Worship in Song ‎#239

239. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

1 A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper here amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power 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 God's word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through God who with us sideth;
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still,
Whose kingdom is forever.

Text Information

• First Line: A mighty fortress is our God
• Title: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
• Author: Martin Luther
• Translator: Frederick Henry Hedge (1853)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.6.6.6.6.7.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1996
• Scripture:
  Psalm 46
• Topic: Gifts; God's power; Kingdom of God; Living Christ; Trust
• Source: Geistliche Lieder, 1529

Tune Information

• Name: EIN' FESTE BURG
• Composer: Martin Luther
• Harmonizer: Johann Sebastian Bach
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.6.6.6.6.7.
• Key: C Major
• Source: Geistliche Lieder