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BWV244MatthusPassion
(PassioDomininostriJ.C.secundumEvangelistamMatthaeum)
GoodFriday(Vespers).
ChristianFriedrichHenrici(Picander),ErnstSchertzhaffteundSatyrische
Gedichte,TeilII(Leipzig,1729,2nded.,1734)Facs:NeumannT,p.321
Borrowings:Movements13(19),19(25),39(47),49(58),68(78)from
Picander'sErbaulicheGedanckenaufdenGrnenDonnerstagund
Charfreytag(Leipzig,1725)Movements64(74)and5(9)fromSalomo
Franck,GeistundWeltlichePoesien(Jena,1711and1716)Movement
27b(33)fromBartholdHeinrichBrockes,DerfrdieSndederWelt
GemarterteundSterbendeJesus,ausdenIVEvangelisten(Hamburg,
1712and1715).
Chorales:1.InterpolationoftheNikolausDecius'German"AgnusDei,"
before1529(Wackernagel,III,#619f.)3.JohannHeermann,verse1of
thishymn,1630(FischerTmpel,I,#334)10.(16.)PaulGerhardt,verse
5of"OWelt,siehhierdeinLeben,"1647(FischerTmpel,III,#387)15.
(21.)PaulGerhardt,verse5of"OHauptvollBlutundWunden,"1656
(FischerTmpel,III,#467)17.(23.)PaulGerhardt,verse6of"OHaupt
vollBlutundWunden,"1656(ibid.)19.(25.)InterpolationofJohann
Heermann,verse3of"HerzliebsterJesu,washastduverbrochen,"1630
(FischerTmpel,I,#334)25.(31.)MargraveAlbrechtvonBrandenburg,
verse1ofthishymn,1547(Wackernagel,I,#683)29.(35.)Sebald
Heyden,verse1ofthishymn,1525(Wackernagel,III,#603)32.(38.)
AdamReusner,verse5of"Indichhabichgehoffet,Herr,"1533
(Wackernagel,I,#286)37.(44).PaulGerhardt,verse3of"OWelt,sieh
hierdeinLeben,"1647(FischerTmpel,III,#387)40.(48.)JohannRist,
verse6of"Werdemunter,meinGemte,"1642(FischerTmpel,II,
#199)44.(53.)PaulGerhardt,verse1ofthishymn,1653(Fischer
Tmpel,I,#435)46.(55.)JohannHeermann,verse4of"Herzliebster
Jesu,washastduverbrochen,"1630(FischerTmpel,I,#334)54.(63.)
PaulGerhardt,verses1and2ofthishymn,1656(FischerTmpel,III,
#467)62.(72.)PaulGerhardt,verse9of"OHauptvollBlutund
Wunden,"1656(ibid.).
BiblicalText:Mt.2627S.ofS.6:1,Movement30(36).
15April1729,LeipzigParody:6(10),8(12)>BWV244a/3,513(19),
20(26),23(29)>BWV244a/22,19,1739(47),49(58),57(66),65(75),
68(78)>BWV244a/10,12,15,20,24.17,19,20,22,24.
BG4NBAII/5.

ThePassionofOurLordJesusChristAccordingtoMatthewthe
Evangelist
FirstPart
TheDaughterofZion(ChorusI:S,A,T,B),TheFaithful(ChorusII:S,
A,T,B),

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Evangelist(T),Jesus(B),Judas(B),Peter(B),TwoWitnesses(A,T),
ChiefPriest(B),FirstMaid(S),SecondMaid(S),Pilate(B),Pilate'sWife
(S)
1.Chorus(1)(ChorusI,II)DaughterofZion,TheFaithfulandChorale(S)
(Zion)
Come,yedaughters,sharemymourning,
Seeye(Faithful)whom?(Zion,etsim.)thebridegroomthere,
Seehimhow?justlikealamb!
OLambofGod,unspotted
Uponthecross'sbranchslaughtered,
Seeye,what?seehimforbear,
Alwaydisplayedinthypatience,
Howgreatlywastthoudespisd.
Lookwhere,then?uponourguilt
Allsinhastthouborneforus,
Elsewehadlostallcourage.
Seehowhewithloveandgrace
Woodascrosshimselfnowbeareth!
Havemercyonus,OJesus!

2.Evangelist,Jesus(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
WhenJesus,then,hadfinishedallthesesayings,hesaidtohisdisciples:
(Jesus)
Yeknowwellthatintwodayswillbe
Passover,andtheSonofmanisthento
behandedover,thathebecrucifid.
3.Chorale(ChorusIandII)
OdearestJesus,howhastthouoffended,
Thatsuchacruelsentencehathbeenspoken?
Whatisthyguilt,whatweretheevildoings
Thouhastcommitted?
4a.(4.)Evangelist(I:T)
Thereassembledthemselvesthehighpriestsandthescribestogether,and
theeldersofthepeoplewithinthepalaceofthechiefpriest,whosename
wasCaiphasandtheretookcounsel,howwithstealththeymightcapture
Jesusandputhimtodeath.Theysaidhowever:
4b.(5.)ChorusI,II
Notuponthefeast,lesttherebeanuproarinthepeople.
4c.(6.)Evangelist(I:T)
WhennowJesusvisitedBethanyandwasinthehouseofthelepercalled
Simon,untohimcameawomanwhocarriedajarofpreciousointment
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andpoureditonhisheadashesatatthetable.Butwhenhisdisciplessaw
it,theybecameindignantandsaid:
4d.(7.)ChorusI
Whatendservethallthisnonsense?Forthisointmentmightindeedhave
beensoldformuch,andthesumtothepoorbeengiven.
4e.(8.)Evangelist,Jesus(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
ButwhenJesusnoticedthis,saidheuntothem:
(Jesus)
Whytroubleyesothiswoman?Forshehathdoneagooddeedforme!Ye
alwayshavethepoorwithyou,methoughwillyenothavealways.That
shehathpouredthisointmentovermybodyhathshedonebecauseIamto
beburied.TrulyIsaytoyou:whereverthisgospelshallbepreached
throughoutthewholeworld,therewillbetoldalsoinmemoryofherwhat
shehathdone.
5.(9.)Recit.(I:A)
Belove'dSaviorthou,
Midstthydisciples'foolishquarrel,
Becausethisloyaldame
Thybodywithheroils
Toburywouldmakeready,
Ointhemeanwhilegrantmethis,
Fromthesemineeyes'ownstreamsofweeping
Topouruponthyheadanointment!
6.(10.)Aria(I:A)
Guiltandpain
Breakthesinfulheartintwain,
Sotheteardropsofmyweeping
Amostsoothingpreciousbalm,
FaithfulJesus,theedothoffer.
7.(11.)Evangelist,Judas(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
Thentherewentoneofthetwelve,whosenamewasJudasIscariot,forth
untothechiefpriestsandsaid:
(Judas)
Whatwouldyethengiveme?Iwouldtoyoubetrayhim.
(Evangelist)
Andtheyofferedhimthirtysilverpieces.Andfromthenceforthhesought
anopportunitywhenhemightbetrayhim.
8.(12.)Aria(II:S)
Bleedalway,Othoumyheart!
Ah,achildwhichthouhastnurtured,
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Whichatthineownbreasthathsuckled,
Bodeshiskeepernowtomurder,
Forithathbecomeaserpent.(2)
9a.(13.)Evangelist(I:T)
ButonthefirstdayofUnleavenedBreadcamethedisciplestoJesusand
saiduntohim:
9b.(14.)ChorusI
Whatplacewouldstthouhaveuspreparethee,thepaschallambtoeat
now?
9c.(15.)Evangelist,Jesus(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
Hesaid:
(Jesus)
Goyeforthtothetown,toonethereandsaytohim:TheMastersends
theethismessage:Nowmytimeishere,Iwouldinthyhousekeepthe
Passoverwithmydisciples.
(Evangelist)
Thedisciplesdidthis,asJesushadcommandedthem,andmadeready
therethepaschallamb.Andateveninghesatdownatthetablewiththe
twelve.Andwhiletheyatethere,hesaid:
(Jesus)
Truly,Isaytoyou:thereisoneofyouwhowillbetrayme.
9d.Evangelist(I:T)
Andtheywerethenverysadandtheybegan,eachoneoftheminturn,to
sayuntohim:
9e.ChorusI
Lord,isitI?
10.(16.)Chorale(ChorusIandII)
'TisI,Imustbesorry,
Withhandsandfeettogether
Boundfast,mustlieinhell.
Thescourgesandthefetters
Andallthatthouhastsuffered,
Allthisdeservethnowmysoul.
11.(17.)Evangelist,Jesus,Judas(I:T,B,B,)
(Evangelist)
Heanswerdthusandsaid:
(Jesus)
Hewhohishandwithmeinthedishnowdippeth,thisonewillbetrayme.
TheSonofmanindeedgoethhence,asithathbeenwrittenofhimbut
woetothatmanthroughwhomtheSonofmanhathbeenbetrayed!It
werebetterforhimifthisverymanhadneverbeenborn.
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(Evangelist)
ThenanswerdJudas,whobetrayedhim,andsaid:
(Judas)
IsitI,Rabbi?
(Evangelist)
Hesaidtohim:
(Jesus)
Thousayest.
(Evangelist)
Butwhentheyhadeaten,didJesustakebread,gavethanksandbrakeit,
andgaveittohisdisciples,saying:
(Jesus)
Take,eat,thisismyBody.
(Evangelist)
Andhetookthecupand,givingthanks,hegaveittothem,saying:
(Jesus)
Drink,allofyou,fromthisthisismyBloodoftheNewTestament,which
hathbeenpouredouthereformanyinremissionoftheirsins.Isaytoyou:
Ishallfromthismomentforthnomoredrinkfromthisthefruitofthe
grapevineuntiltheday
whenIshalldrinkitanewwithyouwithinmyFather'skingdom.
12.(18.)Recit.(I:S)
Intruthmyheartintearsdothswim,
ThatJesusdothfrommedepart,
ButIambyhisTestamentconsoled:
HisFleshandBlood,Opreciousgift,
Bequethethhetomineownhandsnow.
Justasheintheworlduntohispeople
Couldneveroffermalice,
Heloveththemuntilthefinish.
13.(19.)Aria(I:S)
Iwilltheemyheartnowoffer,
Mersethyself,myhealth,init!
Iwouldmersemyselfwithinthee
Iftotheetheworld'stoosmall,
Ah,thenshaltthoumealone
Morethanworldandheavenbe.
14.(20.)Evangelist,Jesus(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
Butafterthesongofpraisehadbeenrecited,theywentouttotheMount
ofOlives.AndthereJesussaidtothem:
(Jesus)
Inthissamenightyewillallbecomeannoyedformysake.Foritstandeth
inthescripture:Ishallstrikedownthentheshepherd,andthesheepofthe
flockwillbythemselvesbescattered.When,however,Iamrisen,Iwillgo
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beforeyouintoGalilee.
15.(21.)Chorale(ChorusIandII)
Acknowledgeme,mykeeper,
Myshepherd,makemethine!
Fromthee,sourceofallblessings,
HaveIbeenrichlyblest.
Thymouthhathoftrefreshedme
Withmilkandsweetestfood,
ThySpirithathendowedme
Withmanyheav'nlyjoys.
16.(22.)Evangelist,Peter,Jesus(I:T,B,B)
(Evangelist)
Peter,however,thenanswerdandsaidtohim.
(Peter)
Althoughtheothersallbeannoyedbecauseofthee,yetwillImyselfnot
everfeelannoyance.
(Evangelist)
Jesussaidtohim:
(Jesus)
Truly,Isaytothee:inthissamenight,beforethecockcroweth,wiltthou
threetimeshavedeniedme.
(Pilate)
Petersaidtohim:
(Peter)
AndevenifImustdiewiththee,Iwillnoteverdenythee.
(Evangelist)
Andsodeclaredalltheotherdisciples.
17.(23.)Chorale(ChorusIandII)
Iwillherebytheestandnow
Oputmenottoscorn!
FromtheewillIgonever,
Whiletheethyheartdothbreak.
Whenthyheartdothgrowpallid
Withindeath'sfinalstroke,
E'enthenwillIenfoldthee
Withinmyarmsandlap.
18.(24.)Evangelist,Jesus(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
ThencameJesuswiththemtoagarden,knownasGethsemane,andsaid
tohisdisciples:
(Jesus)
Sityedownhere,whileIgooverthereandpray.
(Evangelist)
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AndtakingPeterwithhimandthetwosonsofZebedee,hebeganto
mournandtobetroubled.ThensaidJesusuntothem:
(Jesus)
Nowmysoulissoredistressed,eventodeathtarryhereandkeepwatch
withme.
19.(25.)Recit.(I:T)ZionandChorale(ChorusII)TheFaithful
Opain!
Heretrembleththetormentedheart
Howitdothsink,howpalehiscountenance!
Whatisthereasonforallthesegreattorments?
Thejudgeconveyshimtothecourt.
Hereisnohope,andhelpernone.
Alas,mysins,theyhavetheesorelystricken
Hesuffersallofhell'sowntorture,
Hemustforothers'theftmakepayment.
I,ahLordJesus,havethisdebtencumbered
Whichthouartbearing.
Ah,wouldthatnowmyloveforthee,
Myhealth,thytremblingandthyterror
Couldlightenorcouldhelptheecarry.
HowgladlywouldIstay!
20.(26.)Aria(I:T,ChorusII)Zion,TheFaithful
(Zion)
IwillbewithmyJesuswatching,
(Faithful)
Thatslumbermayoursinsenfold.
(Zion)
Mineowndeath
Isredeemedbyhissoul'swoe
Hissorrowfillethmewithgladness.
(Faithful)
Thusforushismostworthypassion
Mostbitterandyetsweetmustbe.
21.(27.)Evangelist,Jesus(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
Hewentonalittle,felldownuponhis
faceand,havingprayed,hesaid:
(Jesus)
MyFather,ifpossible,allowthiscuptopassfrommebutnotasIwill,
ratherasthouwilt.
22.(28.)Recit.(II:B)
TheSaviorfallsbeforehisFatherprostrate
Therebyheraisethmeandallmen
Fromourcorruption
AloftagaintoGod'sdearmercy.
Heisprepared
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Thecup,thebitternessofdeath,
Todrinknow,
Inwhichthesinsofthisourworld
Havebeeninfused,nowloathsomereeking,
BecauseGodwillsitsotobe.
23.(29.)Aria(II:B)
GladlywouldIbemostwilling
Crossandchalicetoacceptnow,
DrinkingfrommySavior'scup.
Forhismouth,
Whichwithmilkandhoneyfloweth,
Haththeearth,
Andallsorrow'sbittertaste
Withtheveryfirstdraughtsweetened.
24.(30.)Evangelist,Jesus(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
Andhecametohisdisciplesandfoundthemsleepingandsaiduntothem:
(Jesus)
Couldyethennotwatchwithmeevenforonehour?Watchyeandpray,
thatyenotfallintotemptation!Thespiritiswilling,butthefleshisweak.
(Evangelist)
Asecondtimehewentoff,prayedandsaid:
(Jesus)
MyFather,ifitcannotbethatthiscuppassfromme,unlessIhavedrunk
it,thenletthywillbedone.
25.(31.)Chorale(ChorusIandII)
WhatmyGodwill,bedonealway,
Hiswill,itisthebestwill
Tohelpallthoseheisprepared
Whosefaithinhimissteadfast.
Hefreesfromwant,thisrighteousGod,
Andpunishethwithmeasure:
WhotrustsinGod,onhimrelies,
Himwillhenotabandon.
26.(32.)Evangelist,Jesus,Judas(I:T,B,B)
(Evangelist)
Andhecameandfoundthemoncemoresleeping,andnowtheireyes
wereheavywithsleep.Andheleftthemandwentoffonceagainathird
timeandsaidagaintheverysamewords.Thencamehetohisdisciples
andsaiduntothem:
(Jesus)
Ah,wouldyenowsleepandrest?Lonow,thehouriscomewhentheSon
ofmanisdeliveredovertothehandsofsinners.Riseyeup,letusbe
goingseethere,heiscome,whodothbetrayme.
(Evangelist)
Andwhilehewasspeakingstill,behold,therecameJudas,oneofthe
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twelve,andwithhimcameagreatcrowdwithswordsandwithclubsfrom
thechiefpriestsandeldersofthepeople.Andthebetrayerhadgiventhem
asignalalreadyandhadsaid:"HewhomIshallkiss,ishe,himtakeye!"
AtthathewentuptoJesusandsaid:
(Judas)
Mygreetingstothee,Rabbi!
(Evangelist)
Andgavehimakiss.Jesus,though,saidtohim:
(Jesus)
Myfriend,whereforeartthoucomehere?
(Evangelist)
Thencametheothersforthand,layingtheirhandsuponJesus,they
capturedhim.
27a.(33.)Aria(I:S,AChorusII)Zion,TheFaithful
(I:S,A)
ThushathmyJesusnowbeentaken.
(ChorusII,etsim.)
Freehim,holdoff,bindhimnot!
Moonandlight
Areinsorrowsetandhidden,
FormyJesushathbeentaken.
Freehim,holdoff,bindhimnot!
Theyleadhimoff,heisinfetters.
27b.ChorusI,II
Hathlightning,haththunderincloudsfullyvanished?
Layopenthyfire'sragingchasm,Ohell,then,
Nowruin,demolish,devour,nowshatter
Withsuddenmostwrath
Thelyingbetrayer,thatmurderousblood!
28.(34.)Evangelist,Jesus(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
Andlonow,oneofthatnumber,whoweretherewithJesus,didstretchout
hishandthenandstrucktheslaveofthechiefpriestandcutoffhisear.
Then
saidJesustohim:
(Jesus)
Putbackthyswordintoitsplaceforallwhotaketheswordmustbythe
swordperish.OrdostthouthenthinkthatIcouldnotappealuntomy
Fatherthattomehesendforthmorethantwelvelegionsofangels?How
wouldthescripture,though,befulfilled?Itmustbethisway.
(Evangelist)
AtthishoursaidJesustothemany:
(Jesus)
Yearenowcomeforwardasagainstamurderer,withswordsandwith
clubsnowtotakemebutIhavedailybeensittingwithyouandhavebeen
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thereteachinginthetemple,andyedidnoteverseizeme.Butallthisis
nowcometopass,tobringfulfillmenttothescripturesoftheprophets.
(Evangelist)
Thendidallthedisciplesfleeandforsakehim.
29.(35.)Chorus[Chorale](ChorusIandII)
Oman,bewailthysinssogreat,
ForwhichChristdidhisFather'slap
Revealandcametoearthhere
Andofavirginpureandmild
Forusheheretobirthdidcome
TobetheIntercessor.
Untothedeadhegrantedlife
Andputoffallinfirmity
Untilthetimepressedforward
Thatheforusbesacrificed
Heboreoursins'mostgrievousweight
Uponthecross,longsuff'ring.
SecondPart
30.(36.)Aria(ChorusI,II)Zion,TheFaithful
(Zion)
Ah,nowismyJesusgone!
(Faithful)
Whereisthenthyfriendnowdeparted,
Othoufairestofallthewomen?
Isitgranted,canIseehim?
Wherehathhethyfriendgoneaway?
Ah,mylambintiger'sclutches,
Ah,whereismyJesusgone?
Wewillwiththeenowgoandseekhim.
Ah,whatshallIsaytomyspirit
Whenitdothinanguishaskme:
Ah,whereismyJesusgone?
31.(37.)Evangelist(I:T)
Butthose,however,whohadseizedJesusledhimawaytothechiefpriest,
whowasCaiphas,therewherethelearnedscribesandtheeldersalready
hadassembled.Peter,though,hadfollowedhimfromadistanceuptothe
palaceofthechiefpriestandwentinsideandsathimselfneartheservants,
thathemightseewhattheoutcomewouldbe.Thechiefpriests,though,
andalsotheeldersandthewholeassemblysoughtuntruewitnessagainst
Jesusinordertokillhim,andtheydidfindnone.
32.(38.)Chorale(ChorusIandII)
Theworldhathjudgedmewithdeceit,
Withlyingandwithfalseconceit,
Withnetsandsnaresinsecret.
Lord,meregard
Inthisdistress,
Guardmefromfalsedeceptions.
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33.(39.)Evangelist,TwoWitnesses(I:TII:A,T)
Andalthoughtherecametheremanyfalsewitnesses,theystilldidfind
none.Atlastenteredthereintwofalseinformantsandsaid:
(Witnesses)
Hehathdeclared:"God'stemplecanIfullydemolishandwithinthree
days'timeIcanrebuildit."
(Evangelist)
Andthechiefpriestthenstoodupandsaidtohim:
(ChiefPriest)
Repliesthounoughttothatwhichtheyhavewitnessedagainstthee?
(Evangelist)
ButJesuskeptsilent.
34.(40.)Recit.(II:T)
MyJesuskeeps
Amidstfalselieshissilence,
Toshowusbyexample
Thathisdearmercy'sfullintention
Forustosuffernowinclines,
Inorderthatwithinsuchpain
Weshouldresemblehim,
Inpersecutionkeepoursilence.
35.(41.)Aria(II:T)
Forbear,
Thoughdeceivingtonguesmaystingme!
ThoughIsuffer,innocent,
Mockingscorn,
Ah,thenmaytheLordabove
Givemyguiltlessheartitsvengeance.
36a.(42.)Evangelist,ChiefPriest,Jesus(I:T,B,B)
(Evangelist)
Andthechiefpriestthen,answering,spakethustohim:
(ChiefPriest)
IadjuretheeinthenameofthelivingGod,thatthoushouldsttellus,if
thouarttheChrist,theSonofGod.
(Evangelist)
Jesussaidtohim:
(Jesus)
Thousayest.ButIsaytoyou:fromhenceforthitwillhappenthatyeshall
beholdtheSonofmansittingattherighthandofpowerandcominginthe
cloudsofheaven.
(Evangelist)
Thereuponthechiefpriestrenthisclothesasunderandsaid:

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(ChiefPriest)
Godhathheblasphemedwhatneedweoffurtherwitness?Seehere,now
haveyeheardhisblasphemyagainstGod.Whatisyourjudgment?
(Evangelist)
Theyanswerdandsaid:
36b.TheCouncil(ChorusI,II)
Heisofdeathdeserving!
36c.(43.)Evangelist(I:T)
Thendidtheyspituponhiscountenanceandstruckhimwiththeirfists.
Some,though,therewerewhostruckhimuponhisfaceandsaid:
36d.TheCouncil(ChorusI,II)
Foretellitus,ChristLord,telluswhostruckthee!
37.(44.)Chorale(ChorusIandII)
Whohaththeethussosmitten,
Myhealth,andtheetormented,
Soevillyabused?
Thouartindeednosinner
Likeusandourdescendants
Ofevildeedsthouknowestnot.
38a.(45.)Evangelist,FirstMaid,SecondMaid,Peter(I:T,S,S,B)
(Evangelist)
Peter,meanwhile,satoutsideinthecourtandtherecametohimamaid
andsaid:
(FirstMaid)
AndthouwasalsowithJesusofGalilee.
(Evangelist)
Buthethendeniedthisbeforethemallandsaid:
(Peter)
Iknownotwhatthousayest.
(Evangelist)
Butwhenhewentouttotheporch,hewasseenbyanothermaid,whosaid
tothosewhowerethere:
(SecondMaid)
ThismanwasalsowithJesusofNazareth.
(Evangelist)
Andoncemoredidhedenyitandwithanoath:
(Peter)
Iknownothingoftheman.
(Evangelist)
Andwhenalittletimehadpassed,therecametohimthosewhowere
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presentandsaidtoPeter:
38b.(46.)Bystanders(ChorusII)
Truly,thouartoneofthosemenalsoforthineownspeechdothbetray
thee.
38c.Evangelist(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
Thenhebegantoinvokeacurseuponhimselfandtoswear:
(Peter)
Iknownothingoftheman.
(Evangelist)
Andatthismomentthecockcrew.ThenPeterthoughtbacktothewords
of
Jesus,whenhesaiduntohim:"Beforethecockshallhavecrowed,wilt
threetimesthouhavedeniedme."Andhewentoutandweptwithgreat
bitterness.
39.(47.)Aria(I:A)
HavemercyLord,
MyGod,becauseofthismyweeping!
Lookthouhere,
Heartandeyesnowweepforthee
Bitterly.
40.(48.)Chorale(ChorusIandII)
ThoughInowhavetheeforsaken,
Iwillonceagainreturn
ForthySonhathreconciledus
Throughhisagonyanddeath.
Idenynowhitmyguilt
Butthymercyandthygrace
Aremuchgreaterthanthefailings
WhichIeverfindwithinme.
41a.(49.)Evangelist,Judas(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
Whenmorningcame,however,allthechiefpriestsandtheeldersofthe
peopletookcouncilconcerningJesus,thattheymightputhimtodeath.
Andbindinghim,theyledhimawayandhandedhimoveruntothe
governorPontiusPilatus.AndwhenJudassawthis,theonewhohad
betrayedhim,thathehadbeencondemnedtodeath,itgavehimgreat
remorse,and,bringingbackagainthethirtysilverpiecesuntothechief
priestsandelders,hesaid:
(Judas)
Ihavecommittedasin,forIhaveinnocentbloodherebetrayed.
(Evangelist)
Theysaid:
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41b.ChiefPriestsandElders(ChorusI,II)
Howdoththatusconcern?Seetoitthyself!
41c.(50.)Evangelist,ChiefPriests(I:T,B,B)
(Evangelist)
Andhecastthesilverspiecesinthetemple,roseupfromthere,wentforth
andthenhangedhimselfatonce.Butthechiefprieststookthesilver
piecesandsaid:
(ChiefPriests)
Wecannotlawfullyputtheminthetempletreasury,forthisisblood
money.
42.(51.)Aria(II:B)
GivebackthismyJesustome!
Seetheprice,thismurder'swage,
Thrownbythisthefallenson
Atyourfeetbeforeyou!
43.(52.)Evangelist,Pilate,Jesus(I:T,B,B)
(Evangelist)
Sotheytookcounselonceagainandboughtwiththemapotter'sfieldset
asidefortheburialofstrangers.Thereforeisthisselfsamefieldalso
knownastheFieldofBloodfromthentothisveryday.Thusisfulfilld
whatwastoldbeforebytheprophetJeremiah,whenhesaith:"Andthey
haveacceptedthirtysilverpieces,withwhichtopaythepriceofone
purchased,whomtheyhadpurchasedfromthechildrenofIsrael,andthey
havegivenittobuyapotter'sfield,astheLordhathcommandedme."
Jesusmeanwhilestoodbeforethegovernorandthegovernorquestioned
himandsaid:
(Pilate)
ArtthoutheKingoftheJews?
(Evangelist)
Jesusthenrepliedtohim:
(Jesus)
Thousayestit.
(Evangelist)
Andwhenhewaschargedbythechiefpriestsandtheelders,hemadeno
reply.ThensaidPilateuntohim:
(Pilate)
Hearestthounothowharshlytheyaccusethee?
(Evangelist)
Andheanswerdhimtoneveraword,suchthatthegovernorwasalso
muchamazedathim.
44.(53.)Chorale(ChorusIandII)
Commendthouallthypathways
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Andallthatgrievesthyheart
Tothemostfaithfulkeeping
Ofhimwhorulethheav'n.
Tocloudsandairandbreezes
Hegivestheircoursetorun,
Hewillfindpathwaysalso
Whereonthyfootmaywalk.
45a.(54.)Evangelist,Pilate,Pilate'sWife,Crowd(I:T,B,SChorusI,II)
(Evangelist)
Butuponthisfeastthegovernorhadthecustomofsettingfreeaprisoner
tothepeople,whomtheyhadchosen.Hehad,however,onthisoccasiona
prisoner,whostoodoutabovetheothers,whosenamewasBarabbas.And
whentheyhadcometogether,Pilatesaiduntothem:
(Pilate)
WhichonewouldyehavethatIreleaseuntoyou?BarabbasorJesus,of
whomitissaidthatheistheChrist?
(Evangelist)
Forheknewfullwellthatitwasforenvythattheyhaddeliveredhim.And
ashesatuponthejudgmentseat,hiswifesentuntohimandgavethis
message:
(Pilate'sWife)
HavethounothingtodowiththisrighteousmanforItodayhavesuffered
muchinadreambecauseofhim!
(Evangelist)
Neverthelessthechiefpriestsandtheeldershadnowpersuadedthecrowd,
thattheyshouldaskforBarabbasanddestroyJesus.Andinanswernow,
thegovernorsaiduntothem:
(Pilate)
Whichonewouldyehaveofthesetwomenhere,thatIsetfreetoyou?
(Evangelist)
Andtheysaid:
(Crowd)
Barabbas!
(Evangelist)
AndPilatesaiduntothem:
(Pilate)
WhatshallIthendowithJesus,ofwhomissaidthatheisChrist?
(Evangelist)
Andtheyallsaid:
45b.Crowd(ChorusI,II)
Havehimcrucified!
46.(55.)Chorale(ChorusIandII)
Howaweinspiringisindeedthissentence!
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Theworthyshepherdforhisflocknowsuffers
Thedebthepays,themaster,hetherighteous,
Forallhisservants.
47.(56.)Evangelist,Pilate(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
Thegovernorsaidthen:
(Pilate)
Why,whatevilhaththismandone?
48.(57.)Recit.(I:S)
Hehathusallsorichlyblessed,
Theblindhehathreturnedtheirsight,
Thelameheleavethwalking,
HetellsusofhisFather'sword,
Hedrivesthedevilforth,
Thetroubledhathheliftedup,
Hetookthesinnerstohimself.
ElsehathmyJesusnothingdone.
49.(58.)Aria(I:S)
Forlovenow,
ForlovenowwouldmySaviorperish,
Ofanysinheknowethnought.
Thateternalcondemnation
Andthesentenceofthecourt
Notuponmysoulcontinue.
50a.(59.)Evangelist(I:T)
Theycriedagainevenmoreandsaid:
50b.Crowd(ChorusI,II)
Havehimcrucified!
50c.Evangelist,Pilate(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
ButwhenPilatesawthathecouldprevailnothing,ratherthatamuch
greaterdisturbancegrew,hetookwaterandwashedhishandsbeforethe
crowdandsaid:
(Pilate)
Iamnotguiltyforthebloodofthisjustperson,seeyetoit.
(Evangelist)
Thereuponansweredallthepeopleandsaid:
50d.Crowd(ChorusI,II)
Hisbloodcomeuponusthenandonourchildren.
50e.Evangelist(I:T)
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TothemhethensetBarabbasfreebuthehadJesusscourgedandthen
deliveredhimup,thathemightbecrucifid.
51.(60.)Recit.(II:A)
Havemercy,God!
HerestandstheSavior,boundandfettered.
Suchscourgingthis,suchblows,suchwounding!
Yehangmen,stopyourwork!
Doyenotfeel
Yourspirit'sgrief,
Thevisionofsuchpainandwoe?
Ahyes!Yehaveaheart
Whichmustbelikethewhippingpost
Ande'enmuchharderstill.
Havemercy,stopyourwork!
52.(61.)Aria(II:A)
Ifthetearsuponmycheekscan
Noughtaccomplish,
Oh,thentakemyheartaswell!
Butthenletamidstthestreaming
Ofthewoundsabundantbleeding
Bethesacrificialcup!
53a.(62.)Evangelist(I:T)
Andthendidthegovernor'ssoldierstakeJesusintothepraetoriumand
gatheredbeforehimthereallthetroops,andtheydidstriphimandput
uponhimapurplerobeandplaitedacrownofthornsandsetituponhis
head,andareedinhisrighthandandthentheybenttheirkneesbefore
him,bothmockinghimandsaying:
53b.Soldiers(ChorusI,II)
Allhailnowtothee,KingoftheJews!
53c.Evangelist(I:T)
Andspatuponhisfaceand,takingthereed,theystruckhimuponhis
head.
54.(63.)Chorale(ChorusIandII)
Oheadofbloodandwounding,
Ofpainandscornsofull,
OHead,forspitenowfettered
Beneathacrownofthorns,
Ohead,oncefairandlovely,
Withhighestpraiseadorned,
Buthighlynowinsulted,
Allhailtothee,Isay!
Thoucountenancesonoble,
Atwhichshouldshrinkandquail
Themightyworld'sgreatburden,
Howspatuponthouart
Howpalethouartbecomenow!
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Whohaththineeyes'brightlight,
Alikenootherlightonce,
Soshamefullyabused?
55.(64.)Evangelist(I:T)
Andaftertheyhadmockedandscornedhim,theyremovedtherobefrom
himandputhisownraimentuponhimandledhimaway,thattheymight
crucifyhim.Andaftertheywentout,theyfoundamanwhocamefrom
Cyrene,whosenamewasSimonandtheycompelledhimtobearhis
cross.
56.(65.)Recit.(I:B)
Yeatruly,wouldinusourfleshandblood
Beforceduponthecross
Themoreitdothourspiritgood,
Thegrimmeritbecomes.
57.(66.)Aria(I:B)
Come,Osweetcross,thusI'llconfessit:
MyJesus,giveitevermore!
Whene'ermyburdenbetoograve,
Thenthouthyselfdosthelpmebearit.
58a.(67.)Evangelist(I:T)
AndwhentheycameuntoaplacewiththenameofGolgotha,whichisto
say,theplaceofaskull,theydidgivehimvinegartodrinkwhichhad
beenmixedwithgallandwhenhetastedit,herefusedtodrinkit.But
aftertheyhadcrucifiedhim,theydividedhisgarmentsbycastinglotsfor
them,thatitmightbeaccomplishedwhathadoncebeensaidbythe
prophet:"Theyhavedividedallmygarmentsamongthemandovermine
ownvesturedidtheycastlots."Andtheysatallaroundandguardedhim
there.Andoverhisheadtheyfastenedthereasonforhisdeathinwriting,
namely:"ThisisJesus,theKingoftheJews."Andwithhimweretwo
murderersalsocrucified,oneontherighthand,anotherontheleft.And
thosewhotherepassedbyderidedhimbothwaggingtheirheadsbefore
himandsaying:
58b.Passersby(ChorusI,II)
ThouwhodostGod'sowntempledestroyandbuildestitwithinthreedays'
time,savethyselfnow!IfthouartGod'sSon,thenclimbdownfromthe
cross!
58c.Evangelist(I:T)
Inlikewisedidalsothechiefpriestsridiculehimandtogetherwiththe
scribesandelderssay:
58d.ChiefPriestsandElders(ChorusI,II)
Othersbroughthesalvationandcanhimselfyetnotsavenow.Ishethe
KingofIsrael?Lethimclimbdownfromthecrossandwewillthen
believehim.InGodhathhetrusted,lethimsavehimthennow,ifhewill,
forhehathdeclared:"IamSonofGod."
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58e.(68.)Evangelist(I:T)
Inlikewisedidthemurderersalsomockhim,whowithhimhadbeen
crucified.
59.(69.)Recit.(I:A)Zion
AhGolgotha,unhappyGolgotha!
TheLordofmajestymustscornfullyhereperish,
Thesavingblessingoftheworld
Isplacedasscornuponthecross.
Creatorofbothearthandheaven
Fromearthandairmustnowbetaken.
Theguiltlessmustheredieguilty,
Whichpiercethdeepintomysoul
AhGolgotha,unhappyGolgotha!
60.(70.)Aria(I:AChorusII)Zion,TheFaithful
(Zion)
Seeye,Jesushathhishand,
Ustocapture,nowoutstretched,
Come!(Faithful)Whereto?(Zion,etsim.)InJesus'bosom
Seekredemption,takehismercy,
SeekitWhere?inJesus'bosom!
Living,dying,restyehere,
Yeforsakenlittlechicks,
Bideyewhere?inJesus'bosom.
61a.(71.)Evangelist,Jesus(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
Andfromthesixthhourontherewasadarknessoverallthelanduntilthe
ninthhour.AndabouttheninthhourJesuscriedaloudandsaid:
(Jesus)
Eli,Eli,lamaasabthani(3)?
(Evangelist)
Thatis:"MyGod,myGod,whereforehastthoumeforsaken?Butthere
weresomewhostoodabouttherewho,whentheyheardthat,spakethus:
61b.Bystanders(ChorusI)
HecallethtoElias!
61c.Evangelist(I:T)
Andstraightwayoneofthemranforth,whotookaspongeand,fillingit
withvinegar,andplacingituponareed,gavehimtodrink.Theothers
said,however:
61d.Bystanders(ChorusII)
Stop!LetusseeifEliaswillcomeforthandsavehim.
61e.Evangelist(I:T)
ButJesuscriedagainaloudandwasdead.
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62.(72.)Chorale(ChorusIandII)
WhenIonedaymustleavehere,
Yetdothounotleaveme
WhenImydeathmustsuffer,
Comeforththouthentome!
Andwhenmostanxioustrembling
Hathoncemyheartpossessed,
Thenfreemefrommyanguish
Throughthineownfearandpain!
63a.(73.)Evangelist(I:T)
Andlo,behold:thecurtainofthetemplewasrentintwainfromthetopto
thebottom.Andtheearthwasfilledwithquaking,andthecliffssplit
asunder,andthegravesthemselvesopenedup,andthereroseupthe
bodiesofmanysaintswhoweresleeping,andtheycameoutofthegraves
afterhisresurrectionandcameintotheholycityandappearedtomany.
Butthecenturionandthosewhowerewithhimandwerewatchingover
Jesus,whentheywitnessedtheearthquakeandallthatthereoccurred,
weresoreafraidandsaid:
63b.Soldiers(ChorusIandII)
Truly,thismanwasGod'sownSonmosttruly.
63c.Evangelist(I:T)
Andthereweremanywomenthere,wholookedonfromadistance,
havingfollowedafterhimfromGalileeandministereduntohim,inwhose
numberwasMaryMagdaleneandMary,themotherofJamesandJoseph,
andthemotherofthechildrenofZebedee.Atevening,though,therecame
awealthymanofArimathea,whosenamewasJoseph,whowasalsoa
discipleofJesus,whowenttoPilateandaskedhimforthebodyofJesus.
ThenPilateorderedthatitbegiventohim.
64.(74.)Recit.(I:B)
Ateventide,whenitwascool,
WasAdam'sfallmademanifest
AteventidetheSavioroverwhelmedhim.
Ateventidethedovereturneth,
Itsmouthanolivebranchnowbearing.
Otimesofair!Oeveninghour!
ThepactofpeaceisnowwithGodcomplete,
ForJesushathhiscrossfulfilled.
Hisbodycomestorest,
Ah,thoumyspirit,hearkenthou,
Go,letthemgivetheeJesus'lifelessbody,
Howhealingthis,howpreciousthismemorial!
65.(75.)Aria(I:B)
Makethyself,myheart,nowpure,
ImyselfwouldJesusbury.
Forheshallhenceforthinme
Moreandmore
Findinsweetreposehisdwelling.
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World,depart,letJesusin!
66a.(76.)Evangelist(I:T)
AndJosephtookthebodyandwrappeditinapureshroudoflinenand
laiditinhisownnewtomb,whichhehadhadhewnwithinarock,and
rolledupaheavystoneinfrontofthedoorofthistombandwentaway.In
thisplacewasMaryMagdaleneandtheotherMary,whosatthemselves
nexttothetomb.Onthedayafter,theoneafterthePreparation,camethe
chiefpriestsandthePhariseestogetheruntoPilateandsaid:
66b.ChiefPriestsandPharisees(ChorusI,II)
Sire,wehavetakenthoughthowoncethisdeceiversaidwhenhewasstill
alive:"Iwillinthreedays'timeagainstandherearisen."Therefore,
commandthatnowthetombbeguardeduntilthethreedayspass,sonone
ofhisdisciplescomeforthandstealhimhenceandtothepeoplesay:"He
isrisenfromthedead,"forthuswillthefinaldeceitbeworsethanthefirst
one!
66c.Evangelist,Pilate(I:T,B)
(Evangelist)
AndPilatesaiduntothem:
(Pilate)
Yehaveyourwatchmengoyeforthandsecureitasbestyecan!
(Evangelist)
Sotheywentforthandmadesafethetombwithwatchmenanddidsealin
thestone.
67.(77.)Recit.(I:B,T,A,SChorusII)Zion,TheFaithful
(Zion)
NowistheLordbroughttohisrest.
(Faithful)
MyJesus,nowgoodnight!
(Zion)
Thetoiliso'erwhichalloursinshavelaidonhim.
(Faithful)
MyJesus,nowgoodnight!
(Zion)
Othou,mostblessedbody,
SeehowIweepwithgriefandsorrowforthee,
Thattheemyfalltosuchdistresshathbrought!
(Faithful)
MyJesus,nowgoodnight!
(Zion)
Haveallmylife
Forthygreatpassioncountlessthanks,
Thatthoumyspirit'shealthsuchworthdidpay.

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(Faithful)
MyJesus,nowgoodnight!
68.(78.)Chorus(4)(ChorusI,II)Tutti
Welayourselveswithweepingprostrate
Andcrytotheewithinthetomb:
Restthougently,gentlyrest!
Rest,Oyeexhaustedmembers!
Thisyourtombandthistombstone
Shallforev'ryanguishedconscience
Beapillowofsoftcomfort
Andthespirit'splaceofrest.
Mostcontent,slumberheretheeyesinrest.
1.ThePTcallsthisstrophe"Aria."Thecharacterizationisdrawnfromthe
PTand,withslightvariation,fromthetextofJohannFriedrichAgricola
(seethefacsimileinNBAII/5a).
2.ThispowerfulimageremindsoneofClytemnestra'sdreamin
Aeschylus'Choephori:shedreamsthathernursingsonOrestesbecomesa
serpent.
3.ThisreadingisthatofLuther'sBible.TheusualreadingofGreekand
Englishversionsis"Eli,Eli,lamasabachthani."
4.ThePT:Aria.Tutti.
CopyrightZ.PhilipAmbrose

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