Jesus The Very Thought of Thee Lyrics
Tune Name: ST. AGNES
Composer: Edward B. Pollock; traditional melody
Meter: 8.7.8.7
Hymnbook Source: English hymnals
Verse 1
Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast;
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
And in Thy presence rest.
Verse 2
Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find
A sweeter sound than Thy blest Name,
O Savior of mankind!
Verse 3
O Hope of every contrite heart,
O Joy of all the meek,
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!
Verse 4
But what to those who find?
Ah, this Nor tongue nor pen can show;
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.
Verse 5
O Jesus, Light of all below,
Thou Fount of living fire,
Surpassing all the joys we know,
And all we can desire.
Verse 6
Thee, Jesus, may our voices bless,
Thee may we love alone,
And ever in our lives express
The image of Thine own.
Verse 7
O most sweet Jesus, hear the sighs
Which unto Thee we send;
To Thee our inmost spirit cries;
To Thee our souls ascend.
Verse 8
Abide with us, and let Thy light Shine,
Lord, on every heart;
Dispel the darkness of our night;
And joy to us impart.
Verse 9
Jesus, our love and joy to Thee,
The virgin’s holy Son,
All might and praise and glory be,
While endless ages run.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Jesus the Very Thought of Thee |
| Author / Lyricist | Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153), translated by Edward Caswall (1814–1878) |
| Composer / Tune | Traditional tune “St. Agnes” (19th century) |
| Date Written / Published | Original Latin text 12th century; English translation 1849 |
| Historical Context | Medieval devotional hymn emphasizing the sweetness and comfort of contemplating Christ. |
| Theme / Message | Meditative devotion to Christ; joy and comfort in His presence. |
| Notable Features | Gentle, flowing melody; reflective lyrics suitable for private devotion or congregational use. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Popular in Anglican and Catholic hymnals; widely sung in worship and devotional services. |
| Source / Scholarship | A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Bernard of Clairvaux, French Theologian & Hymnist, 1090–1153 | Bernard’s meditative works often dwell on the presence of Christ, paralleling the hymn’s focus. The text encourages reflection on the spiritual joy of communion with Jesus. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian discusses hymns centered on Christ’s presence, aligning with this hymn’s theme. Its lyrical phrasing aids devotional engagement. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley’s hymns frequently celebrate intimate knowledge of Christ, similar to this hymn. The verses cultivate spiritual affection and reverence. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton often wrote on contemplation of Christ, echoing the hymn’s focus. Its language guides meditative worship and gratitude. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint’s hymns underscore devotion to Christ, corresponding with this hymn’s theme. Its melodic simplicity enhances personal reflection. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees composed hymns with clear, accessible melodies supporting meditative engagement, similar to this hymn. The text encourages contemplation of Christ’s presence. |
| Philip P. Bliss, American Composer & Evangelist, 1838–1876 | Bliss’s works often explore personal devotion to Christ, aligning with the hymn’s theme. Its structure supports both reflective and congregational use. |
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