Jesus Loves Me
A simple confession of Christ's love that has become the most-translated children's hymn in the world.
Download PDFA simple confession of Christ's love that has become the most-translated children's hymn in the world. Written by Anna B. Warner (1860), set to the tune "Jesus Loves Me" by William B. Bradbury.
Suggested pairing scripture
1 John 4:19
"We love him, because he first loved us."
Read 1 John 4:19 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Jesus Loves Me." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing at funerals, memorial services, hospital visits, and any time the congregation needs the consolation of God's presence.
Lyrics
Stanza 1
Jesus loves me! this I know, For the Bible tells me so; Little ones to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong.
Refrain: Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
Stanza 3
Jesus loves me! He who died Heaven's gate to open wide; He will wash away my sin, Let His little child come in.
Stanza 4
Jesus loves me! He will stay Close beside me all the way; If I love Him, when I die He will take me home on high.
History & Background
Anna B. Warner wrote the words for her sister Susan's 1860 novel 'Say and Seal', where they are spoken to comfort a dying child. William B. Bradbury added the tune and refrain in 1862. It is reportedly the favorite hymn of theologian Karl Barth.
Scripture Behind the Hymn
Mark 10:14
"Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Jesus Loves Me originally a hymn?
No — the words first appeared as a poem of comfort spoken to a dying child in Susan Warner's 1860 novel 'Say and Seal'. William Bradbury set them to music two years later.
Related Hymns
Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Jesus Loves Me.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Jesus Loves Me
Anna B. Warner • 1860
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John 6:37 Commentary
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Amazing Grace
John Newton • 1779
John 5:24 — Meaning & Devotional
Assurance
Where to go next
Enjoyed "Jesus Loves Me"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
- Browse the full hymnal libraryLyrics, authors and scripture pairings.Continue
- Plan this Sunday's serviceCall-to-worship verses and printable kits.Continue
- Sermon series with matching verse setsOutlines and printable packs.Continue
- Today's Bible verse (KJV)A fresh verse and short reflection each day.Continue