Lyrics
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!
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,
Vouchsafe to me Thy grace.
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.
My Shepherd, now receive me;
My Guardian, own me Thine.
Great blessings Thou didst give me,
O Source of gifts divine.
Thy lips have often fed me
With words of truth and love;
Thy Spirit oft hath led me
To heavenly joys above.
My Savior, be Thou near me
When death is at my door;
Then let Thy presence cheer me,
Forsake me nevermore!
When soul and body languish,
Oh, leave me not alone,
But take away mine anguish
By virtue of Thine own.
Song History & Meaning
Composer / Hymnodist: Bernard of Clairvaux
Looking upon the wounded brow of Jesus reveals the immense weight of love He carried for us. In His crown of thorns and pale visage, we see both the tragedy of our sin and the beauty of His sacrifice. He willingly bore the grief, shame, and scorn that was rightfully ours, turning our transgression into His grace. As we sing, we are invited to bow our hearts in humble gratitude, resting in the deep wonder of His redeeming love.
📖 Related Scripture Passages:
- Isaiah 53:5: “But he was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was on him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
- Matthew 27:29: “They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. They kneeled before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!””
- John 19:30: “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished.” He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”