1. O sacred Head, now wounded, With grief and shame weighed down, Now scornfully surrounded With thorns Thine only crown: How pale Thou art with anguish, With sore abuse and scorn, How does that visage languish, Which once was bright as morn! 2. What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered Was all for sinners' gain; Mine, mine was the transgression, But Thine the deadly pain. Lo, here I fall, my Savior; 'Tis I deserve Thy place; Look on me with Thy favor, Assist me with Thy grace. 3. What language shall I borrow To thank Thee, dearest Friend, For this, Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end? O make me Thine forever, And should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never Outlive my love to Thee.
Lyrics: Based on a medieval Latin poem attributed to Bernard of
Clairvaux
Music: Hans Leo Hassler
Tune: PASSION CHORALE
Meter: 7.6.7.6.D.
Attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091–1153
Translated into German by Paul Gerhardt, 1607–1676
Translated into English by James W. Alexander, 1804–1859
This text has been generally attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, the abbot of Clairvaux monastery in France. Forsaking the wealth and ease of a noble family for a life of simplicity, holiness, prayer, and ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of others, Bernard was one of the most influential church leaders of his day. Martin Luther wrote of him, “He was the best monk that ever lived, whom I admire beyond all the rest put together.”
“O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” was part of the final portion of a lengthy poem that addressed the various parts of Christ’s body as He suffered on the cross. The seven sections of the poem considered His feet, knees, hands, side, breast, heart, and face. The stanzas of the hymn were translated into German in the 17th century and from German into English in the 19th century.