Wounded for Me

"Wounded for Me" is a short but deeply devotional hymn that meditates on the personal significance of Christ's suffering and atonement. The hymn’s core theme is substitutionary sacrifice—the truth that Jesus was wounded, crucified, risen, living, and returning for the sake of the believer. Its lyrics are simple yet profound, emphasizing the deeply personal nature of redemption with the repeated line “Wounded for me, wounded for me.”

The original hymn was written by William G. Ovens, an Irish evangelist and hymn writer known for his gospel-centered messages and songs. Later verses were added by Gladys Westcott Roberts, whose contribution enriched the hymn by completing the life and ministry of Christ from suffering to second coming. The structure of the hymn is a five-stanza sequence, each focusing on a different aspect of the redemptive work of Christ: His suffering, crucifixion, resurrection, ongoing intercession, and future return. This gives the hymn a panoramic view of salvation history while anchoring it in the personal benefit to the individual believer.

Musically, "Wounded for Me" is often sung in a slow 3/4 or 4/4 time signature, depending on the arrangement, and is characterized by a gentle, reflective melody that complements the tender, reverent tone of the text. It is commonly used in communion services, Good Friday observances, or personal devotional settings, as it invites deep contemplation on the sacrifice of Christ.

The biblical foundation of the hymn rests heavily on Isaiah 53, one of the clearest Old Testament prophecies of the suffering Messiah. The verse “He was wounded for our transgressions” is not only quoted directly in the hymn but also forms the theological center of its message. Other biblical allusions include 1 Peter 2:24 (“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree”) and Romans 5:8 (“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”).

"Wounded for Me" continues to be beloved by many believers for its quiet, heartfelt reflection on what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Its use of personal language—“for me”—helps each singer engage directly with the gospel message, not merely as a historical fact, but as a life-transforming reality. It affirms the core truth of the Christian faith: that salvation is not only offered generally, but has been personally provided by a Savior who bore our wounds, that we might be healed.