Alas And Did My Savior Bleed is a powerful hymn reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice, amazing grace, and the believer’s response of devotion. The lyrics emphasize Jesus’ atoning death, God’s boundless mercy, and the call to surrender in gratitude. This hymn invites deep reflection on Christ’s suffering for sinners and the proper response of worship.
VERSE 1
Alas! and did my Savior bleed,
And did my Sovereign die!
Would he devote that sacred head
for sinners such as I?
VERSE 2
Was it for crimes that I have done,
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
VERSE 3
Well might the sun in darkness hide,
And shut its glories in,
When God, the mighty maker, died
For his own creature’s sin.
VERSE 4
Thus might I hide my blushing face
While his dear cross appears;
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt mine eyes to tears.
VERSE 5
But drops of tears can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe.
Here, Lord, I give myself away;
’tis all that I can do.
Story Behind the Hymn
Isaac Watts penned “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed” in 1707, reflecting deeply on Christ’s crucifixion and personal repentance. [1] Originally comprising six stanzas without a refrain, the hymn was first published in Watts’ “Hymns and Spiritual Songs.” [2]
The melody associated with this hymn evolved over time. In 1825, Hugh Wilson composed a tune named “Martyrdom,” which became commonly paired with Watts’ lyrics. [3] Later, in 1885, Ralph E. Hudson added a refrain and composed a new melody, transforming the hymn into the version known as “At the Cross.” [4]
The hymn has played a significant role in Christian history. Notably, in 1851, Fanny Crosby experienced a profound spiritual awakening while singing this hymn, leading to her conversion and subsequent prolific hymn writing. [5]
Over the years, “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed” has remained a poignant reflection on Jesus’ sacrifice, inspiring believers to contemplate the depth of divine love and grace.
The Atoning Sacrifice of Christ
“Alas! and did my Savior bleed” expresses deep sorrow and awe at Christ’s sacrifice. Isaiah 53:5 states, “He was pierced for our transgressions,” affirming that Jesus willingly suffered for sinners. The acknowledgment of Christ as “Savior” and “Sovereign” reflects Philippians 2:8-11, where Jesus’ humility and exaltation are emphasized.
“Was it for crimes that I have done, he groaned upon the tree?” conveys personal guilt and amazement at Christ’s atonement. 1 Peter 2:24 affirms that Christ “bore our sins in his body on the tree,” emphasizing substitutionary atonement. The phrase “Amazing pity! Grace unknown! And love beyond degree!” aligns with Ephesians 2:8-9, which declares salvation as an unearned gift of grace.
“God, the mighty maker, died for his own creature’s sin” highlights the divine nature of Christ and His redemptive work. Colossians 1:16-20 confirms Christ as Creator and Reconciler, ensuring biblical accuracy.
“Here, Lord, I give myself away; ’tis all that I can do” signifies total surrender, echoing Romans 12:1, which calls believers to present themselves as living sacrifices. The song remains theologically sound, emphasizing Christ’s sacrifice, grace, and the believer’s response of gratitude and devotion.
Relevant Bible Verses about Alas And Did My Savior Bleed Hymn
But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; the punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 NASB
And He Himself brought our sins in His body up on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you were healed. 1 Peter 2:24 NASB
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB
For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17 NASB
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Romans 12:1 NASB
Alas And Did My Savior Bleed lyrics and music by Isaac Watts , (1707) Public Domain