BWV 183 Sie werden euch in den Bann tun II

Exaudi (The Sunday after Ascension).

Christiane Mariane von Ziegler, Versuch in Gebundener Schreibart, Teil I (Leipzig, 1728), with several changes; Facs: Neumann T, p. 361.

1. Jn. 16:2; 5. Paul Gerhardt, verse 5 of "Zeuch ein zu deinen Toren," 1653 (Fischer-Tümpel, III, #413).

13 May 1725, Leipzig.

BG 37; NBA I/12.



1. Recit. [Dictum] (B)(1)

In banishment they will cast you,(2) there cometh, yea, the time when he who slays you will think that he doeth God a good deed in this.

2. Aria (T)

I have no fear of death's dread terror,
I shudder not at misery.

    Since Jesus' arm will guard me safely
    I'll follow glad and willingly;
    Would ye deny my life protection
    And think God thus your service do,
    He shall himself at last reward you,
    So good, with this I'll be content.

3. Recit. (A)

I am prepared my blood and poor existence
For thee, my Savior, to surrender;
My whole humanity I'll give to thee.
My strength is that thy Spirit will stand by me,
E'en though there be for me perhaps too much to suffer.

4. Aria (S)

Highest helper, Holy Ghost,
Thou who me the path dost show
On which my course should be,
Relieve my weakness as my pleader,
For of mine own strength / of myself / my pleading faileth;
I know thou carest for my good.

5. Chorale (S, A, T, B)

Thou art a Spirit, teaching
How we ought right to pray:
Thy praying is attended,
Thy singing soundeth well.
It riseth heavenward,
It riseth, never ceasing,
Until he help hath given
Who only help can give.


1. Representing the vox Christi.

2. I.e., "they will excommunicate you." Cf. Jn. 16:2.


© Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose


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