger: Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Key: A Major