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Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow

Written By: Heather Horn Published On: February 14, 2025

Find peace and encouragement in this beautiful rendition of "Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow," performed by Kate Phillips and Josh Thorne. This gentle arrangement, featuring piano and strings, reflects the deep love and grace of our Savior and is part of our upcoming music appreciation course. Keep reading to print the lyrics and learn more about the hymn.

“Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow” Lyrics
Jesus! What a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.
Refrain:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Hallelujah! What a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! What a help in sorrow!
While the billows o’er me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul. (Refrain)

Jesus! What a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night o’ertakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry. (Refrain)
Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.

Click on the image to download a PDF of the beautiful lyrics of “Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow.”

Click Here for FREE Download

Watch this peaceful video of “Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow” and be inspired.

The Story Behind “Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow”

In 1859, pastor and evangelist John Wilbur Chapman was born into a Christian family in Richmond, Indiana. Throughout his childhood, Chapman spent his Sunday mornings at a Quaker First Day School, followed by afternoons at Grace Methodist Church. He loved the Lord and learning about His great love and saving graces.

While studying at university, he began questioning his faith. One day he attended a Moody crusade in Chicago, where evangelist Dwight Moody assured Chapman of his path in ministry with John 5:24. Chapman went on to earn several theological degrees and became an ordained minister.

Experiencing Sorrow

Sorrow and loss were familiar to Chapman. Sadly, his wife died after four years of marriage and the birth of their daughter. He remarried, and they had four children together. She passed away after almost 20 years of marriage. During that time, one of his infant sons also passed away. Shortly after the loss of his first wife, Chapman attended a conference in Northfield, Massachusetts. He was challenged by a question preacher F. B. Meyer posed: "If you are not willing to give up everything for Christ, are you willing to be made willing?" Chapman later commented, "That remark changed my whole ministry.”

Leaning into his firsthand experience with sorrow and loss, Chapman penned “Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow.” Also known as “Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners,” “Jesus, What a Help in Sorrow,” and “Our Great Savior,” his tender hymn was meant as an encouragement in times of need. Each verse praises Jesus’s ability to save, strengthen, comfort, guide, and forgive. First published in 1910, “Jesus, What a Help in Sorrow” was sung to the tune “Hyfrydol,” by composer Rowland Prichard.

Chapman spent the rest of his life preaching the gospel, both as a congregational minister and as an urban evangelist. He brought thousands to the Christian faith. He also wrote several books and hymns that have inspired many contemporary Christian artists. Facing several medical complications, he passed away in 1918.

Click on the image to download a PDF of the beautiful lyrics of “Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow.”

Click Here for FREE Download

Coming Soon!

This hymn is part of a forthcoming music appreciation course. Visit our Coming Soon page for the latest updates on this and other upcoming courses.

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