There is A Balm in Gilead Hymn and Lyrics

There is a Balm in Gilead is one of the most famous Black American negro spirituals. There have been various versions of this spiritual over the years and first appearance of this spiritual in its present form is uncertain. Washington Glass included it in his hymn "The Sinners Cure" in 1854 and attributed it to himself but it is definitely not his.

It appears to draw its inspiration from Jeremiah chapter 8 v. 22: "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there on healing for the wounds of my people?". In this spiritual the balm is spiritual medicine to deal with the sins of God's people.

Below are there is a balm in Gilead lyrics and video.

Chorus (in bold):

    There is a balm in Gilead
    To make the wounded whole;
    There is a balm in Gilead
    To heal the sin-sick soul.

    Some times I feel discouraged,
    And think my work’s in vain,
    But then the Holy Spirit
    Revives my soul again.

(Chorus)

    If you cannot sing like angels,
    If you can’t preach like Paul,
    You can tell the love of Jesus,
    And say He died for all.

(Chorus)

There is a balm in Gilead