Art Thou Weary, Art Thou Languid?

Original Author: St. Stephen of Mar Saba (Stephen the Sabaite), translated by John M. Neale

Art Thou Weary, Art Thou Languid? is a deeply contemplative hymn that speaks to the soul of the spiritual seeker who is worn out, discouraged, or unsure of where to find lasting rest. Originally written in Greek by St. Stephen the Sabaite, a monk who lived in the monastic community of Mar Saba near Jerusalem in the 8th century, the hymn was later translated into English by Anglican clergyman John Mason Neale. The result is a timeless devotional poem that retains its ancient tenderness and gentle invitation.

The hymn is structured as a dialogue between the weary soul and Christ, filled with questions and reassuring answers. It opens with a series of introspective queries: “Art thou weary, art thou languid, art thou sore distressed?” These questions mirror the human condition in times of spiritual exhaustion and trial. The invitation that follows is tender and personal: “Come to Me,” Christ says, echoing the call found in Matthew 11:28. The Savior is presented not as distant or indifferent, but as the compassionate One who understands suffering and offers true rest.

Each verse continues this conversational pattern, portraying the Savior as accessible, kind, and worth every cost of discipleship. The soul, hesitant and questioning, asks whether the path to Christ is hard or whether the Savior is far away. Christ answers through the hymn with promises of nearness, healing, and eternal companionship. “He is found in hearts contrite,” one verse declares, affirming that God draws near to the humble and repentant.

The language used by Neale in the translation is gentle, poetic, and reverent. He preserves the Eastern Christian devotional style, which emphasizes humility, mystery, and the beauty of surrender. The hymn avoids grand declarations in favor of quiet invitation and comfort. It is especially suited for those who are struggling, doubting, or experiencing spiritual fatigue, offering the assurance that Christ receives all who come to Him in sincerity.

The closing verses shift from question to resolution. When the soul asks, “If I still hold closely to Him, what has He at last?” the answer resounds with eternal hope: “Sorrow vanquished, labor ended, Jordan passed.” These final lines are not just poetic—they carry deep theological truth about the reward of faithful trust in Christ. The soul is reminded that the end of the journey is not weariness, but rest and joy with the Lord.

Often sung to the tune “Stephanos” or “Horbury,” the hymn’s melody matches the introspective tone of the text, inviting personal reflection and prayer. Art Thou Weary, Art Thou Languid? continues to be a hymn of quiet consolation for believers facing trials, doubt, or spiritual dryness, gently pointing them to Christ as the unchanging source of rest and peace.