BWV 68 Also hat Gott die Welt geliebt

Second Day of Pentecost.

Christiane Mariane von Ziegler, Versuch in Gebundener Schreibart, Teil I (Leipzig, 1728); Facs: Neumann T, p. 363.

1. Salomo Liscow, verse 1 of the hymn, 1675 (Fischer-Tümpel, IV, #160), after Jn. 3:16; 5. Jn. 3:18.

21 May 1725, Leipzig; Parody: 2, 4 ? BWV 208/13, 7.

BG 16; NBA I/14.



1. Chorus [Chorale] (S, A, T, B)

In truth hath God the world so loved
That he to us his Son hath given.
Who gives in faith himself to him
With him shall always live in heaven.
Who trusts that Jesus is born for him
Shall be forever unforsaken,
And there's no grief to make him sad,
Whom God and, too, his Jesus loves.

2. Aria (S)

My heart ever faithful,
Exulting, sing, frolic,
Thy Jesus is here!

    Hence sorrow! Hence grieving!
    I will simply tell you:
    My Jesus is near!

3. Recit. (B)

I am like Peter not mistaken,(1)
I am consoled and filled with joy,
That I'm by Jesus not forgotten.
He came not just the world to judge it,
No, no, he wanted sin and guilt,
As arbiter 'twixt God and man, here now to straighten.

4. Aria (B)

Thou hast been born man to my credit,
I trust this well within my spirit
Since thou for me enough array.

    The ball of earth may soon be broken,
    Or gainst me Satan will have spoken,
    Yet I'll to thee, my Savior, pray.

5. Chorus [Dictum] (S, A, T, B)

Who in him trusteth will not judged guilty; but who doth not trust him is already judged guilty; for he trusteth not in the name of the once-begotten Son of God.



1. Cf. Acts 10:26 and 47.

© Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose


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