Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy

By Joseph Hart

Lyrics

1. Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
full of pity, love, and pow'r.

2. Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,
God's free bounty glorify;
true belief and true repentance,
every grace that brings you nigh.

3. Let not conscience make you linger,
nor of fitness fondly dream;
all the fitness He requireth
is to feel your need of Him.

4. Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
lost and ruined by the fall;
if you tarry till you're better,
you will never come at all.

5. Lo! th'incarnate God, ascended,
pleads the merit of His blood;
venture on Him, venture wholly;
let no other trust intrude.

Bible Reference

Isaiah 1:18; Matthew 11:28–30; Romans 5:8

About This Hymn

"Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy" is a well-known hymn written by Joseph Hart in 1759. The hymn calls sinners to repentance and invites them to come freely to Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. Hart emphasizes God’s grace and mercy, portraying Christ as ready to receive those who are burdened by sin and unable to save themselves. The hymn’s language is direct and compassionate, reflecting the evangelical spirit of the 18th century and Hart’s own pastoral concern for the lost.

The hymn is structured around vivid contrasts: the helpless condition of the sinner and the abundant grace of Christ. Each verse presents a heartfelt appeal for sinners to abandon self-reliance and accept the free gift of salvation. The refrain reinforces the accessibility of Christ’s mercy, emphasizing that no one is beyond the reach of His love. It encourages believers to trust in Jesus’ willingness to save, offering comfort and hope to those who come in faith.

Musically, "Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy" has been paired with various tunes over the centuries, the most popular being "RESTORATION," which adds a flowing and uplifting melody that complements the text’s urgency and warmth. The hymn remains a staple in evangelical worship, particularly in revival services and evangelistic gatherings, and continues to inspire repentance, faith, and heartfelt devotion among believers.