The Lutheran Hymnary ‎#270

270. A mighty fortress is our God

1 A mighty fortress is our God,
A trusty shield and weapon;
Our help is He in all our need,
Our stay whate'er doth happen;
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
Strong mail of craft and power
He weareth in this hour;
On earth is not his equal.

2 Stood we alone in our own might,
Our striving would be losing;
For us the one true Man doth fight,
The Man of God's own choosing.
Who is this chosen One?
'Tis Jesus Christ, the Son,
The Lord of hosts, 'tis He
Who wins the victory
In every field of battle.

3 And were the world with devils filled,
All watching to devour us.
Our souls to fear we need not yield,
They cannot overpower us;
Their dreaded prince no more
Can harm us as of yore;
His rage we can endure;
For lo! his doom is sure,
A word shall overthrow him.

4 Still must they leave God's word its might,
For which no thanks they merit;
Still is He with us in the fight,
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And should they, in the strife,
Take kindred, goods, and life,
We freely let them go,
They profit not the foe;
With us remains the kingdom.

Text Information

• First Line: A mighty fortress is our God
• Author: M. Luther (1529)
• Meter: 8, 7, 8, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7.
• Publication Date: 1913
• Topic: The Church Year: First Sunday in Lent; Victory; Warfare

Tune Information

• Name: [A mighty fortress is our God]
• Composer: Martin Luther (1529)
• Meter: 8, 7, 8, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7.
• Key: D Major