Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?

“Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?” is one of the most deeply moving African American spirituals preserved from the era of slavery. The hymn emerged from a people who understood suffering in a profound and personal way. It was shaped within the oral tradition of enslaved believers who saw in the crucifixion of Christ a God who entered the experience of pain, injustice, and humiliation. The song first appeared in print near the end of the nineteenth century, yet its roots reach far earlier into the hearts of believers who sang it while longing for freedom, dignity, and hope.

The strength of this hymn lies in its powerful simplicity. Each stanza places the singer in direct connection with the events of Good Friday. By asking “Were you there,” the hymn draws the worshiper into the scene of the crucifixion, the burial, and the resurrection. The repeated phrase “Sometimes it causes me to tremble” expresses a reaction that is both emotional and spiritual. It reflects awe before the suffering of Christ, sorrow for the sin that made His sacrifice necessary, and gratitude for His redeeming love. This trembling is not fear without hope but reverence before the holy love of God displayed on the cross.

In the context of the Psalter Hymnal (Gray), 1987, this hymn continues to serve as a profound meditation on the passion of Christ. Its slow, reflective melody invites the congregation to enter into the mystery of the Lord’s sacrifice with humility and devotion. The hymn remains a testimony to the faith of the early African American church and calls every believer to remember the cost of salvation. When we sing these questions, we acknowledge that Christ’s suffering was endured for our redemption, and the trembling of the soul becomes a fitting response to the greatness of His love.