Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen

I’ve often wondered about the scriptural basis for this spiritual. According to this source, it’s Hebrews 4:14-16:

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)

The chorus is familiar to almost everyone. It speaks to us because we all  feel like we’re all alone with our troubles at one time or another.

Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen
Nobody knows but Jesus
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen,
Oh, glory Hallelujah.

The complete lyrics are here. Whether we’re “up” or “down,” Jesus knows what we’re going through. He experienced every human emotion—joy, fear, anger, sorrow–because he was human, too. God created us, Jesus saved us, and the Holy Spirit is with us through everything. “Somebody” does know.

Listen to “Nobody Knows” offered by The Alfred Street Baptist Church Male Chorus.

And, another great version by the great vocalist, Paul Robeson.

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