The text of Jesu, meine Freude is compiled from two sources, the 1653 hymn of the same name with words by Johann Franck, and Bible verses from the Epistle to the Romans, 8:1–2 and 9–11.
In the motet, the six hymn stanzas form the odd movement numbers, while the even numbers each take one verse from the Epistle as their text.
The hymn's first line, which Catherine Winkworth translated as "Jesu, priceless treasure" in 1869, is repeated as the last line of its last stanza, framing the poetry.

Johann Crüger's chorale melody for the hymn, Zahn 8032, was published for the first time in his Praxis pietatis melica of 1653, after which several variants of the hymn tune were published in other hymnals over the ensuing decades.
The tune is in bar form.
In the version of Vopelius's Neu Leipziger Gesangbuch of 1682, the hymnal used in Leipzig, the melody of the first line is the same as that of the last line.
The hymn tune appears in several variants in the uneven movements of the motet.

As a key teaching of the Lutheran faith, the Gospel text reflects on Jesus Christ freeing man from sin and death, focused on the contrast of living "in the flesh" or "according to the Spirit".
The hymn text is written from an individual believer's point of view, addressing Jesus as joy and support, against enemies and the vanity of existence, which are expressed in stark images.
The hymn adds a layer of individuality and emotions to Biblical teaching.
The text of Jesu, meine Freude is compiled from two sources, the 1653 hymn of the same name with words by Johann Franck, and Bible verses from the Epistle to the Romans, 8:1–2 and 9–11. In the motet, the six hymn stanzas form the odd movement numbers, while the even numbers each take one verse from the Epistle as their text. The hymn's first line, which Catherine Winkworth translated as "Jesu, priceless treasure" in 1869, is repeated as the last line of its last stanza, framing the poetry.
Johann Crüger's chorale melody for the hymn, Zahn 8032, was published for the first time in his Praxis pietatis melica of 1653, after which several variants of the hymn tune were published in other hymnals over the ensuing decades. The tune is in bar form. In the version of Vopelius's Neu Leipziger Gesangbuch of 1682, the hymnal used in Leipzig, the melody of the first line is the same as that of the last line. The hymn tune appears in several variants in the uneven movements of the motet.
As a key teaching of the Lutheran faith, the Gospel text reflects on Jesus Christ freeing man from sin and death, focused on the contrast of living "in the flesh" or "according to the Spirit". The hymn text is written from an individual believer's point of view, addressing Jesus as joy and support, against enemies and the vanity of existence, which are expressed in stark images. The hymn adds a layer of individuality and emotions to Biblical teaching.
Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227