Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted

“Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted” is a deeply doctrinal and Christ-centered hymn that leads the believer to contemplate the suffering of Christ as revealed in Scripture. Written by Thomas Kelly in 1804, the hymn is a poetic meditation on Isaiah 53 and the passion narratives of the Gospels, presenting the atoning work of Christ with clarity, reverence, and theological weight.

The hymn opens by confronting the singer with the shocking reality of Christ’s suffering. Jesus is portrayed as rejected, wounded, and humiliated, not merely by human cruelty, but under the righteous judgment of God. The text makes clear that Christ’s suffering was not accidental or tragic in a merely human sense, but purposeful and substitutionary. He was smitten because He stood in the place of sinners.

Kelly carefully contrasts human misunderstanding with divine truth. The world may see Christ’s suffering as defeat or punishment for His own wrongdoing, but faith recognizes that He bore the curse willingly and innocently. This distinction reinforces the biblical doctrine of penal substitution, where Christ bears the guilt and punishment deserved by His people.

The later stanzas turn the focus toward the believer’s response. Having seen Christ’s wounds as the price of redemption, the singer is called to faith, repentance, and grateful trust. The hymn presses the listener to ask a searching question: Was it for sins that I had done He groaned upon the tree? The answer leads to humble worship and assurance grounded not in human merit, but in Christ’s finished work.

“Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted” is especially fitting for Good Friday, Communion services, and seasons of reflection on the cross. Its enduring value lies in its faithful exposition of Scripture and its ability to move the heart through clear gospel truth, reminding the church that salvation rests entirely on the suffering Savior who was wounded for our transgressions.