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Die sieben Worte Jesu Christi am Kreuz

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Die Sieben Worte unsers lieben Erlösers u. Seeligmachers Jesu Christi, so er am Stamm des Hl. Kreuzes gesprochen (SWV 478, circa 1645, revised 1655–1657) is a German-language musical setting of The Seven Last Words of Christ by Heinrich Schütz. It was written in Weissenfels for performance in Dresden, and also performed in Leipzig. The oratorio is still in a fairly strict North German form, though more free than his four passion settings.

Contents

Lyrics

The work is in three portions with a central text body compiled from the four Gospels in the Luther Bible, with emphasis on the seven words. The author of the preceding Introitus and following Conclusio is unknown.

Introitus

Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund,
und ihm sein Leichnam war verwundt
sogar mit bittern Schmerzen,
die sieben Worte, die Jesus sprach,
betracht in deinem Herzen.

Die Sieben Worte

[Here presented without intervening text of the evangelists also set to be sung]
1. Wort
Vater vergib ihnen, denn sie wissen nicht, was sie tun.
2. Wort
Weib, siehe das ist dein Sohn! Johannes, siehe das ist deine Mutter!
3. Wort
Wahrlich, ich sage dir, heute wirst du mit mir im Paradies sein.
4. Wort
Eli lama asabathani; Mein Gott, warum hast du mich verlassen.
5. Wort
Mich dürstet.
6. Wort
Es ist vollbracht.
7. Wort
Vater ich befehle meinen Geist in deine Hände.

Conclusio

Wer Gottes Marter in Ehren hat
und oft gedenkt der sieben Wort,
der will Gott gar eben pflegen,
wohl hie auf Erd mit seiner Gnad,
und dort in dem ewigen Leben.

Introduction

Muse in your heart
the seven words that Jesus pronounced
in bitter sorrows
when he was on the cross,
covered with wounds.

The Seven Words

1st Word
Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they do!
2nd Word
Woman, behold your son! John, behold your mother!
3rd Word
In truth, I tell you: today you'll be in Heaven with me.
4th Word
Eli, Eli, lama asabthani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
5th Word
I am thirsty!
6th Word
All is finished.
7th Word
Father, I commend my spirit into your hands!

Conclusion

Those who honor the martyrdom of God
and often remember the seven words,
God will certainly take care of,
here on earth through his grace,
and there in eternal life.

References

Die sieben Worte Jesu Christi am Kreuz Wikipedia