African American Heritage Hymnal ‎#124

124. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

1 A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow'r are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

2 Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right One on our side,
The One of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He,
Lord Sabaoth His name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

3 And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

4 That word above all earthly pow'rs,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill,
God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Text Information

• First Line: A mighty fortress is our God
• Title: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
• Author: Martin Luther, 1483-1546
• Translator: Frederick H. Hedge, 1805-1890
• Meter: 87 87 66 66 7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2001
• Scripture:
  Psalm 18:2

Tune Information

• Name: EIN' FESTE BURG
• Composer: Martin Luther, 1483-1546
• Meter: 87 87 66 66 7
• Key: C Major