Hymn Reflection: Jesus, Priceless Treasure
The Origin
Before “Jesus, Priceless Treasure” there was Jesu, Meine Freude, which was a german reformation hymn, which was written lyrically by the poet Johann Franck, musically composed by Johann Crüger, and first published in 1653. One important fact to note is that a couple years before the publishing of this hymn was the ending of the Thirty Years War that happened 1618–1648. During this time period, the german people experienced a great deal of pain and strife, and there was also a shift from objective truth to subjective truth. Though the war had ceased a couple years before, one can assume that the war had a great affect on the text and composition of the hymn. Later, the hymn was translated to English by Catherine Winkworth and given the title “Jesus, Priceless Treasure,” and it was first published in 1863 in her book Chorale Book for England.
“BTT”- Behind the Tune and Text
The tune of the original german hymn is written in bar form (AAB) and was placed in the key of C minor by Johann Crüger. The key of this hymn really helps to set the mood for the message that the hymn is trying to convey. When Catherine Winkworth translated the hymn to the english language she did well in preserving the meaning of the original german text.
The English text of “Jesus, Priceless Treasure” heavily emphasizes Jesus and his supremacy above all things. The hymn as a whole is comprised of 6 stanzas. In the first stanza, we see who Jesus is. He is the “priceless treasure” and “source of pleasure.” In the next stanza we see that Jesus gives us rest and calms our fears. The third and fourth stanza shifts focus to Satan and the world and declaring essentially that because of Jesus, nothing can harm or alarm. The fifth and sixth stanza shifts focus back to Jesus and reiterates that no pain or sorrow can affect the peace within because Jesus is the priceless treasure.
It is important to note that the main message of the hymn is that even though there is pain and sorrow in life, Jesus overcomes. The effect of the Thirty Years war can clearly be seen throughout the text of the hymn and perhaps most culminating in the latter part of stanza five when it says “Pain or loss or shame or cross shall not from my savior move me, since he chose to love me.”
Hence, all earthly treasure!
Jesus is my pleasure;
Jesus is my choice.
Hence, all empty glory!
What to me thy story
Told with tempting voice?
Pain or loss or shame or cross
Shall not from my Savior move me,
Since He chose to love me.
Jesus, Priceless Treasure place in Corporate Worship
Because of the nature of the text being based on Jesus being more than the pain and strife of the world, this hymn would work greatly when placed during a service that occurs around memorial or labor day. It would also be appropriate after certain tragic events. Most churches even have “specials” that commemorate those who serve or have served in the military during those services. For this reason, the hymn would be a perfect choice because it still focuses everything on Christ while acknowledging the pain and sorrow in the world.
