The following closing chorale is verse 6 of Johann Rist "Werde munter, mein Gemüte" (1642).

Bach used the same verse later in his St Matthew Passion, again following Erbarme dich, the aria of Peter, regretting his denial of Jesus.

[2] The cantata in five movements is scored for a tenor soloist, a four-part choir (only for the final chorale), flauto traverso, oboe d'amore, two violins, viola, and basso continuo.

[2] A rich polyphonic setting for flute, oboe d'amore and two violins, without viola, accompanies the opening aria.

The motifs seem to illustrate the faltering steps and a despairing heart of the steward summoned before his master.