Jesu, mein Herz hat Wunden tief

Here is my translation of “Jesu, mein Herz hat Wunden tief,” a hymn-prayer to Christ for the consolation of His death and benefits. The earliest version I know of appears in Herberger's Magnalia Dei, Part 7, meditation XI (on Lev. 6), which dates to 1611. This points to authorship probably by Herberger himself (note possible self-reference in word Herberg in the German st. 2, l. 2.), or else perhaps by Johann Heermann, his prolific pupil. It was later included in Melchior Franck’s Sacri convivii (Music for the Holy Supper), Coburg 1628, no. 8, indicating its propriety for use as a Communio. It is from this latter work, apparently without ascription, that it appears in 19th century hymnological works, esp. Fischer, vol. 2, p. 120., no. 126, as an anonymous lyric. Fischer includes a cryptic, abbreviated note of a melody which was attached to it, viz.:

This would seem to indicate this sequence of notes:

Obviously not the whole tune. Note that Fischer says that it provides for "multiple repetitions of the word 'Jesus.'" I include the Latin below from Herberger (loc cit.).


DEEP wounds, O Jesus, hath my heart:
Apply Thy good Samarian art:
For in Thine open side I see
Pure wine and oil prepared for me.

Let flow Thy blood and water clean
And bring me to Thy Christian inn;
My soul and body keep and tend,
And I will thank Thee without end.

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2010.

Contemporary Language Version:
DEEP wounds, O Jesus, fill my heart:
Apply Your good Samarian art:
For in Your open side I see
Pure wine and oil prepared for me.

Let flow Your blood and water clean
And bring me to Your Christian inn;
My soul and body keep and tend,
And I will thank You without end.

GERMAN

1. Jesu, mein Herz hat Wunden tief,
Brauch du ein Samariters Griff.
Im Fläschlein deiner offnen Seit
ist Wein und Öl für mich bereit.

2. Dein Blut und Wasser flöß mir ein;
Führ mich zur Christlichn Herberg fein,
An leib und Seele pflege mein;
Dir will ich ewig dankbar sein.

LATIN

Emunda et sana, Jesu, dilecte viator,
Vino oleoque tuo, vulnera nostra, precor.
Vinum oleumque tuum, de pectore sanguis et unda est,
Hæc animæ, Jesu, sunt medicina meæ
Vulnera patris Adæ solus Samarita ligavit:
Unius Christi viscera sancta gemunt.
En spe prætereunt vanà Levita, Sacerdos,
Solius Jesu me pia cura beat.