Hello all
Does anybody know the English translation of the words to Jesu Joy of Mans Desiring, please?

Thank you!

What are the words and what language are they in?

This is the version I know, although there are others.

Jesu, joy of man's desiring,
Holy Wisdom, Love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying round Thy throne.


Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown.
.

Lovely! Thank you.



The original is a German poem, set to music by Bach.

Ahhh.

I didn't even know it had words......

Aah well- we've both learnt something today!

True

Sort-of right, but not quite.

First came the words - written by Martin Janus in 1661.

Then came the tune - written by Johann Schop, who died in 1664.


Then came Bach's arrangement as part of cantata 147 (in 1723)

Then came Robert Bridges' translation in the late 19th century. Which is the words you have here.


....I'll get my anorak....

Thank you katyjay! For extra points, you can now write the German version!

Jesus bleibet meine Freude, meines Herzens Trost und Saft
Jesus wehret allem Leide. Er ist meines Lebens Kraft,
Meiner Augen Lust und Sonne, meiner Seele Schatz und Wonne.
Darum lass Ich Jesum nicht aus dem Herzen und Gesicht.


And for a literal translation (bear in mind my German isn't brilliant)

Jesus remains my joy, my heart's comfort and essence.
Jesus prevents all woe. He is my life's strength, my eyes' joy and sunlight, my soul's darling and bliss.
So I will not let Jesus out of my heart and my sight.

I'm impressed! Thank you!

Better than I could have done!

I can't comment on the actual translation from the German but personally I prefer your words, katyjay!!

Here, here.

Me neither...