John Mason Neale was best known for his work in church music. He wrote and translated many hymns that are still sung today.
His music had deep spiritual meaning and a gentle, peaceful tone. Some of his most famous works include Good King Wenceslas and O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, which he translated from older texts.
Though he lived in the 1800s, his songs remain popular around the world in many Christian traditions.
About the song
The song speaks of hope, peace, and light in times of hardship. Its verses call for Emmanuel to come and help those in need.
The lyrics are simple yet strong, rooted in ancient prayers. The theme centers on faith and trust, asking for freedom and better days to come.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1851 (Originally based on 8th–9th century Latin texts) |
| Writer | Traditional (Translated into English by John Mason Neale) |
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel English Translation
O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go. Refrain
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain
4 O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o’er the grave. Refrain
5 O come, O Key of David, come
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road
and bar the way to death’s abode. Refrain
6 O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light. Refrain
7 O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace. Refrain
VENI veni, Emmanuel Latin Lyrics
VENI veni, Emmanuel
captivum solve Israel,
qui gemit in exsilio,
privatus Dei Filio.
R: Gaude! Gaude! Emmanuel,
nascetur pro te Israel!
Veni, O Sapientia,
que hic disponis omnia,
veni, viam prudentiae
ut doceas et gloriae. R.
Veni, veni, Adonai,
qui populo in Sinai
legem dedisti vertice
in maiestate gloriae. R.
Veni, O lesse virgula,
ex hostis tuos ungula,
de specu tuos tartari
educ et antro barathri. R.
Veni, Clavis Davidica,
regna reclude caelica,
fac iter tutum superum,
et claude vias inferum. R.
Veni, veni O Oriens,
solare nos adveniens,
noctis depelle nebulas,
dirasque mortis tenebras. R.
Veni, veni, Rex Gentium,
veni, Redemptor omnium,
ut salvas tuos famulos
peccati sibi conscios. R.
Similar Songs Like Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel
If you love the sacred tone of Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel, these hymns share that timeless, spiritual feeling:
- Good King Wenceslas: This cheerful Christmas hymn tells a story of kindness as a king helps a poor man during the cold winter night, showing warmth and giving.
- All Glory, Laud and Honour: Often sung in churches on Palm Sunday, this hymn praises Jesus as a king, with strong and joyful words from start to end.
- Jerusalem the Golden: A hymn that imagines a peaceful place in heaven, filled with light and comfort, offering hope for those who believe.
- Of the Father’s Heart Begotten: Starting with creation, this hymn shares how Christ has always been present, using soft and steady words to calm the heart.
Similar Writers Like John Mason Neale
Here are a few writers who, like John Mason Neale, created or translated hymns that are still sung in churches today.
- Charles Wesley
Genre: hymn-writer
Top Albums: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (single), Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (collection) - Ira D. Sankey
Genre: gospel, hymn composer
Top Albums: Sacred Songs and Solos (collection), Gospel Hymns and Sacred Songs (collection) - Augustus Toplady
Genre: hymn-writer
Top Albums: Rock of Ages (hymn), A Debtor to Mercy Alone (collection) - Henry John Gauntlett
Genre: hymn composer, organist
Top Albums: Once in Royal David’s City (tune “Irby”), St Alphege (hymn tune collection) - William Cowper
Genre: hymn-writer, poet
Top Albums: There Is a Fountain, God Moves in a Mysterious Way (hymn collections)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is O Come, O Come Emmanuel Used in Advent?
The hymn matches the Advent theme of waiting, calling for peace and hope before Christmas.
Can O Come, O Come Emmanuel be Sung Solo?
Yes, it suits both solo singers and choirs, making it flexible for different performances.
Is O Come, O Come Emmanuel Used Outside Church?
Many schools, concerts, and community events also feature this hymn during the holiday season.
