I heard the voice of Jesus say Lyrics
Tune Name: KINGSFOLD
Composer: English folk melody
Meter: 8.6.8.6 (CM)
Hymnbook Source: English Hymnal (1906)
Verse 1
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto me and rest;
Lay down, O weary one, lay down
Your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was
So weary, worn, and sad;
I found in him a resting place
And he has made me glad.
Verse 2
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Behold, I freely give
The living water, thirsty one,
Stoop down and drink and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in him.
Verse 3
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“I am this dark world’s light;
Look unto me, your morn shall rise,
And all your day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus and I found
In Him my star, my sun;
And in that light of life I’ll walk
Till traveling days are done.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say |
| Author / Lyricist | Horatius Bonar (1808–1889) |
| Composer / Tune | Traditional / “Kingsfold” (English folk tune) |
| Date Written / Published | 1846 |
| Historical Context | Scottish hymn reflecting pastoral devotion; part of 19th-century revival literature. |
| Theme / Message | Christ’s invitation to rest and spiritual renewal. |
| Notable Features | Gentle, flowing melody; meditative, comforting lyrics. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Common in Presbyterian and evangelical hymnals; used in private and corporate worship. |
| Source / Scholarship | Scottish Hymns and Hymn Writers – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Horatius Bonar, Scottish Minister & Hymn Writer, 1808–1889 | Bonar authored the hymn, highlighting themes of spiritual rest and personal devotion. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian remarks on the hymn’s reflective qualities and its use in private devotion. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley’s hymns often encourage listening to Christ’s voice, which aligns with this hymn’s message. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees emphasizes the hymn’s meditative tone and lyrical simplicity. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint notes its pastoral and comforting appeal, especially for spiritual encouragement. |
About I heard the voice of Jesus Say
God is so good that He sent the Lord Jesus Christ to die for our sins and not only that but through Him, we might have Life in His name. Amazing. The Lord Jesus said in the book of John that His sheep HEAR His VOICE and a stranger they will not follow. As this song echoes these themes of hearing the voice of The Lord Jesus, may you hear His voice in your spirit, and may you live the life that He intends for you to live, to his honor and glory, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.
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