When Schmieder compiled his thematic catalogue of Bach's works, giving rise to the often-used "S" or "BWV" numbers (for "Schmieder" or "Bach Werke Verzeichnis"—Bach Works Register), he did not attempt a chronological listing. This is particularly evident in the high number given to this cantata, which is in fact the earliest Bach cantata in existence. It is believed to have been written when Bach was employed in Arnstadt, one of his earliest positions, when he was in his early twenties. This proposed origin of the cantata is widely accepted, even though the oldest surviving source for it is a 1753 copy made by Christian Friedrich Pensel.

It is written for four solo voices, four-part chorus, and a four-part instrumental support of two violin parts, a bassoon part, and basso continuo.

What occasioned the composition of the piece is unknown. It is based mainly on the 25th Psalm, "To Thee, Lord, I Lift my Soul." In addition, there are free verses by an unknown writer. It was one of the last Bach cantatas to reappear in the nineteenth century, being published only in 1884 as part of the original complete edition of Bach's works. Johannes Brahms was a subscriber to that set, and clearly based the chaconne theme for his Symphony No. 4 on a chaconne found in this cantata.

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